Although 2020 will surely go down as 'virus year,' viruses on Mac are not going anywhere. Just recently, a fake Adobe Flash Player updater named Shlayer has infected 10% of all Macs in the world (according to Kaspersky's lab).
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Even newer malware type, Tarmac, is increasingly sweeping the Mac world. All it takes to contract it is to open a pirated website or even click a link on Wikipedia. At least that's been the case with Shlayer, which had its malicious links planted inside Wikipedia's external resources.
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In this Mac Malware removal guide, we'll tell you how to get rid of malware on your Mac. We'll also cover how to tell apart different viruses on Mac: adware, scareware, and others. We'll be using the manual methods as well as some respected antivirus tools for Mac. Let's go.
What is malware
First off, let's point out that the term 'malware' is a broad term for all unwanted intrusions. It's also not synonymous with the term 'virus' because the latter is only a model of distribution i.e. how an app self-replicates. Here are common types of malware you can encounter on Mac:
- Download managers — download unauthorized objects
- Spyware and keyloggers — steal users' personal data
- Backdoor infections — apps that remotely seize control of your computer
- Rootkit — infiltrate admin privileges
- Botnet — turn your Mac into a shadow bot
- Trojan horses — apps disguised as legit software
- Ransomware — lock your Mac's screen
- PUP — potentially unwanted programs
Among these, PUPs are the most numerous type. According to Malwarebytes, Windows platform is no longer a hotbed for viruses — the macOS is. The has been a 400% spike in macOS-specific malware infections with an average of 11 threats per number of Mac devices — the same figure for Windows is only 5.8.
Mac malware: The symptoms
Oftentimes a malware app would trick you into believing it's perfectly harmless. Such apps are known to disguise themselves as antiviruses, extractors or video players. But how to check your Mac for viruses? Here are some of the tell-tale signs:
- A sudden drop in Mac's performance or frequent freeze-ups.
- Pages that you visit get obscured with ads.
- Unexpected Mac reboots or apps starting for no reason.
- Your browser installs suspicious updates automatically.
How Mac can get infected with malware
By clicking on fake Flash Player updater. Or by installing a seemingly useful browser extension. As of 2020, a trojan browser extension NewTab infected 30 million Mac computers. This malware disguised itself as a parcel tracking helper but was in fact spreading ads. So how to protect your Mac from malware? You can start by studying typical infection gateways.
How to remove a virus from Mac
Just as with any disease, to doctor a virus you need to remove the infected part of your software — as simple as that.
1.Remove malware from Mac manually:
The Activity Monitor
If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you're half-way through the problem. First of all, you need to close the app and then root it out from the system processes.
- Open Activity Monitor (type its name in the Launchpad).
- Locate the problematic app in the Processes.
- Use [x] button to quit the process
Now go back to your Applications and move the app to the Trash bin. Immediately empty the Trash.
This method is simple, but for the best malware removal results, you'd have to invest a bit more time. There are still parts and pieces of the virus app scattered around your system folders. It's a bit like killing a dragon that re-grows its head after you've chopped it off. To remove malware from your Mac completely, it's better to use a powerful uninstaller.
Do a quick search for virus-infected .DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.
2. Get rid of malware using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X has a 10-year reputation of guarding Macs around the world. The app will scan your Mac for any vulnerabilities and offer immediate removal if it finds something suspicious. CleanMyMac detects thousands of malware threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and more. The app's database is regularly updated to keep all those '-wares' away from your Mac.
Here's how to remove malware from your Mac:
- Download CleanMyMac X — it's free to download.
- Click Malware Removal tab.
- Click Scan.
- Click Remove.
- Done!
3. Remove Mac malware from your Login Items
Most adware or spyware will try to sneak inside the bootup process. Good news, you don't have to be Kaspersky to prevent this.
- Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Choose Users & Groups section.
- Make sure if your username is highlighted.
- Open Login Items tab.
Now use the '—' sign to disable all the suspicious apps (like Mac Defenders) that you'll find. Restart your Mac for the changes to take place.
4. Get rid of pop-up ads on Mac
Advertising pop-ups are browser-related, so whatever browser you are using, be prepared for a thorough cleanup. First off, don't buy into whatever the ad is telling you. Some scary alerts would mention 343 viruses found on your Mac forcing you to immediately install a 'Mac Defender' or 'Mac Security' tool. Just ignore it and don't click anywhere on the pop-up. Use [x] button and if it doesn't close the ad, Ctrl + click the browser icon to quit the browser completely.
Hold the Shift key when starting a new Safari session. This way all your previous tabs (including the ad pop-up) will not be reopened.
How to block pop-up ads in Safari
- Open Safari preferences (in the top menu).
- Go to the Security tab.
- Tick 'Block pop-up windows'.
How to get rid of pop-ups in Chrome
- Open Chrome Settings (a three-dot icon)
- Click Privacy and security
- Go to Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects
- Locate the Popups tab and block them from appearing
Additionally, make sure your browser's homepage is set to standard Google page or other trusted source.
5. Clean up extensions to remove adware from Mac
Apple lists several browser extensions as potentially malicious. The list includes:
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- Amazon Shopping Assistant by Spigot Inc.
- Slick Savings by Spigot Inc.
- FlashMall
- Cinema-Plus
This is just to give you an idea of how different these adware extensions could be. But if you're looking at how to remove malware from the Mac Safari browser, follow this path.
Remove extensions in Safari
- Go to Safari Preferences
- Choose the Extensions tab
- Select an extension and click Uninstall
Disable browser extensions in Chrome
And here's how to remove malware from Mac Chrome. Open Chrome and click Window in the top menu. In the bottom of the list choose Extensions. This opens up the list of all your installed extensions. Now use a trash bin icon to remove the ones you suspect are adware viruses. Right after that, your Chrome experience should get much less distracting.
Just to be doubly sure, we recommend you to remove all the extensions you'll find. Later you can re-install each one separately.
TIP: How to remove Mac adware via Javascript
You can prevent some malware attacks from happening by disabling JavaScript in your browser. Although, it may break certain webpages, your browsing will get more secure and, likely, faster too.
To disable JavaScript in Safari
- Go to Safari Preferences > Security.
- Uncheck Enable JavaSript.
6. Launch Agents and Daemons: Where else to look
So far we've covered browser Extensions, Applications, and Login Items trying to remove malware from your Mac. But these are not the only locations where malicious agents may be hiding. Another type of system services that could be affected by malware are the so-called Launch Agents and Daemons — yes, the name does derive from the word demon. These are small helper programs that stealthily run in the background, like software updaters or automatic backups.
While Launch Agents and Daemons are two different entities, both can be infiltrated by malware. As it often happens, trojan apps would place their executable files within the Launch Agents folder. The result — the virus app launches automatically and potentially harms or steals your data.
7.How to remove daemons and agents from Mac startup
- Click Finder.
- Choose Go > Go to Folder.
- Type in:
/Library/LaunchDaemons
For Launch Agents, repeat the steps above, but this time search in 2 more locations:
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
Inside you'll find a bunch of PLIST files and if some of them look suspicious to you, delete them. Sure, the names of these files may not be very telling, but if you already know the problematic app that you are after, knowing this folder may help you fully extinguish it.
Don't forget to reboot your Mac — until you do, all these files are still in memory.
One more way to remove daemons, agents, and plug-ins
If the manual path described here sounds too complicated, you can again be rescued by CleanMyMac X. This app has a special tool to remove malware Launch Agents.
- Download CleanMyMac X (it's free to download).
- Install the app.
- Click Optimization tab > Launch Agents
- Click Perform.
By the way, this app has a real-time anti-malware monitor. It monitors for any problematic apps that try to get into your Launch Agents. If it finds such, it will notify you and offer to remove the intruder.
If all else fails
Below a few more ideas to help you remove malware from Mac.
- Switch to a different user account and do a full system cleanup.
- Restore your Mac using Time Machine (to the point before it got infected).
- Update all your software, including the macOS.
How to protect Mac from malware
As a conclusion, we've prepared a few basic tips to minimize your chance of catching malware in 2020 and beyond. They are just as relatable for a PC computer.
- Closely read those dialogue boxes
- Get a reliable password manager app
- Browse anonymously
- Cover your webcam when possible
- Use passphrases instead of passwords
- Create an 'emergency' bootable SD card for your Mac
OK, looks we've covered how to remove malware from Mac including both manual and software solutions. Hope your Mac stays virus-free and may you never click on those scary Mac alerts again.
Purchasing a new MacBook is much similar to buying a ticket to a land of fabulous software & apps. In addition to all the free programs offered by Apple to all the fresh Mac owners, there are some extras essential Mac apps too that help to make the most out of your Machine.
We've organized a list of the most useful Mac software and programs that are categorized into ten major categories, ranging from Best Mac Cleaning utility to Best Media Player & so on. Take a look at our best of bunch & let us know which of these suits the most for your needs!
Top 9 Best Mac Apps & Utilities for 2021
We've trawled the software market to find the most ideal Mac utilities & apps in every major category for better productivity and efficiency. Try them now!
1. Disk Clean Pro
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Disk Clean Pro is an affordable tune-up utility to help users maintain their system for a longer time. It features dedicated modules to remove junk files along with hidden redundant files to improve response time & speed up Mac. It's ‘One-Click Care' works like magic to keep your machine run clutter-free.
Disk Clean Pro is an excellent Mac optimizer, packed with all the advanced features that several Mac Cleaning utilities miss. Packed with various tools like Junk Cleaner, Logs Cleaner, Crash Reports, Partial Downloads remover, Duplicate Finder, Large & Old Files Cleaner & more. Moreover, it offers a module, Internet Privacy Protector, that works efficiently to remove traces of your browsing history for best-in-class Mac security.
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Losing data & important files is the kind of nightmare no one would ever want to experience. But unfortunately, it has been known to happen for a variety of reasons such as, drive failure, human error & viruses. However, the 'good thing' is the availability of a Data Recovery Software that makes restoring lost files effortless.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is one such data recovery service that lives up to its name, by offering easy yet effective recovery solutions that makes users task super simple. The tool not only helps in locating recently deleted files from corrupted & critical file systems, but also helps in restoring data from external storage devices such as memory sticks, USB drives etc.
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A feature-rich, powerful VPN for PC with an easy-to-use interface, suitable for both novices & professionals.
CyberGhost is one of the most reliable VPN services for Mac. It boasts a really easy set-up process. In fact, all you have to do is download the VPN for your OS from the below button and launch it with one-click on your system. The VPN software boasts more than 3,700 servers across 60+ countries, including optimized servers for torrenting & other streaming services.
The VPN solution comes with a bundle of extra tools to block unnecessary ads, track malicious websites that attempts to make unauthorized access on your system and an automated HTTPS redirection that ensure most secure connection.
It's one-month plan costs $12.99 which is a bit higher than other standard VPN services in the market. But that's totally worthy as it supports connecting up to seven devices simultaneously.
4. Duplicate Files Fixer (Best Duplicate Files Cleaner for Mac)
An efficient, fast and easy-to-use duplicate file cleaner to get rid of identical documents, photos, videos, music and other digital media files.
Duplicate Files Fixer by Systweak Software is an awesome duplicate cleaner that helps you reclaim chunks of occupied hard drive space, clogged with unnecessary duplicates such as Documents, Videos, Music, Photos and other files. It's one of the Best Mac Software for both professional and novice users for finding exact and similar-looking files.
This duplicate file finder comes with a robust set of functionalities for scanning different file types in just a few moments. The Mac utility has a sleek & intuitive interface for great navigation experience. It lets you create a backup of all your duplicate files before you delete them. The application is capable of scanning external devices as well for finding duplicates.
To use this Mac software all you have to do is download it > Add files or folders containing duplicates > click the Scan button to begin sorting > Remove to clean all the duplicate files at once! Enjoy deduplicate library in three-clicks. Duplicate Files Fixer is a must have mac application to fill your bucket of Best Mac Utilities 2020.
5. Stellar Drive Clone (Best Disk Cloning App for Mac)
A robust Mac utility to help you clone & restore all the files on your hard drive, so you can always have your peace of mind.
Stellar Drive Clone is a complete suite to create a Clone or Image of your Mac hard drive. The Cloned copy can be used as a ‘read-to-use' copy of the original hard drive. And, the Image file can be used for ‘restoring purpose' in case any data mishap happens.
The advanced Mac cloning tool supports various types of cloning including, HFS-to-HFS, FAT-to-FAT & NTFS-to-EXFAT. Stellar Drive Clone is a must-have Mac app if you wish to clone an encrypted Mac drive and volumes as well. You can also choose to ‘Schedule' Periodic Backup' to create timely backups.
This amazing disk cloning service stands out for two reasons, it's ease-of-use and high compatibility. It supports all the commonly used OS X versions including the latest MacOS Mojave. Download this app for MacBook Pro now!
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A universal video player with an impressive set of features to play up to 5K resolution videos without any jerks or tearing.
You saw that coming, right? Talking about the Best media player and not mentioning Cisdem's Video Player is certainly not possible. It's one of the most popular and utilized OS X apps that comes with interactive interface to play both audio and video. The video player is known for its smooth playback assistance offering crystal clear views.
With Cisdem Video Player, you don't require to download any Codec pack, it lets you directly play WMV, FLV, MKV, AVCHD, AVI etc. videos on your Mac Machine. Best part? Unlike other media player for Mac, Cisdem allows you to automatically load subtitle files for the movie.
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7. Tweak Photos (Best Batch Photos Editor for Mac)
Most popular photo editing app that lets you brighten single or thousands of photos in a few clicks.
Tweak Photos is a brilliant package featuring an attractive interface, powerful filters, plethora of customization, adjustment tools and a lot more. This OS X app is available for just $4.99 on Mac app store.
From performing basic editing like renaming, resizing, cropping, simple color fixes, format conversions to advanced editing like applying complex photo filters, watermarking, multi-layer management, Tweak Photos does all for you.
You can download this amazing photo editor for Mac to de-noise bulk images, change texture/stylize, auto-correct orientations, blur multiple images, add frames and other artistic elements to batch photos at once. And just everything to create vivid and dazzling photo collection.
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A super-smooth Mac software for editing PDF files easily & quickly.
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iSkysoft's PDF Editor is an ultimate solution to edit PDF documents without compromising file formatting. You can download this OS X app to get a complete suit of PDF editing tools to manipulate texts, images, links and other elements present in a PDF file.
Considered as one of the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat, you can download this Mac software for easy editing, cropping, rotating, extracting, splitting, adding watermarks, altering background colours and a lot more.
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Download this free PDF File Editor to quickly edit, convert, create, merge & convert scanned PDF files with ease. Not only this, iSkysoft enables you to protect your PDF files with passwords, you can set permissions for other users to perform specific functions like editing, commenting or printing. It's one of the best Mac app available to share your PDFs to Email, Google Drive, Evernote and Dropbox in one-click.
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Systweak Anti-Malware is a robust Mac security software that does a fantastic job of detecting any type of malicious content hiding in your system. Its smart algorithms understand which types of threats can put your Mac Machine at risk, and hence keep a close check that no suspicious program, malware, adware or spyware could bypass Mac's defenses.
The antivirus software claims to have a 100% success rate for detecting dangerous malware and viruses. The lightweight application offers multiple scanning methods to make sure you have an ultimate protection against malware and other infections.
To keep your Mac safe, the antivirus software regularly updates its malware database, so that no latest suspicious threat can bypass you Mac's security. It not only shields your Machine from online threats but also optimizes it for smooth-functioning, which probably makes it one of the best anti-virus programs in the market.
Best Mac Apps You Need To Install On Your New Machine!
The MacOS app ecosystem is certainly packed with a lot of hidden gems. All the aforementioned Mac software & utilities are great to get you started. For the least frustration and better efficiency, download these handy extras now!