Malware

Mac Malware – How To Detect and Remove It

May 11, 2024

Malware on Macs? Say It Ain’t So!

It can be alarming to discover malware on your Mac. If your computer has been infected, then your personal information and potentially your identity are at risk. While malware on Macs is relatively uncommon, the number of threats to macOS are on the rise – which makes it important to understand how to check for malware on Macs and how to remove malware from Macs.

I’ll be the first to admit, I used to think Macs were impenetrable fortresses when it came to malware. Growing up, I’d always heard the rumors – “Macs don’t get viruses!” – and I bought into that narrative hook, line, and sinker. Little did I know, those urban legends were about to come crashing down.

It all started a few months ago when my Mac started acting up. It was running way slower than usual, and I was getting all kinds of annoying pop-ups and redirects whenever I tried to browse the web. At first, I thought it was just a temporary glitch, but as the days went on, things only got worse.

That’s when I realized – my beloved MacBook had been infected with malware. I felt betrayed, like my trusty device had been infiltrated by some digital virus. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I knew I had to take action. Time to put on my cybersecurity detective hat and get to the bottom of this mystery.

Signs Your Mac is Infected

Before we dive into the removal process, let’s talk about the tell-tale signs that your Mac may have fallen victim to malware. Keep an eye out for these red flags:

Sluggish performance: If your Mac is running much slower than usual, it could be a sign that malware is hogging system resources.
Unwanted browser changes: Did your homepage or extensions suddenly change without your permission? That’s a classic malware move.
Excessive ads and pop-ups: Adware malware is notorious for bombarding you with intrusive advertisements.
Suspicious security alerts: If you’re getting security warnings that seem fake or overly dramatic, it could be “scareware” trying to trick you.
Odd email and social media activity: If your contacts are reporting spam from your accounts, your Mac may be infected with malware that’s trying to spread itself.
Locked files and ransom demands: One of the most alarming signs is finding your personal files held hostage by ransomware. Yikes!

The good news is, with a little diligence and the right tools, you can root out these digital gremlins and restore your Mac to its former glory. Let’s get started, shall we?

Detecting and Removing Mac Malware

Alright, time to put on our cybersecurity detective hats and get to work. The first step is to disconnect your Mac from the internet. This will prevent any further data from being siphoned off by the malware and stop it from spreading to other devices on your network. [1]

Next, boot your Mac into Safe Mode. This diagnostic mode loads only the essential system files, effectively quarantining your computer and making it harder for malware to run. [2] To do this on an Intel Mac, restart your computer and hold down the Shift key until you see the Apple logo. On an M1 Mac, power off your device, then hold down the power button until you see the startup options, then choose “Safe Mode.”

With your Mac in lockdown, it’s time to investigate. Open up Activity Monitor and take a close look at the processes running on your system. If you spot any suspicious apps or programs you don’t recognize, terminate them immediately. [3] Don’t be afraid to dig deep – malware can sometimes masquerade as legitimate software.

Once you’ve weeded out the bad actors, it’s time to bring in the big guns – antivirus software. Download a trusted, reputable malware scanner (not the first sketchy-looking one you find on Google) and run a full system scan. This should detect and remove any remaining infections. [4] Just be sure to use a different scanner than your regular antivirus, in case the malware has found a way to evade your existing protections.

Disinfecting Your Browsing Experience

But we’re not done yet. Malware can also worm its way into your web browser, hijacking your homepage and extensions. Time to do some spring cleaning.

In Safari, go to Preferences > General and double-check your homepage setting. If it looks unfamiliar, change it to a trusted site. Then head over to the Extensions tab and uninstall any sketchy add-ons. [5]

Chrome users, follow a similar process. Open your browser, go to Settings > On Startup, and verify your homepage. Then navigate to More Tools > Extensions and purge any unwanted plugins.

Finally, clear your browser cache. This temporary storage space can harbor malicious remnants, so give it a good scrubbing. In Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy and click “Remove All Website Data.” For Chrome, head to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.

Strengthening Your Mac’s Defenses

With the malware removed (fingers crossed!), it’s time to shore up your Mac’s security to prevent future infections. Here are some tips to keep your device squeaky clean:

Enable two-factor authentication: This extra layer of security will make it much harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they somehow obtain your login credentials.
Use strong, unique passwords: Ditch the easy-to-guess passwords and invest in a reliable password manager to generate and store complex, unique codes for all your accounts.
Keep macOS and apps updated: Apple is constantly patching security vulnerabilities, so make sure you’re running the latest version of the operating system and all your apps.
Stick to the App Store: When downloading new software, play it safe and stick to Apple’s curated App Store, which screens for malware. Avoid sketchy third-party sites.
Back up your data: In case the worst happens, regular backups using Time Machine or a cloud service can save your bacon and help you recover from a malware disaster.

Remember, staying vigilant is key. Malware may not be as common on Macs as it is on Windows, but complacency is the enemy. By following these steps and maintaining good cyber hygiene, you can keep your beloved MacBook safe and sound.