How to Check for Malware on Your Mac: 6 macOS Built-in Tools

I’ve always trusted my Mac to be secure, but I’ve learned that malware can sneak in when you least expect it. Over time, I’ve discovered some simple and effective ways to spot and remove malware, keeping my Mac safe and running smoothly.

Scan Your Mac for Viruses With MacKeeper

MacKeeper is a utility software suite for macOS known for its cleaning, security, and optimization tools. One of its prominent features is its ability to scan and remove various types of malware, ensuring your Mac remains safe from potential threats.

Here’s how to use MacKeeper to scan your Mac for malware:

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.

Once you have configured your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to operate in the background, diligently scanning for threats and actively blocking any malicious activity.

Signs Your Mac May Have Malware

Common signs that your Mac is infected with malware include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 🚨 Unexpected Pop-ups: Random advertisements or alerts appear without your action, often tricking you into downloading more malware.
• 🐢 Slower Performance: Your Mac suddenly becomes sluggish without any clear reason.
• 📦 Unfamiliar Apps: Unknown apps show up in your Applications folder or on your desktop.
• 🌀 Erratic Behavior: Applications frequently crash, freeze, or behave unpredictably.
• 🔥 Increased CPU Usage: The CPU usage spikes even when no heavy tasks are running, often due to hidden malware processes.
• 🌐 Browser Hijacking: Your browser redirects to unknown websites or its homepage changes without permission.
• 🔍 Unwanted Toolbars: Strange browser toolbars appear that you didn’t install.
• 📧 Emails Sent Without Your Knowledge: Your contacts report receiving emails from you that you didn’t send, a common sign of malware.

How to Check for Malware on Your Mac Using Built-in Tools

In the following section, I’ll show you how to use built-in macOS tools to check for malware on your Mac.

1. Check Mac for Malware With Activity Monitor

Here’s how to use Activity Monitor to check for malware on your Mac:

1. Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, or use Spotlight (Command ⌘ + Space) and type Activity Monitor.

2. Once open, click the CPU tab and look for processes consuming an unusually high amount of resources without a clear reason.

3. Click %CPU to sort the processes by CPU usage.

4. Browse through the list of processes. If you come across any unfamiliar or suspicious names, select it and click the small i in the top toolbar to learn more about the process.

5. For any process you’re unsure about, do a quick online search. This can help you determine if it’s a legitimate macOS process or something potentially harmful.
6. If you identify a process that seems malicious, select it and click the X button in the top toolbar.

7. This will force quit the process. However, be cautious and ensure you’re not ending essential system processes.

2. Use Full Disk Access to Check Your Mac for Malware

Check which apps have access to your personal data and revoke suspicious permissions. Here’s how to use Full Disk Access to check for malware on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple logo and select System Settings.

2. In System Settings, click the Privacy & Security tab and in the Privacy section, click Full Disk Access.

3. Review the apps and services that have been granted Full Disk Access. If you see any unfamiliar or suspicious names, it’s a red flag.

4. Toggle off the switch next to an app you don’t recognize or trust to revoke its Full Disk Access permissions.

3. Remove Suspicious Login Items

Login items are apps, documents, or server connections your Mac automatically starts up every time you log in. While many of these items are legitimate and enhance user experience, malware or unwanted software can sometimes sneak into this list, causing potential harm.

Use MacKeeper to get rid of suspicious login items in one click. Here’s how:

1. Download MacKeeper and install it on your Mac.
2. Click Login Items under Performance in MacKeeper.

3. Click Start Scan.

4. You will see a list of all the items that open when you log in to your Mac. Select unnecessary items from the list and click Remove Selected Items.

5. Tap the Remove button on the pop-up.

6. It will remove your selected items from the system startup list. You can click Rescan to repeat the process.

Or you can remove suspicious login items on your Mac manually:

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.

2. Select General and click Login Items in the right menu.

3. Review the items that automatically launch when you log in to your Mac. If you see anything suspicious, select the item, and click the – button to remove it from the list.

4. Once you have removed any suspicious login items, restart your Mac.

4. Check Your Mac for Unwanted Apps

Unwanted apps can take up valuable space, slow down your system, or pose security risks if they contain malicious components.

Use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller to uninstall suspicious apps along with their leftover files:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. After installation, launch MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller in the left-hand menu.

3. Click Start Scan.

4. Select the applications you want to delete from the list and click Remove Selected.

5. Tap the Remove button on the pop-up to confirm the deletion.

6. MacKeeper will uninstall the apps and remove associated files and folders. You will get a Removal Completed notification. If you want to scan your Mac again, click Rescan.

Or follow these steps to check for and uninstall unwanted apps on your Mac manually:

1. Launch Finder and navigate to the Applications folder in the left sidebar.

2. Carefully go through the installed apps, looking for any you don’t recognize, no longer use, or seem suspicious.
3. If you come across an unfamiliar app, right-click it and select Get Info to view more details, such as its source or installation date.

4. To uninstall an app, drag its icon to the Bin. You can also right-click the app and select Move to Bin.

5. Alternatively, some apps come with a dedicated uninstaller, which you should use if available.
6. After removing unwanted apps, right-click the Bin icon in the Dock and select Empty Bin to permanently delete them.

5. Remove Unknown Browser Extensions

Get rid of suspicious browser extensions that could compromise your online security. Depending on which browser you use, the steps may vary slightly. Here, I’ll cover the basic steps to remove unknown browser extensions on Mac for popular browsers.

1. Access Extensions or Add-ons:
   1. Safari: Go to Safari > Settings > Extensions.

2. Chrome: Click the three vertical dots (menu) > More tools > Extensions.

3. Firefox: Click Firefox > Settings > Extensions & Themes.

2. Review the list of installed extensions, looking for any you don’t recall adding or that seem out of place.
3. Click the extension to view more details, such as its permissions or the developer’s name. This can help you determine its legitimacy.
4. For any extension you wish to remove:
   1. Safari: Check the box to disable it and click the Uninstall button.

2. Chrome: Click the Remove button.

3. Firefox: Click the three dots next to the extension and select Remove.

5. After removing extensions, close and reopen your browser to ensure the changes take effect.

6. Clear Your Downloads Folder

Declutter your Downloads folder and remove potentially harmful files. Here’s how to delete Downloads on your Mac:

1. Launch Finder and select Downloads from the left sidebar.

2. Browse through the files and folders, identifying items you no longer need or don’t recognize. Be especially cautious of files you don’t recall downloading or that have suspicious names.
3. If you come across unfamiliar files, right-click them and select Get Info to see more details, like the date it was downloaded.

4. Select the files or folders you want to remove, then right-click and choose Move to Bin, or simply drag them to the Bin icon in the Dock.

5. To permanently delete the items and free up space, right-click the Bin icon in the Dock and select Empty Bin.

6. Consider moving important files to more appropriate locations on your Mac, such as the Documents folder, for better organization.

What to Do If You Find Malware on Your Mac

Here are some immediate actions you can take if you find malware on your Mac:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately disconnect your Mac from the Internet to prevent the malware from sending out sensitive data or downloading more malicious content.
2. Restart in Safe Mode: Reboot your Mac while holding down the Shift ⇧ key. This will start your Mac in Safe Mode, which loads only essential software, making it easier to remove malware.
3. Run a Malware Scan: Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your Mac. This will identify and remove any malicious files or programs.
4. Manually Remove Suspicious Files: If you know the location of the malware, navigate to the folder and move it to the Bin. Be cautious and ensure you’re deleting the correct files.
5. Update All Software: Ensure your macOS, browsers, and other software are up-to-date. Software updates often include patches for known security vulnerabilities.
6. Change Passwords: After removing the malware, change passwords for your accounts, especially if you believe any sensitive information was compromised.
7. Reinstall macOS: If you’re still experiencing issues or believe the malware hasn’t been fully removed, consider reinstalling macOS. This is a more drastic step but can ensure a clean system.

How to Stop Malware Getting on Your Mac

Here are a few tips to stop malware from getting on your Mac:

1. 🛡️ Use Antivirus Software: Install a trusted antivirus program designed for Macs. Keep it updated and run regular scans.
2. 🔄 Keep macOS Updated: Install macOS updates regularly to benefit from Apple’s latest security patches.
3. 🚫 Download Wisely: Only download apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or official websites.
4. 📧 Beware of Phishing Emails: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.
5. 🔒 Enable Firewall: Turn on the built-in macOS firewall to block unauthorized access.
6. 📶 Secure Your Network: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and consider a VPN for safer browsing.

Keep Your Mac Safe From Malware

macOS comes with a suite of built-in tools designed to safeguard your system from malware. From the Activity Monitor’s keen eye on system processes to the protective shield of Time Machine backups, your Mac offers multiple layers of defense.

Here are some more tips to keep your Mac secure and optimized:

• Can Macs get viruses? The short answer is yes. So, you must be proactive against potential threats.
• Although macOS offers robust built-in security features, MacBooks need antivirus software to actively protect your system.
• You should download reliable antivirus software and run a virus scan on Mac to identify any malicious agents lingering on your system.

Frequently Asked Questions