Can Macs Get Viruses? Everything You Need to Know

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir Ibrahim

Last updated: July 27, 2024

Expert verified

As a Mac user, you must have heard Macs can’t get viruses. These machines have a stellar reputation for being tough against viruses. But is this reputation well-deserved? Sorry to burst your bubble, but your trusted Mac isn’t invulnerable to malware.

In this guide, I’ll dive into the world of Mac security, exploring common misconceptions, the reality of threats, and the big questions: Can Macs get viruses? And do you need antivirus for your Mac? Let’s dive in and find out.

Can Macs Get Viruses?

Absolutely, Mac computers can get viruses. While macOS has built-in security measures, it’s not immune. The simplest solution? Regularly update your macOS and consider adding trusted antivirus software for an extra layer of protection.

If your Mac behaves oddly, it may be infected. Though macOS is renowned for its security, it’s not immune to threats. Malware targeting macOS is on the rise. In 2023, AV-TEST identified 83,564,689 new malware instances, signaling a growing concern for Mac users.

What Are the Different Types of Mac Malware?

Mac malware comes in various forms, each designed with specific malicious intents. Here are the primary types of Mac malware:

1. 🐴 Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software, Trojans deceive users into downloading and installing them, only to deliver malicious payloads once activated.
2. 📢 Adware: This type of malware bombards users with unwanted ads, often redirecting browser searches to dubious websites or displaying intrusive pop-ups.
3. 👁️ Spyware: As the name suggests, spyware secretly monitors user activities, collecting sensitive data like passwords, credit card details, and browsing habits.
4. 🔒 Ransomware: This malicious software encrypts a user’s data, demanding a ransom for the decryption key.
5. 🐛 Worms: These self-replicating malware spread across networks, exploiting vulnerabilities to infect multiple devices.
6. 🔑 Rootkits: These are designed to gain unauthorized access to an operating system’s core (or “root”), often hiding their presence and activities.
7. 🍎 Mac-specific Malware: Some malware is specifically designed for Macs, like the infamous Flashback Trojan, which targeted Java vulnerabilities on macOS.
8. ❓ Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): While not always outright malicious, PUPs are often bundled with legitimate software and can degrade system performance or display annoying ads.
9. ⌨️ Keylogging: This malware records every keystroke a user makes, capturing sensitive information like passwords and personal messages without the user’s knowledge.
10. ⛏️ Cryptominers: These utilize a victim’s computer resources to mine cryptocurrency without their consent, often leading to decreased system performance.

It’s essential to be aware of these threats and take proactive measures, like regular software updates and using reliable antivirus tools, to protect your Mac.

What Are the Signs Your Mac Has a Virus?

If your Mac is infected with malware or a virus, you might notice some of the following signs:

1. 🚫 Unexpected Pop-ups: While you can disable pop-ups on Safari and other browsers, frequent and intrusive pop-up ads or messages you can’t easily close can indicate adware or malware.
2. 🐢 Sluggish Performance: If your Mac suddenly becomes slow or unresponsive, it might be due to malware consuming system resources.
3. 🌐 Unwanted Browser Changes: Your homepage or search engine might change without your consent, or you might notice unfamiliar toolbars.
4. 💥 Random Reboots or Crashes: Frequent system crashes or unexpected restarts can indicate a virus.
5. 💽 Unusual Disk Activity: If your hard drive is constantly working (you hear it spinning) even when you’re not using your Mac, it could be a sign of malware activity.
6. ❓ Unfamiliar Apps: If you notice applications you didn’t install appearing on your Mac, it might be due to a malicious program.
7. 📡 Increased Network Traffic: If your internet usage spikes without apparent reason, malware might send or receive data.
8. 🔒 Disabled Security Software: If your antivirus or firewall gets turned off without your permission, it could be malware trying to make its way in.
9. 📧 Emails Sent Without Your Knowledge: If friends or colleagues receive strange emails from you that you didn’t send, malware might be using your email account.
10. 🔐 Unauthorized Access Alerts: If you receive notifications about unauthorized access attempts or account changes, it might indicate a keylogger or spyware.
11. 📦 Reduced Storage Space: If you suddenly find your storage space depleting without downloading or saving large files, it might be due to malware storing files on your system.
12. 🔥 Overheating: If your Mac gets unusually hot without heavy usage, it could be a sign that malware is overworking your system’s resources.

If you notice any of these signs, taking action immediately is essential. Scan your Mac with trusted antivirus software, update your operating system, and consider seeking expert help if needed.

Do You Need Antivirus on Your Mac?

Short answer: Yes.

While Macs come with robust built-in security features, they aren’t immune to threats. Given the rising number of malware targeting macOS, you must enhance protection with reputable antivirus software, ensuring comprehensive defense against evolving cyber risks.

Apple’s XProtect might not be as adept at detecting malware as some third-party solutions and considering the surge in Apple’s user base, Macs are increasingly on hackers’ radars. The State of Malware Report 2023 revealed that 71% of companies worldwide were affected by ransomware.

So, do Macs need antivirus? The answer is yes.

Do Macs Have Built-in Antivirus?

Yes, Macs have built-in security features to protect against malware and other threats. Apple’s macOS includes several layers of protection, such as the following:

1. 🛡️ Gatekeeper: This tool ensures only apps from the App Store or those signed by an Apple-identified developer can be installed, reducing the risk of malicious software installations.
2. 🔍 XProtect: Apple’s built-in malware scanner, XProtect, checks downloaded files for known malicious content and prevents them from running if a threat is detected.
3. 🧹 Malware Removal Tool (MRT): If macOS detects malicious software, MRT automatically removes it.
4. 🚫 System Integrity Protection (SIP): This feature restricts the root user account and limits the actions that the root user can perform on protected parts of the Mac operating system.
5. 🔐 FileVault: An encryption tool that secures your data by encrypting the entire drive on your Mac.

While these features offer a solid protection foundation, they primarily focus on known threats. As cyber threats evolve, there’s a growing argument for complementing these built-in tools with third-party antivirus solutions for more comprehensive protection.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Mac

While Apple excels at shielding against security risks, persistent hackers can breach Apple devices. To enhance your MacBook’s defenses, consider these top recommended safety measures:

• 🔄 Regular Updates: Always keep your macOS and all applications up-to-date. Apple frequently releases security patches to address vulnerabilities.
• 📥 Download Wisely: Only download apps and software from trusted sources, preferably the Mac App Store or official developer websites.
• 🔥 Enable Firewall: Turn on the built-in firewall to block incoming malicious traffic and unauthorized access attempts.
• 🔒 Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to keep track.
• ✌️ Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and other critical accounts for an added layer of security.
• 🎣 Beware of Phishing: Always be cautious about unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information or prompting you to click on links.
• ☁️ Backup Regularly: Use Time Machine or another backup solution to regularly back up your data, ensuring you can recover in case of malware attacks or data loss.
• 🚫 Limit Admin Access: Don’t always use an admin account for daily tasks. Create a standard user account for everyday use to limit potential damage from malware.
• 🔐 Encrypt Data with FileVault: Turn on FileVault disk encryption to encrypt the data on your Mac, making it harder for unauthorized users to access.
• 🌐 Avoid Suspicious Websites: Stay away from websites that seem sketchy or offer too-good-to-be-true deals. They might be traps to install malware.
• 🦠 Install Antivirus Software: Even with Mac’s built-in protections, consider adding a reputable third-party antivirus solution for comprehensive defense. I recommend using MacKeeper’s Antivirus. Follow these steps to scan your Mac for malware using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and navigate to the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

3. Initiate an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.

4. If any viruses are detected during the scan, click the Fix Items button to resolve the issues.
5. If your system is threat-free, you’ll see a No threats found message. You can tap the Restart button to run the scan again.

6. Enable real-time antivirus protection to safeguard your Mac from future threats by clicking the Enable button.

After configuring your security settings, MacKeeper will operate in the background, scanning for threats and blocking any malicious activity.

Protect Your Mac Against Malware

Apple’s security is good, but cyber threats are always changing. To keep your Mac safe, stay updated on the latest risks, keep your software fresh, and follow safety tips. This way, you’ll strengthen your Mac’s defense against any new threats.

Here are a few more tips to protect your Mac:

• Do MacBooks need antivirus? Well, yes. Your trusted Mac can always use more protection in addition to the built-in tools.
• Learn how to run a virus scan on Mac to ensure your system isn’t infected with malicious agents.
• Mac running slow? Malware could be the reason. You should scan your Mac to rule out this cause.

Frequently Asked Questions