MacBook viruses or malware are quite rare, but they exist. Some unlucky users get infected with unpleasant pieces of software when they surf the Internet. It is then quite difficult to remove these rascals from your system.
There are opposite opinions about installing antiviruses on Mac. Some people believe that protecting the macOS operating system in the form of a good password and installing applications only from trusted sources is a sufficient level of protection. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac is one of the few programs to earn a perfect, 100% score for malware detection and protection for Mac computers. And since it has secure delete, threats are permanently scrubbed from computers, so there isn't any chance of being infected from remnants left behind.
How to identify malware for macOS?
A variety of viruses and programs of unknown origin on Windows PC is already considered to be something common and even normal. However, any serious macOS virus always causes quite a big buzz. One such virus is widely known as KeRanger. It is considered to be the very first ransomware virus targeting the macOS platform.
Apple is pretty consistent and strict about its security updates. Updates help to patch the system and remove the wholes used by cyber crooks to deliver their viruses and malware onto macOS. At the same time, many people have already learned how to cope with malware on their own.
Viruses like KeRanger ransomware differ from malware or adware. Malware does not attempt to infiltrate your operating system without your consent. It tries to disguise as legitime and useful software. It tries to entice you to install it on your Mac, like any other program, and when it is installed it will systematically start collecting information about you. In most cases, it wants to find out information about your bank card or bank account, and when such information is collected, hackers will sell it to their colleagues on the dark market.
Social engineering
Mac computers, by their nature, are well protected from various viruses, worms, and spyware that attempt to attack the machine directly. However, most attacks on Macs become successful due to human error. In most cases, users themselves click on various links or files attached to emails which then download and run malware on their computers.
Interestingly enough, most of the malware on macOS is disguised as things you want to get rid of. In most cases, these 'guests' are disguised as antiviruses or anti-malware programs, which is quite ironic.
How does it work? A hacker creates a phishing webpage. He lures you to visit his fake site, which offers you to check your MacBook for malware. After that, you download the program to scan the system. You also enter your Apple ID and password to install it.
Anti Malware For Mac
For some period of time, this 'definitely not a pest' pretends to be useful. It scans your MacBook. Then it shows a report where you can see that several performance and malware issues are found. To solve all problems, of course, this fake virus scanner will ask you to enter credit card information. If you provide your bank card data (we hope not), then it will go straight to the attackers, who will instantly use this precious information and empty your money account.
How to remove malware from your Mac?
So, what should you do in case any site or software declares a malicious software or virus was found on your Mac? Here is what:
- If you use Safari (or any other browser) and receive a warning alert about malware, a virus or any other problem, then immediately exit the browser. If the browser refuses to stop working, then force the application to close.
- Then go to the Downloads folder and delete all the installation files.
- If instead of deleting a file, you chose to simply drag it to the Trash bin, then you will definitely have to clean the Trash bin afterward.
Let's now consider what can be done if you have already installed really malicious software on your system. Try the following:
- If the application is running, then, first of all, it is worth checking its name.
- Try closing the application window.
- Open the Finder windows.
- Click Applications.
- Double-click Activity Monitor.
- Look for any suspicious application which can be named like MacDefender, Mac Auto Fixer, Advanced Mac Cleaner.
- Close the running application and close the Activity Monitor.
- Then open the Applications folder and find the 'malicious' application.
- Drag this app to the Trash and empty it.
More tips on removing malware can be found on Apple's official support site. If you are not sure that you have completely removed the malware, you can consult with Apple tech experts.
How to protect yourself in the future?
If you were able to get rid of malicious software, then perhaps you will want to protect yourself from such incidents in the future. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your system:
- Make sure your MacBook is updated. Open the App Store and click on Update All.
- Turn on automatic updates. Open the System Settings, click on the App Store and select Automatically check for updates.
- Make sure that only applications from trusted developers are allowed on your Mac. You can enable this option in the System settings – Security and Privacy.
Do I need to install an antivirus on my Mac?
There are opposite opinions about installing antiviruses on Mac. Some people believe that protecting the macOS operating system in the form of a good password and installing applications only from trusted sources is a sufficient level of protection. Others believe that although Mac is safer than a Windows PC, you still need to install antivirus software. If you are very concerned about the problem of malicious software, then you definitely want to install some kind of antivirus software on your Mac.
There is a popular opinion that Mac systems are inherently more secure than Windows. In fact, most Mac users don't even bother to use an antivirus or anti-malware software. Objectively speaking, that opinion may or may not be true. Mainly because that depends on a variety of factors like the number of Mac users, how they use their system, how computer literate they are, etc. However, over the past few years, the threats to Mac users have been increasing, thanks to quickly spearing malware, ransomware, and adware.
Read: Best Malware Removal Tools For Windows
Avoid MacKeeper
I bet you might have seen ads on websites (mostly porn sites), telling you to clean your Mac with MacKeeper. And while it's legitimate software (as in not a virus), but it's nonetheless useless and a waste of resources. Also, uninstalling MacKeeper isn't easy as well. So, no matter what you do, avoid MacKeeper at any cost.
Instead, it is essential that you use a good anti-malware software so that not only you can be safe but also avoid spreading malware, ransomware, and viruses to other users. Here are some of the best anti-malware software for mac.
Read: How I Removed Malware From my WordPress Site
Best Anti Malware for Mac
1. Malwarebytes
When it comes to dealing with malware and other nasty stuff like rootkits, there is no other software that more popular than Malwarebytes. Other than it being able to remove malware from Mac effectively, the best thing about Malwarebytes is that it plays nice with your other antivirus software if you've already installed any. In fact, most users including me use Malwarebytes as a backup and perform weekly scans just to make sure that the system hasn't been infected or has infected files.
To scan your system all you have to do is install the application, launch it and hit the scan button. As soon as you hit the button, it can do a quick scan for malware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), rootkits, adware, spyware, virus, etc., both in your system memory and hard disk. If it finds any threats, it will automatically quarantine those threats.
For in-depth scanning, select the custom scan option. Do keep in mind that the custom scan can take a couple of hours depending on the amount of data you have on your hard disk.
Download Malwarebytes (free, $40 for pro version)
2. Systweak Anti-Malware
Systweak Anti-Malware is a dedicated malware scanning and removal software for MacOS. Just like Malwarebytes, Systweak Anti-Malware scans for malware, rootkits, viruses, and adware in your hard disk and system memory. Once it finds a threat, it automatically quarantines it. If you know that Systweak Anti-Malware quarantined a false positive, you can restore the file or app with just a single click. For regular, deep, or custom scans, you can create custom schedules.
If you know a file or folder to be safe, you can exclude them from scanning avoiding any possible false positives by adding them to the exclude list. Of course, Systweak Anti-Malware always runs in the background and protects your Mac system from malware and PUPs in real-time. Other features of the software include start-up scan, memory scan, and beginner friendly user interface.
So, if you unsatisfied or looking for a good alternative for Malwarebytes you should try Systweak Anti-Malware.
Download Systweak Anti-Malware ($40)
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is another popular software to protect your mac from various threats like malware, virus, trojans, adware, spyware, unwanted software, and much more. The best thing about Bitdefender is that apart from protecting you from regular threats, it can actively scan in multiple layers and protect your system from ransomware. Other than that, Bitdefender can also keep an eye on cross-platform threats so that you don't unintentionally spread malware, virus, or other infected files to your friends, colleagues or family.
Since Bitdefender always runs in the background, it can block any and all threats in real-time. Of course, Bitdefender also scans your system occasionally. If needed, you can create custom schedules with various configurations and scan settings. Bitdefender also has other features like backup protection, safe files, parental controls, secure shopping protection, etc.
Simply put, if you need a full-fledged software that can do much more than blocking and removing malware then give Bitdefender a try.
MacBook viruses or malware are quite rare, but they exist. Some unlucky users get infected with unpleasant pieces of software when they surf the Internet. It is then quite difficult to remove these rascals from your system.
There are opposite opinions about installing antiviruses on Mac. Some people believe that protecting the macOS operating system in the form of a good password and installing applications only from trusted sources is a sufficient level of protection. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac is one of the few programs to earn a perfect, 100% score for malware detection and protection for Mac computers. And since it has secure delete, threats are permanently scrubbed from computers, so there isn't any chance of being infected from remnants left behind.
How to identify malware for macOS?
A variety of viruses and programs of unknown origin on Windows PC is already considered to be something common and even normal. However, any serious macOS virus always causes quite a big buzz. One such virus is widely known as KeRanger. It is considered to be the very first ransomware virus targeting the macOS platform.
Apple is pretty consistent and strict about its security updates. Updates help to patch the system and remove the wholes used by cyber crooks to deliver their viruses and malware onto macOS. At the same time, many people have already learned how to cope with malware on their own.
Viruses like KeRanger ransomware differ from malware or adware. Malware does not attempt to infiltrate your operating system without your consent. It tries to disguise as legitime and useful software. It tries to entice you to install it on your Mac, like any other program, and when it is installed it will systematically start collecting information about you. In most cases, it wants to find out information about your bank card or bank account, and when such information is collected, hackers will sell it to their colleagues on the dark market.
Social engineering
Mac computers, by their nature, are well protected from various viruses, worms, and spyware that attempt to attack the machine directly. However, most attacks on Macs become successful due to human error. In most cases, users themselves click on various links or files attached to emails which then download and run malware on their computers.
Interestingly enough, most of the malware on macOS is disguised as things you want to get rid of. In most cases, these 'guests' are disguised as antiviruses or anti-malware programs, which is quite ironic.
How does it work? A hacker creates a phishing webpage. He lures you to visit his fake site, which offers you to check your MacBook for malware. After that, you download the program to scan the system. You also enter your Apple ID and password to install it.
Anti Malware For Mac
For some period of time, this 'definitely not a pest' pretends to be useful. It scans your MacBook. Then it shows a report where you can see that several performance and malware issues are found. To solve all problems, of course, this fake virus scanner will ask you to enter credit card information. If you provide your bank card data (we hope not), then it will go straight to the attackers, who will instantly use this precious information and empty your money account.
How to remove malware from your Mac?
So, what should you do in case any site or software declares a malicious software or virus was found on your Mac? Here is what:
- If you use Safari (or any other browser) and receive a warning alert about malware, a virus or any other problem, then immediately exit the browser. If the browser refuses to stop working, then force the application to close.
- Then go to the Downloads folder and delete all the installation files.
- If instead of deleting a file, you chose to simply drag it to the Trash bin, then you will definitely have to clean the Trash bin afterward.
Let's now consider what can be done if you have already installed really malicious software on your system. Try the following:
- If the application is running, then, first of all, it is worth checking its name.
- Try closing the application window.
- Open the Finder windows.
- Click Applications.
- Double-click Activity Monitor.
- Look for any suspicious application which can be named like MacDefender, Mac Auto Fixer, Advanced Mac Cleaner.
- Close the running application and close the Activity Monitor.
- Then open the Applications folder and find the 'malicious' application.
- Drag this app to the Trash and empty it.
More tips on removing malware can be found on Apple's official support site. If you are not sure that you have completely removed the malware, you can consult with Apple tech experts.
How to protect yourself in the future?
If you were able to get rid of malicious software, then perhaps you will want to protect yourself from such incidents in the future. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your system:
- Make sure your MacBook is updated. Open the App Store and click on Update All.
- Turn on automatic updates. Open the System Settings, click on the App Store and select Automatically check for updates.
- Make sure that only applications from trusted developers are allowed on your Mac. You can enable this option in the System settings – Security and Privacy.
Do I need to install an antivirus on my Mac?
There are opposite opinions about installing antiviruses on Mac. Some people believe that protecting the macOS operating system in the form of a good password and installing applications only from trusted sources is a sufficient level of protection. Others believe that although Mac is safer than a Windows PC, you still need to install antivirus software. If you are very concerned about the problem of malicious software, then you definitely want to install some kind of antivirus software on your Mac.
There is a popular opinion that Mac systems are inherently more secure than Windows. In fact, most Mac users don't even bother to use an antivirus or anti-malware software. Objectively speaking, that opinion may or may not be true. Mainly because that depends on a variety of factors like the number of Mac users, how they use their system, how computer literate they are, etc. However, over the past few years, the threats to Mac users have been increasing, thanks to quickly spearing malware, ransomware, and adware.
Read: Best Malware Removal Tools For Windows
Avoid MacKeeper
I bet you might have seen ads on websites (mostly porn sites), telling you to clean your Mac with MacKeeper. And while it's legitimate software (as in not a virus), but it's nonetheless useless and a waste of resources. Also, uninstalling MacKeeper isn't easy as well. So, no matter what you do, avoid MacKeeper at any cost.
Instead, it is essential that you use a good anti-malware software so that not only you can be safe but also avoid spreading malware, ransomware, and viruses to other users. Here are some of the best anti-malware software for mac.
Read: How I Removed Malware From my WordPress Site
Best Anti Malware for Mac
1. Malwarebytes
When it comes to dealing with malware and other nasty stuff like rootkits, there is no other software that more popular than Malwarebytes. Other than it being able to remove malware from Mac effectively, the best thing about Malwarebytes is that it plays nice with your other antivirus software if you've already installed any. In fact, most users including me use Malwarebytes as a backup and perform weekly scans just to make sure that the system hasn't been infected or has infected files.
To scan your system all you have to do is install the application, launch it and hit the scan button. As soon as you hit the button, it can do a quick scan for malware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), rootkits, adware, spyware, virus, etc., both in your system memory and hard disk. If it finds any threats, it will automatically quarantine those threats.
For in-depth scanning, select the custom scan option. Do keep in mind that the custom scan can take a couple of hours depending on the amount of data you have on your hard disk.
Download Malwarebytes (free, $40 for pro version)
2. Systweak Anti-Malware
Systweak Anti-Malware is a dedicated malware scanning and removal software for MacOS. Just like Malwarebytes, Systweak Anti-Malware scans for malware, rootkits, viruses, and adware in your hard disk and system memory. Once it finds a threat, it automatically quarantines it. If you know that Systweak Anti-Malware quarantined a false positive, you can restore the file or app with just a single click. For regular, deep, or custom scans, you can create custom schedules.
If you know a file or folder to be safe, you can exclude them from scanning avoiding any possible false positives by adding them to the exclude list. Of course, Systweak Anti-Malware always runs in the background and protects your Mac system from malware and PUPs in real-time. Other features of the software include start-up scan, memory scan, and beginner friendly user interface.
So, if you unsatisfied or looking for a good alternative for Malwarebytes you should try Systweak Anti-Malware.
Download Systweak Anti-Malware ($40)
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is another popular software to protect your mac from various threats like malware, virus, trojans, adware, spyware, unwanted software, and much more. The best thing about Bitdefender is that apart from protecting you from regular threats, it can actively scan in multiple layers and protect your system from ransomware. Other than that, Bitdefender can also keep an eye on cross-platform threats so that you don't unintentionally spread malware, virus, or other infected files to your friends, colleagues or family.
Since Bitdefender always runs in the background, it can block any and all threats in real-time. Of course, Bitdefender also scans your system occasionally. If needed, you can create custom schedules with various configurations and scan settings. Bitdefender also has other features like backup protection, safe files, parental controls, secure shopping protection, etc.
Simply put, if you need a full-fledged software that can do much more than blocking and removing malware then give Bitdefender a try.
Download Bitdefender ($50 – $70 according to the version you choose)
4. Avast
Just like Bitdefender, Avast is not just an anti-malware software, it is a anti-virus software that can scan and protect your system from a wide range of threats. In fact, if you've ever searched for a anti-virus software, you should have definitely heard about Avast.
Using Avast you can regularly scan your system and create your own schedules to better protect your system. Along with anti-malware security, Avast can also protect your system from infected emails, unprotect WiFi network, and ransomware. Other features of the software include real-time protection, detailed security reports, browser protection, ability to shield you from dangerous downloads and PUPs, etc.
As good as the software is, while using Avast, you should be ready for a little bit of performance dip, at least, that is my experience while using Avast. Other than that, Avast is a pretty good and reputed software to protect Mac system from online and offline threats.
Download Avast (free, $70 for pro version)
5. AVG
AVG is yet another popular software that can protect you from malware, viruses, trojans, adware, and other threats. The good thing about AVG is that you can scan your system for threats related to Mac, Windows, and Android so that you don't spread viruses or malware to other systems. Also, thanks to the simple and minimal design, using AVG to scan or create scanning schedules is pretty easy and straightforward. Moreover, unlike Avast, AVG always runs in the background and provides real-time protection for free.
As good as it is, when you try to download AVG from the official site, you will be redirected to the CNET website. So, be careful while installing it on your system as CNET has a habit of bundling adware and other toolbars along with the software you are trying to install.
If you are looking for all-around protection with real-time threat analysis and blocking then you should go with AVG.
Best Malware For Mac
Download AVG (free)
6. Sophos Home
Another popular opinion amongst Mac users which is more than just an Anti-Malware. Sophos Home comes with a bunch of extra features including a live chat support.
Sophos offers features like Anti-virus and ransomware security along with anti-malware protection. The programme also lets you remotely manage your devices. Yes ‘Device(s)', Sophos home can be used in up to 10 devices for the paid version and 3 devices for the free version. Doesn't end here, Sophos Home also lets you put on parental controls so that none of your devices reach the unprotected side of Web.
Download Sophos Home (30 day trial, $27 yearly for premium)
Wrapping Up: Best Anti Malware for Mac
If you are looking for a dedicated anti-malware software that plays well with other antivirus and firewall software then go with Malwarebytes. As a premium option, you can also try Systweak Anti-Malware. If you are looking for a full-fledged anti-virus software that can extend the protection to viruses, adware, ransomware, and other threats then go with AVG as it provides real-time protection for free. You can also try Bitdefender.
In general, if you know what you are doing on the Internet and don't download the cracked software or porn, you'll probably don't need an anti-virus and/or anti-malware software. That said, if you don't consider yourself tech savvy or if you are buying a computer for your parents, it's a good idea to have an anti-malware installed.
That's for now. If you think I missed any of your favorite anti-malware software then command below and share it with me. It will also help other Mac users.
Malware For Mac Free
Read: Top 10 Free Portable Anti-Malware Software to Have on Your Pen Drive
