How to check if your Mac has a virus

Wait, what? Mac computers do not get viruses, buddy.

Even we know that is how the majority thinks, this is an example of why the majority is not always right. The commonly held notion is not entirely wrong, though.

Malware detection program system makes malware and viruses find it hard to penetrate through a Mac Firewall, aka, XProtect. It consists of a two-step method to ascertain whether an application has malware/viruses or not. For any app downloaded from the Internet, XProtect uses Code Signing Certificates to verify that the app comes from a legit source. The system installs regular security updates that include databases of previous and newly-identified malware targeting the macOS.

However, as technology advances, so do viruses. No software is able to catch everything. If you download and run a malicious software containing virus today, before Apple has the chance to cater to it and release an update, your system is infected. The virus will complete its objective. Therefore, it’s always wise to be cautious when you download software from unknown sources.

Keeping an eye on your Mac

There still is a possibility that your Mac can be infected with virus and malware. If you doubt your Mac is infected, keep an eye out for the following signs:

Ads and Pop-Ups show unexpectedly

Ads are a common component of almost every website. However, virus-induced ads pop up in places where they did not use to do previously.

Ads clog the browser and often the browser's homepage is changed to an unknown destination. Clicking on websites link to open up unknown sites may even replace your default search engine. If this is the case, your Mac might be infected with the virus.

In some cases, ads pop up even without you opening the browser. If that is the case, there is a solid possibility that your system is in need of a Mac virus scan.

Your Mac slowed down without a reason

Your system is barely two months old, and it has slowed down? Chances are that it might be the work of malware and viruses. Malware targets system files and runs multiple programs in the background continuously to slow a system down.

Your Mac shows signs of odd behaviour

Often Mac virus and malware are identified through the funky, unpleasant ways your system begins to work. Extensions you don’t remember are added to the browser, and unknown shortcuts appear on the network. If you don’t remember when you downloaded this odd looking game, chances are that you didn’t. The malware did.

Check for viruses manually

There are three steps as to how you can check the virus manually:

Open Finder

1. Open Finder , then press SHIFT + COMMAND + G.
   The Go to the folder: search path will appear.

   

Type these commands

1. Type the following three commands, one after the other:
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons
2. After placing every command, click Go.

Delete suspicious files and folders

1. Check whether there are abnormal lists or folders present in the directory.
   Folders with garbled or made up names such as com.xxxx.mackeeper.plist.

   

2. Delete them instantly.
3. Restart your Mac.

The virus will not affect your Mac anymore.

Scan your Mac for viruses

Some malware and viruses are beyond the prowess of manual search. You need a designated Antivirus for your Mac to scan and counter the virus infection.

There are many Antiviruses for Mac systems, but none is more reliable than Antivirus One.

Not only proven, but Antivirus One is also extremely easy to use as it cleans your system for every virus in just two steps:

Download Antivirus One

1. Download Antivirus One on your Mac. It's FREE!

Select your preferred scan

1. Select from the following:
   • Quick Scan
   • Full Scan
   • Custom Scan

   Once you select an option, it finds and eliminates entire viruses on its own!

   

   Besides being very user-friendly and efficient, Antivirus One also has a unique feature that saves you from future virus infection on your Mac system. That feature is called Web Threat Protection.

   

   This feature activates a safe browsing option which prevents the browser from visiting malicious sites that contain malware and viruses. Phishing sites as they are called are the leading reasons why systems get infected. This feature prevents them from opening and saves your system from more malware and viruses without you worrying about it.

   Click the button below to download Antivirus One now: