How To Check for Viruses on Your Mac Right Now

Do You Think Your Mac Has a Virus? Don’t Panic!

Contrary to what many people believe, Macs can get viruses. While Apple is famed for its robust built-in security, all MacBooks and other MacOS (and iOS) devices can be targeted by malware, such as Trojans, ransomware, and adware. 

If you spot any of the typical warning signs of a Mac virus — such as strange device behavior, unfamiliar apps, or non-stop pop-ups — it’s crucial to take action quickly.

You have a couple of options when it comes to checking your Mac for viruses: 

1. Manually check for signs of a virus by using your Mac’s built-in tools (such as Activity Monitor, Disk Utility, and others). 
2. Download and run reputable Mac antivirus software to automatically uncover and quarantine malware. 

We recommend a combination of both approaches. In this article, we’ll explore how to most effectively check for viruses on a Mac so that you can ensure removal of any malware infections and stay safe against future attacks. 

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7 Warning Signs That You’re Dealing With a Mac Virus

Mac malware refers to malicious software designed specifically to infiltrate Apple computers, which enables hackers to corrupt, access, or steal sensitive data. Common malware targeting Mac users include remote access Trojans (RATs), info stealers, and ransomware, often delivered through bogus websites and malicious ads. 

While MacOS has robust built-in protection, recognizing these warning signs can help you catch a virus in the early stages:

1. Strange device behavior. If your device is running slowly, your mouse is moving on its own, or system settings change without your knowledge, it's likely your device has a virus. Look out for system preferences like DNS settings or default applications that change mysteriously overnight.
2. Your browser or default search engine has changed. Is your Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser suddenly using an unfamiliar search engine that you didn't install? Or does your homepage keep reverting to a suspicious website despite your attempts to change it back? These are red flags that someone has tampered with your settings.
3. Unfamiliar apps or browser extensions. Watch out for new applications that appear in your Applications folder. Another telltale sign is when unknown browser extensions activate themselves and resist removal attempts.
4. Constant pop-ups and intrusive ads. A common warning sign of Mac malware is aggressive advertisements that appear, even on websites that normally don't show ads. Beware of pop-ups claiming that your Mac is infected. These ads typically urge you to call suspicious phone numbers or download "cleaning" software — but they are part of the hacker’s scam.
5. A hot or noisy computer. If your Mac's fan runs constantly at high speed, even with a few applications open, something is draining your power. Devices become unusually hot to the touch as malware consumes processing power for crypto mining or other malicious activities.
6. Fake Apple security alerts. You receive convincing but fraudulent notifications about security issues, often using Apple's logo and design elements. These alerts pressure you to take immediate action by downloading software or entering credentials.‍
7. Network connection changes. Your Mac connects to unfamiliar WiFi networks automatically, or your bandwidth usage spikes without explanation.

How To Manually Check for Viruses on Your Mac

While antivirus software provides comprehensive protection, you can often catch and remove Mac viruses by using native tools and manual checks. These free methods help you spot common malware without spending money. 

However, it’s not always easy to spot and remove all viruses on your own — sophisticated cyber threats may require additional security tools. 

Here’s how to look for viruses on a Mac:

Check Activity Monitor for resource-hungry malware

Many malicious programs, like spyware, lie hidden in your device, draining your computing resources without your knowledge. Activity Monitor is Mac’s task manager application that helps you review all systems and processes running on your computer. You can use this tool to detect and eliminate hidden malware. 

• Open Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
• Sort the CPU tab by "% CPU" so you can focus on the processing power of each app.
• Look for processes that are consuming high CPU, memory, or network bandwidth — common signs of crypto-mining malware or data-stealing Trojans. Watch for unfamiliar process names, especially ones that mimic system tools.

Look for unwanted applications and suspicious apps

Malware often disguises itself as legitimate software, using slight misspellings or fake developer credentials. Some of the most risky apps are games, fake malware removal or Mac security tools, system cleaners, Flash updates, and video players from unknown sources. 

To protect yourself, regularly audit your Applications folder:

• Open Finder and sort Applications by "Date Added." 
• Right-click unfamiliar apps, and choose "Get Info" to verify their developer certificates. 
• Delete any apps you don’t use or trust. If you’re unsure of any app’s authenticity, do a Google search of third-party app reviews, and read conversations on Reddit or on computer forums. 

Clean up your Downloads folder

Most malware needs to be downloaded to your Mac before it can install on your system. Unfortunately, you may make a hacker's job easy by unwittingly downloading malicious files from unsecured sites or networks. 

Check your Downloads folder for any files you don’t recognize. Move the downloaded files you want to keep to other folders on your desktop, and then delete everything else — including the Trash.

Pro tip: Don’t double-click on any suspicious file because it could initiate a malware installation. The safest way to check an unfamiliar file in your Downloads folder is to select the icon, and then tap on the space bar. The file name and download date will display without any risk to your system.

Make sure XProtect is enabled and up to date

XProtect is your Mac's built-in malware scanner. When XProtect detects known malware, it blocks the software and notifies the user — giving them the option to move the software to the Bin.

How to enable XProtect:

• Starting in the upper-left corner of your Mac, navigate to the Apple icon > System Preferences > Software Update > Advanced.
• Verify that the box next to "Install system data files and security updates" is checked.

Review your login items for malware

Advanced malware, like adware, will find its way into your startup process. You can tackle this threat by disabling any suspicious apps in your login items.

• Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > General.
• Open the Login Items & Extensions tab. Uncheck the lock icon before editing the settings.
• Use the “—” sign to disable all unwanted or untrusted apps. This process stops these apps from initiating during the Mac’s bootup process.
• To confirm the new settings, click on the lock icon again, and then restart your Mac for the changes to take place.

Delete unused browser extensions, and clear your cache

If your browser is redirecting you to a new homepage or search engine, you may have a browser-hijacking virus. This type of malware hides in browser extensions or cached data and can steal information as you continue using the internet.

Here’s what to do:

On Safari: 

• Go to the Safari menu > Settings > Advanced. 
• Check the box next to Show features for web developers. 
• Click on the new Develop tab (in the menu on top of your Safari window), and then Empty Caches.

On Chrome: 

• Go to the Menu (three dots) > Clear Browsing Data. 
• In the pop-up window, click on the Advanced tab and check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. 
• For the time range, select All Time. 
• Click on Clear Data.

How To Use Antivirus Software To Automatically Check for Mac Viruses

While iPhones don’t allow for third-party virus scanners, you can install dedicated digital security tools on Mac computers to run malware scans and protect your devices against threats. 

This approach saves you time and effort, as everything is automated and works in the background of your device. Plus, leading providers usually offer additional features, like phishing protection, Safe Browsing tools, a virtual private network (VPN), and ad blockers.

When considering how to check for viruses on a Mac, remember that not all antivirus tools are created equally. For all the reputable software companies that offer advanced features, there are many more risky programs that may actually harm your computer.

Some free or unverified programs have unstable code, while others are malware dressed up as antivirus programs. 

It’s best to stick with known security software from established cybersecurity companies, like Aura. 

Aura provides all-in-one protection against malware, hacking, identity theft, and fraud. Once installed on your device, you can run a Mac virus scan with Aura and get near real-time alerts about online threats, data breaches that include your personal information, and more.

What To Do If You Find Malware on Your Mac

• Disconnect your device from the internet. Active malware constantly communicates with hackers, sending them your sensitive data and downloading more malicious code. Turn off your computer’s WiFi immediately, and unplug any ethernet cables until you've completed the removal process.
• Reboot in safe mode to limit the damage. Safe mode prevents malware from auto-launching when you start your Mac. By using this mode, you buy yourself some time to investigate and remove infected files before the malware does too much damage or allows hackers to take control of your computer. To enter safe mode:some text
  • Turn on or restart your Mac, and then immediately press and hold the Shift key until the login window appears. 
  • Log in to your Mac. You may be prompted to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see the Safe Boot option in the menu bar.
• Uninstall unknown or suspicious applications. Malware often hides inside seemingly legitimate applications, allowing it to evade basic cleanup attempts. Check your Applications folder for unfamiliar software, and use AppCleaner to ensure that you completely eliminate all suspicious files.
• Reset your browser, and clear your cache. Browser-based malware can survive regular cleanup by hiding in cached data and modified settings. Clear all browsing data including history and passwords; then reset your browser to its original state.
• Delete shady browser extensions. Malicious extensions spy on your browsing activity and can steal sensitive information like login credentials and credit card numbers. Check Safari Preferences or Chrome's extension settings, and remove anything you didn't intentionally install. It’s best to avoid any extensions or apps that aren’t regularly updated, as vulnerable software offers hackers a backdoor to your device.
• Remove malicious user profiles. Hackers may sometimes create user profiles on your Mac to maintain control over your system settings even after you’ve removed the malware. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles, and delete any profiles you don't recognize.‍
• If all else fails, restore from a safe backup. Some sophisticated malware can resist removal attempts and require a complete system reset. This approach is a last resort, as it will wipe your entire device. Make sure to back up all your files and photos (and anything else you want to keep) by transferring them to cloud storage or a clean external hard drive. Then, you can restore your Mac to a point before it was compromised.

How To Protect Your Mac From Viruses

Embracing online privacy best practices along with Apple’s security tools should be enough to keep you safe. But hackers have a lot of sophisticated technology and tools at their disposal, so the risk is ever present.

Here’s how to keep your Mac safe from viruses in the future: 

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) with an authenticator app to make it harder for hackers or keyloggers to access your accounts.
• Enable automatic updates for your operating system and applications to ensure that you’re always installing patches for known vulnerabilities. 
• Don’t ignore your Mac’s built-in security warnings and tools (such as Gatekeeper or firewalls). 
• Only download trusted apps from the App Store. 
• Make sure you make regular backups of your files by using Time Machine or an external hard drive. 
• Don’t click on suspicious links in emails, texts, or pop-ups. 
• Use Safe Browsing and ad blockers to avoid malicious websites and ads.
• Turn on Mail protection on your Mac to protect your email address.

Aura is an all-in-one digital security solution that offers award-winning protection against viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and more. In addition to a military-grade VPN and password manager, Aura stops advertisers from installing unwanted tracking software and prevents cybercriminals from using rootkits to gain remote access to your computer. 

You can try Aura risk free with a 60-day money-back guarantee and access to 24/7 U.S.-based customer support, which is included with all plans.