Can Macs Get Viruses? Risks, Signs, and How to Stop Malware

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mac viruses blog post image

Lots of people turn to Macs for the sense of security they provide. For a long time, Macs were said to be virtually immune to viruses and malware.

But in recent years, even the mighty Mac has proven susceptible to attacks, and the number of infections for Apple users is on the rise.

There’s no need to panic, though. In this post, we’ll explain the most common types of Mac viruses, signs your computer might have one, and tips for identifying and avoiding future viruses.

Can a Mac Get a Virus?

There’s a common misconception that Macs can’t get viruses, but unfortunately, it’s all too possible for your Mac to get infected.

Apple did create one of the most secure operating systems ever (macOS), and your Mac’s risk of getting a virus is still much lower than a PC’s.

However, viruses and hackers can still successfully attack your Mac, and the false sense of complete security that many Mac owners have may be putting them at more risk. In fact, Apple’s advanced systems may actually have forced hackers to adapt and find newer, more innovative ways to sneak inside.

In 2020 alone, approximately 674,000 malicious programs were developed to attack Apple computers. Apple’s advice for avoiding viruses is pretty simple: avoid third-party apps (those not in the App Store).

Their built-in anti-malware is designed to block or remove any unwanted software using Gatekeeper, Xprotect, Apple’s Security & Privacy, and other tools, but this still doesn’t mean you’ll never get malware.

How Macs Can Get Viruses

Some of the most common ways your Mac can get infected with a virus are through fake apps and updates, as well as phishing emails.

That’s one reason why Apple strongly advises against downloading third-party apps. Through fake apps or fake software updates, virus developers can infect your Mac with malware, which could inundate your computer with annoying ads, allow hackers to spy on you, or jeopardize your digital security in other ways.

Phishing emails are another method cybercriminals sometimes use to infect Macs. Most of us know better than to open junk mail from “princes” in far-off countries who want to send you thousands of dollars in exchange for your banking details.

But on the surface, fraudulent emails can also look like a harmless notification from a bank, a reputable company, or even a friend or family member. These emails often contain a link or attachment urging you to click, which will install the malware.

What Are Some Mac Viruses?

If your Mac does get infected with malware, it’s likely to be one of these four varieties:

  • Spyware: This type of malware monitors your activity in an attempt to steal your personal data, which could be used for advertising, fraud, or even accessing your financial accounts. Spyware can go unnoticed for a long time, since it runs quietly in the background.
  • Adware: Adware viruses cause annoying and uncloseable ads to pop up, both in and outside your browser. Adware can also contain spyware features that monitor your online activity so you get personalized ads. The ads may also try to warn you about a virus on your computer, advising you to click a link and install an app to fix it.
  • Trojan Horses: Just like the wooden horse in the ancient Greek story, this malware poses as another app, but once downloaded, gives its creator access to your computer.
  • Ransomware: Ransomware invades your computer, takes away your control, and usually displays a “ransom” note, demanding payment to the hacker in cryptocurrency. Of course, there’s no guarantee that if you do pay you’ll regain control of your computer.

Signs Your Mac May Have Malware

So how can you tell if your Mac has a virus? The following are some common signs that your Mac may be infected with malware (but note that there can be other explanations for these issues). The surest way to determine the presence of malware is to run a malware scan.

  • Excessive ads: If you start noticing lots of pop-up windows or ads whether you’re using a browser or not, it could be a sign of malicious software. Do not click on the pop-ups, as this could download even more malware.
  • Frequent overheating or crashing: If your Mac easily overheats, constantly has the fans on high, or frequently crashes, you may have a virus.
  • Unusually slow performance: Constant freezing and unusually slow performance are also signs of malware.
  • Presence of unknown apps: If you check your applications and see apps you don’t recognize or don’t recall downloading, it could mean that you’ve inadvertently downloaded malware. Other signs include a browser homepage or extensions you don’t recognize.
  • Pop-ups warning of virus or malware: If you see pop-ups alerting you to the presence of a virus or malware, it’s best to take it seriously. (But again, don’t click on these pop-ups or download anything they suggest.)
  • Apps malfunction: If apps frequently open or close on their own, or refuse to quit, it could be a sign of a virus.

How Do You Check for Viruses on a Mac?

If any of the above signs sound familiar and you’re concerned your Mac might have a virus, you can use an antivirus software or malware scanner to detect any malware. There are some great free ones, like Avira, that provide lightweight scanning.

Or, you can take some manual steps to confirm or rule out a virus on your own:

Remove unwanted applications.

One simple step you can take is to check your Applications folder for any unwanted apps. If you see any unfamiliar apps that you don’t recognize or don’t remember downloading, move them to the Trash, then empty the trash.

Check your Activity Monitor.

activity monitor screenshot

You may need to stop malware from running before you can remove it. From your Finder, go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.

From the CPU tab, check for high % CPU values. If you see a high % CPU but aren’t sure what the app is, do a quick Google search on it. If you’re suspicious it might be malware, select the app, and click the X in the upper left area of the window to close that app.

Then, search the corresponding file name in your Finder, delete it, and empty your Trash.

Check your browser settings.

Check your browser and remove any unfamiliar extensions, which hackers could use to spy on you or steal your data.

To do so for Safari, open your browser and go to Preferences > General. From the Homepage field, verify the homepage address. If it looks unfamiliar, change it to your preferred page. Then, go to the Extensions tab, select the suspicious extensions, and click Uninstall.

For Chrome, go to Preferences > Extensions and click Uninstall on the extensions you’d like to remove.

Clean your downloads folder.

Since malware could be hiding among your other downloaded files, you may want to be proactive by moving the files you need to other folders, then deleting everything else and emptying the trash.

Eliminate suspicious login items.

login items screenshot

Malware often starts working as soon as you log in to your computer, but you can stop it by clicking the Apple Icon > System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.

If you see a suspicious login item, check the box next to it, then click the minus (-) sign at the bottom of the window to remove the item.

Do You Need Antivirus for Mac?

As we’ve already outlined, Apple’s security system is already pretty tight, but having an extra layer of protection can go a long way (and help you rest easy knowing your device and data are safe).

Other than downloading trusted antivirus software, the best thing you can do to avoid getting a virus on your Mac is to stay vigilant and use common sense.

Update macOS when prompted, don’t download anything or click links from unknown sources, avoid suspicious emails, and stay on top of the latest Mac threats and Apple security features.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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