Apple finally acknowledges Mac Defender malware

Fake Mac antivirus to be removed automatically.

Apple will issue an update to remove the Mac Defender fake antivirus from users' systems.

Earlier this week, a leaked support document showed Apple was telling employees to remind customers that the company doesn't offer "help or support for removal of the malware".

After days of criticism for that stance, Apple has acknowledged the problem and posted guidance on its website about how to remove the fake antivirus.

The firm will issue the update "in the coming days" to automatically remove Mac Defender malware and its variants.

"The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware," Apple noted.

Despite the attack using phishing techniques, rather than a hole in Apple's software, the company has been criticised for its attitude.

Security experts have warned that attacks targeting the platform will increase as Macs becomes more popular, but Apple still markets its OS as being inherently safe.

"A Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers. That’s thanks to built-in defences in Mac OS X that keep you safe, without any work on your part," the company boasts on the Apple website.