How to Check for Malware on Mac and Keep Your Mac Protected

Key Takeaways

• Macs can get malware, even with Apple’s built-in protections.
• You can check for malware using built-in tools and a trusted scanner.
• Common warning signs include slowdowns, pop-ups, and unknown apps.
• Some threats hide in browsers and login items.
• Keeping macOS updated is your best first line of defense.

When was the last time you checked for malware on your Mac? Maybe you’re thinking that your Mac is immune to viruses because it’s sleek, stylish, and smooth. You’re not alone—many Mac users assume that macOS is impervious to malware.

But unfortunately, that’s not the case. While Macs are known for being less prone to viruses compared to Windows PCs, they can still fall victim to malicious software (also called malware) that can affect your Mac’s performance, steal your personal files, and cause a whole lot of chaos.

In this Mysterium VPN guide, we’ll show you how to check for malware on your Mac, explain how to remove it, and share tips to help you stay safe online. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, open System Settings, and do a little cyber hygiene.

How to Check for Malware on Your Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to check your Mac for malware:

1. Update macOS
Go to System Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates. Apple’s built-in security tools rely on these updates to recognize and block known threats.

2. Check Activity Monitor
Open Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor. Look for processes using unusually high CPU or memory, or anything you don’t recognize. If something looks suspicious, search the process name online before quitting it.

3. Review Login Items and Installed Apps
Open System Settings → General → Login Items and remove anything unfamiliar. Then open your Applications folder and delete apps you don’t remember installing.

4. Check Browser Extensions
Open your browser’s extensions or add-ons settings and remove anything you didn’t intentionally install or no longer need. Many adware infections live inside browsers.

5. Run a Malware Scan
Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to run a full system scan. If it finds anything suspicious, follow the tool’s instructions to remove it and restart your Mac.

These five steps cover the most common places malware hides on macOS and give you a reliable way to check whether your Mac is infected.

Signs Your Mac Might Be Infected

Malware on your Mac may not always be as obvious as a pop-up asking for your password (though that’s a huge red flag).

Sometimes, it can be hiding deep within system files or disguised as a seemingly legitimate app. Here are a few common signs to help you identify malware:

• Unusual Mac behavior: If your Mac is running slow, crashing unexpectedly, or behaving erratically, you might be dealing with a malware infection. Pay attention to things like sluggish performance or unexplained system crashes.
• Strange files or applications: Malware might disguise itself as a normal file, but be on the lookout for any apps or files in your system you don’t recognize. Suspicious files can often be found in your downloads folder or system files.
• Unexpected pop-ups or browser redirects: Pop-ups that seem too good to be true? They probably are. If your browser homepage suddenly changes or you’re bombarded with fake update notifications, it could be malware designed to trick you into installing even more dangerous software.

What is Malware?

Malware (short for malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer system, network, or device. It can take many forms, including viruses, malvertising, worms, ransomware, spyware, and Trojans. But we'll talk about that later!

The primary goal of malware is often to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to your system and data. Some malware is built to steal sensitive information, such as personal files, passwords, or financial data, while others are intended to make your system unusable or force you to pay a ransom.

Why is Malware Created?

Malware is created for various malicious purposes, including:

• Financial gain: Some malware, like ransomware, is created to demand a ransom from victims to regain access to their files or systems. Other forms of malware steal personal and financial information, such as credit card details or login credentials, which can then be sold on the dark web.
• Data theft: Cybercriminals create malware to gain access to sensitive data. This can include stealing personal files, intellectual property, or login credentials for use in fraud or identity theft.
• Espionage: Malware is sometimes created to spy on users or organizations. Governments, hackers, and corporate spies may use it to gather confidential information, monitor communications, or manipulate data for political or business advantage.
• Disruption: Some malware is created purely to cause disruption. It may be used to disable systems, cause crashes, or overwhelm networks (as in DDoS attacks) to damage reputations, create chaos, or bring down organizations.
• Botnets: Some malware is created to turn devices into part of a botnet, a network of infected devices that can be remotely controlled. These botnets are often used for malicious activities like launching large-scale attacks, sending spam emails, or performing cryptocurrency mining.
• Revenge or hacktivism: In some cases, malware is created for reasons of revenge or to promote a political agenda. Hackers may target individuals, organizations, or governments they oppose by disrupting services or stealing sensitive data.

How is Malware Created?

Malware is created using a combination of programming knowledge, social engineering tactics, and sometimes even automated tools. Here’s a general look at the process:

• Coding: Malware developers typically write malicious code using programming languages like C, C++, Python, or JavaScript. The code is designed to exploit specific vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, or networks.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities: Malware creators often take advantage of security flaws or bugs in software (called zero-day vulnerabilities) to infiltrate systems. Once a vulnerability is found, they design malware to exploit it, allowing them to access or control a device.
• Social engineering: Malware creators often use social engineering tactics to trick victims into downloading or executing malicious files. This might involve emails with malicious attachments, fake software updates, or websites that look legitimate but install malware when visited.
• Payload delivery: After malware is created, it needs to be delivered to the target. This can happen through various methods, such as infected email attachments, downloads from unreliable websites, fake software updates, or even physical media like USB drives.
• Testing and distribution: After the malware is developed, the creator often tests it to ensure it functions as intended and can avoid detection by antivirus software. Once the malware is ready, it’s distributed via different channels, often using networks, spam emails, or exploit kits that automatically scan and infect vulnerable devices.

Malware development continues to evolve as hackers find new ways to evade detection and increase the damage they cause. As technology advances, it becomes increasingly important to stay vigilant and use the latest security measures to protect against malware threats.

Common Types of Malware That Can Affect Macs

Here’s a breakdown of the types of malware that could make their way onto your Mac and what you should watch out for!

Adware

Adware is one of the most common types of malware that targets Mac users. It usually manifests as intrusive ads or pop-ups that appear unexpectedly, often on websites you visit or within applications you download.

While adware is typically more of an annoyance than a dangerous threat, it can slow down your system and collect personal information if left unchecked. If your browser homepage suddenly changes or your screen is bombarded with unwanted ads, it’s time to remove the adware.

Spyware

Spyware is malware designed to track your activities, such as your browsing habits, keystrokes, and sometimes even personal information like your iCloud password.

It silently collects data and can send it to cybercriminals for malicious purposes. This type of malware can easily sneak in through suspicious downloads, fake updates, or compromised websites.

The worst part? You might not even know it's there, quietly running in the background.

Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most malicious types of malware out there. It essentially locks your files or entire system and demands a ransom payment to restore access.

While ransomware is more common on Windows computers, there have been instances of it targeting Mac computers. If you receive any suspicious emails with attachments or links that ask you to download or open files, be cautious—these could contain ransomware.

Trojans

Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software but carry malicious payloads that can compromise your system. They might be hidden in cracked software, pirated apps, or other downloads that seem too good to be true.

Once installed, Trojans can access personal files, steal sensitive information, or even install other types of malware on your system. Always make sure to download software from trusted sources like the Mac App Store to avoid Trojan infections.

Viruses

While rare, Mac viruses can spread through infected files or apps that you download from unverified sources. They can infect files and replicate themselves across your system, making it harder to remove them.

A Mac virus scan using reputable antivirus software can help detect and eliminate viruses, protecting your system from further damage.

Rootkits

Rootkits are sneaky types of malware that hide deep within the system files, making them difficult to detect. Once installed, they can give attackers full control over your Mac, allowing them to execute commands, steal data, or even disable security features.

Rootkits are dangerous because they often stay hidden even from antivirus software. Keeping your system tools and software up-to-date is key to protecting your Mac from these stealthy threats.

Worms

Worms are a type of self-replicating malware that can spread across a network, causing widespread infection. Unlike viruses, worms don’t need a host file to spread—they can work independently.

They might come through email attachments, links, or suspicious software downloads. Though rare on Macs, worms can cause significant damage if they do get through, slowing down your system and spreading to other devices connected to your network.

Fake Updates

Fake update scams are one of the most common methods for distributing malware. You might see pop-ups or notifications asking you to update software, often claiming it’s necessary for security purposes. These pop-ups are usually a trick designed to get you to download malware.

Never trust pop-ups or random update requests from unknown sources—always updatethe software directly from the Mac App Store or trusted developer websites.

How to Remove Malware from Your Mac

Removing malware from your Mac usually takes a few steps, because some threats leave behind hidden files or try to reinstall themselves. The goal is to get rid of the obvious infection first, then clean up anything that might bring it back.

Delete Suspicious Apps and Files

Start by opening your Applications folder and looking for software you don’t recognize or don’t remember installing. Pay special attention to apps that claim to be “cleaners,” “optimizers,” or “security tools,” as these are common disguises for unwanted software. If you find something suspicious, uninstall it if possible or drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash to fully remove it.

It’s also a good idea to quickly check your Login Items in System Settings and remove anything unfamiliar so the malware can’t restart itself when you reboot your Mac.

Clear Your Downloads Folder

Malware often arrives as a file you downloaded and forgot about, such as a fake installer, a cracked app, or a bogus update. Open your Downloads folder and delete any files you don’t recognize or no longer need, especially installers and disk images from untrusted sources.

Clearing out this folder reduces the chance that you’ll accidentally run the same malicious file again and helps eliminate leftover files that could trigger another infection.

Use a VPN to Reduce Future Risk

A VPN won’t remove malware from your Mac, but it can help reduce your risk of future infections, especially on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. A service like Mysterium VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, which makes it harder for attackers to intercept your traffic or redirect you to malicious websites.

If you want an extra layer of protection for your everyday browsing, Mysterium VPN is currently available at 78% off, making it an easy and affordable upgrade to your online security. Just remember to treat a VPN as a complement to antivirus software and malware scans, not a replacement for them.

Do You Need Antivirus Software on a Mac?

While Macs are less susceptible to viruses than Windows, that doesn’t mean you should skip installing antivirus software.

Malware can still infect Mac computers through various means—whether that’s via browser extensions, fake updates, or suspicious downloads.

Some users might think that the Mac App Store is a safe haven, but that’s not always the case. Malware can sneak into your Mac even from legitimate sources.

Make sure to use a virus scanner regularly and update your software to stay ahead of the latest virus threats.

How to Prevent Malware on Your Mac

You can take a few proactive steps to reduce the risk of malware infecting your Mac:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Protect your Apple ID and other important accounts by turning on 2FA. This adds an extra security layer and makes it much harder for attackers to access your accounts, even if they get your password.
• Use strong passwords and a password manager: A password manager can securely store your passwords and generate strong, unique ones for each account. This greatly reduces the risk of attackers gaining access to your personal files or online accounts.
• Be wary of fake updates: If you see a pop-up asking you to update your software, make sure it’s coming from a legitimate source. Malware often disguises itself as a system update to trick users into installing harmful software. Always update apps through System Settings, the Mac App Store, or the developer’s official website.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Keep Your Mac Malware-Free

So, can Macs get viruses? Yes, they can. While it’s true that they are generally more secure than other operating systems, Mac malware is a real threat.

Regular scans, smart security practices, and the use of a reliable VPN like Mysterium VPN can help you stay safe from malware attacks.

Make sure to regularly update your operating system, run virus scans, and watch out for any suspicious activity. Above all, practice good cyber hygiene to protect all your personal files and enjoy a malware-free Mac experience!