Apple announced a new foldable called the iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, and new Apple Watches at its Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino. Here’s the rundown.
Artificial intelligence platforms may be just as susceptible to social engineering as human beings, but they are proving remarkably good at finding security vulnerabilities in human-made computer code. That reality is on full display this month with some of the more widely-used software makers — including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla and Oracle — fixing near record volumes of security bugs, and/or quickening the tempo of their patch releases.
As it does on the second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft today released software updates to address at least 118 security vulnerabilities in its various Windows operating systems and other products. Remarkably, this is the first Patch Tuesday in nearly two years that Microsoft is not shipping any fixes to deal with emergency zero-day flaws that are already being exploited. Nor have any of the flaws fixed today been previously disclosed (potentially giving attackers a heads up in how to exploit the weakness).
Sixteen of the vulnerabilities earned Microsoft’s most-dire “critical” label, meaning malware or miscreants could abuse these bugs to seize remote control over a vulnerable Windows device with little or no help from the user. Rapid7 has done much of the heavy lifting in identifying some of the more concerning critical weaknesses this month, including:
CVE-2026-41089: A critical stack-based buffer overflow in Windows Netlogon that offers an attacker SYSTEM privileges on the domain controller. No privileges or user interaction are required, and attack complexity is low. Patches are available for all versions of Windows Server from 2012 onwards.
CVE-2026-41096: A critical RCE in the Windows DNS client implementation worthy of attention despite Microsoft assessing exploitation as less likely.
CVE-2026-41103: A critical elevation of privilege vulnerability that allows an unauthorized attacker to impersonate an existing user by presenting forged credentials, thus bypassing Entra ID. Microsoft expects that exploitation is more likely.
May’s Patch Tuesday is a welcome respite from April, which saw Microsoft fix a near-record 167 security flaws. Microsoft was among a few dozen tech giants given access to a “Project Glasswing,” a much-hyped AI capability developed by Anthropic that appears quite effective at unearthing security vulnerabilities in code.
Apple, another early participant in Project Glasswing, typically fixes an average of 20 vulnerabilities each time it ships a security update for iOS devices, said Chris Goettl, vice president of product management at Ivanti. On May 11, Apple shipped updates to address at least 52 vulnerabilities and backported the changes all the way to iPhone 6s and iOS 15.
Last month, Mozilla released Firefox 150, which resolved a whopping 271 vulnerabilities that were reportedly discovered during the Glasswing evaluation.
“Since Firefox 150.0.0 released, they have been on a more aggressive weekly cadence for security updates including the release of Firefox 150.0.3 on May Patch Tuesday resolving between three to five CVEs in each release,” Goettl said.
The software giant Oracle likewise recently increased its patch pace in response to their work with Glasswing. In its most recent quarterly patch update, Oracle addressed at least 450 flaws, including more than 300 fixes for remotely exploitable, unauthenticated flaws. But at the end of April, Oracle announced it was switching to a monthly update cycle for critical security issues.
On May 8, Google started rolling out updates to its Chrome browser that fixed an astonishing 127 security flaws (up from just 30 the previous month). Chrome automagically downloads available security updates, but installing them requires fully restarting the browser.
If you encounter any weirdness applying the updates from Microsoft or any other vendor mentioned here, feel free to sound off in the comments below. Meantime, if you haven’t backed up your data and/or drive lately, doing that before updating is generally sound advice. For a more granular look at the Microsoft updates released today, checkout this inventory by the SANS Internet Storm Center.
Mac users often say, “I don’t have to worry about viruses. I have a Mac!” But that sense of safety is outdated. Macs face real threats today, including scareware and fake antivirus pop‑ups designed specifically for macOS. One of the most infamous examples is the Mac Defender family, which appeared around 2011 under names like “Mac Defender,” “Mac Security,” and “Mac Protector,” luring users with fake security alerts and then installing malicious software.
These scams have long targeted Windows PCs and later expanded to Macs, using similar tactics: bogus scan results, alarming pop-ups, and fake security sites that push users to download “protection” software or pay to remove nonexistent threats. Once installed, these programs can bombard you with persistent warnings, redirect you to unwanted or explicit sites, and may even try to capture your credit card details or other sensitive information under the guise of an urgent upgrade.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how you become a target for these fake antivirus pop‑up ads, how to remove them from your Mac, and practical steps you can take to block them going forward.
What is fake antivirus software?
Fake antivirus software is malicious software that tricks you into believing your Mac is infected with viruses or security threats when, in fact, it isn’t. These deceptive programs, also known as rogue antivirus or scareware, masquerade as legitimate security tools to manipulate you into taking actions that benefit cybercriminals.
On your Mac, fake antivirus pop-up ads typically appear as urgent browser warnings or system alerts claiming to have detected multiple threats on your computer. These fraudulent notifications often use official-looking logos, technical language, and alarming messages like “Your Mac is infected with 5 viruses” or “Immediate action required” to create a sense of urgency and panic.
These scams manipulate you by:
Requesting payment: They’ll prompt you to purchase their “premium” software to remove the fake threats, often charging $50-200 for worthless programs.
Providing fake phone numbers: The pop-up ads will display fake support numbers you can call for “immediate technical assistance.”
Requesting personal information: Once you call the number, the scammer on the other end of the line will request your credit card details, personal information, or remote access to your computer.
Encouraging malicious downloads: The ads will trick you into downloading actual malware disguised as security software.
Tactics scammers use to infect your device with fake antivirus pop-up ads
Fake antivirus popups are almost always the result of a sneaky delivery method designed to catch you off guard. Scammers rely on ads, compromised websites, misleading downloads, and social engineering tricks to get their scareware onto your Mac without you realizing what’s happening. Let’s take a look at the common ways these scams spread so you can avoid them.
Deceptive online advertisements: Fake antivirus software often appears through misleading ads that claim your Mac is infected or at risk. These ads can appear on legitimate websites and use urgent language, such as “Your Mac has 3 viruses!” to create a sense of panic.
Malvertising campaigns: Cybercriminals purchase legitimate advertising space and inject malicious code that automatically redirects you to fake antivirus download pages. This can happen even on reputable websites you trust.
Drive-by downloads: Simply visiting a compromised website can trigger automatic downloads of fake antivirus software without your knowledge. Your Mac may store these files in your Downloads folder, where they wait for you to accidentally open them.
Bundled software installers: Fake antivirus programs often hide in free applications from unofficial sources. During installation, you might unknowingly agree to install additional “security” software that’s actually malicious.
Pirated applications and media: Illegal downloads of software, movies, or music frequently contain fake antivirus programs as hidden payloads. These files install malware alongside the content you wanted.
Typosquatted domains: Scammers register URLs that are slightly altered or are misspellings of legitimate websites, such as Apple-support.com. These typosquatted links are sent via phishing emails that claim to have detected a virus on your Mac. If you click on the fake link, you could be infected with malware that displays alarming security warnings and promotes fake antivirus downloads.
Fake technical support pages: Scammers create convincing replicas of Apple Support or legitimate security company websites that promote fake antivirus solutions. These pages often include official-looking logos and professional language to appear trustworthy.
Browser notification abuse: Some websites request permission to send you notifications, then later spam you with fake virus alerts. Clicking on these notifications could download fake antivirus software that mimics macOS system alerts.
Malicious configuration profiles: Fake antivirus installers may request permission to download configuration profiles onto your device, granting them deep access to your Mac’s settings and network traffic. Once installed, these profiles will redirect your browser traffic through malicious servers and display fake security warnings.
Elements of a fake virus alert
Fake virus alerts use a mix of visual tricks and psychological pressure to push you into clicking, calling, or paying before you have time to think. This section breaks down the common elements scammers use in these alerts so you can recognize a fake warning instantly and ignore it.
Blaring alarm and full-screen browser takeover: If your browser suddenly goes full-screen with flashing red warnings and audio alarms, you’re looking at a scam designed to panic you into taking immediate action. Real Mac security notifications never lock your entire screen or play loud, startling sounds. Legitimate macOS alerts appear as small, quiet dialogs in the upper-right corner of your screen.
Urgent countdown timers: The high-pressure countdown clocks claiming your Mac will be “permanently damaged” in minutes are artificial psychological tactics that scammers use to pressure and prevent you from thinking clearly. Apple’s real security notifications give you time to review and respond thoughtfully
Spelling and grammar mistakes: Fake alerts often contain telltale errors such as “Your computer has been infected” or “Immediate action required.” Apple invests heavily in polished, professional communications to produce macOS security dialogs with error-free language that reflects the company’s attention to detail.
Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency payments: Any request for unconventional payment methods is an immediate indicator of a scam. Apple will never ask you to purchase iTunes gift cards, Amazon cards, or Bitcoin to “clean” your Mac. Authentic Apple security software uses traditional payment methods through official app stores or verified websites.
Suspicious phone numbers for “tech support”: Scammers use phone numbers that connect you directly with fraudsters who will remotely access your Mac or extract personal information. Legitimate macOS alerts don’t include phone numbers to call for immediate help. Apple provides support through official channels, which are clearly marked on their website.
Generic or mismatched company logos: Fake alerts often use distorted Apple logos, outdated designs, or generic “security shield” graphics instead of authentic branding. Real macOS notifications maintain consistent visual elements that match your system’s appearance and Apple’s official style guidelines.
Misleading URLs: Scam pages often use suspicious addresses such as “apple-security-center.net” or “mac-virus-removal.com.” Authentic security alerts from macOS appear in System Settings or from apps you’ve knowingly installed from the official Apple App Store.
Persistent pop-up ads that won’t close: Fake virus warnings often spawn multiple windows, reappear after being closed, or make it difficult to exit. Authentic macOS security features respect your control and don’t bombard you with alerts.
Warnings that bypass System Settings: Fake alerts typically appear only as web pages or unauthorized pop-ups that don’t connect to your actual system security settings. Genuine Mac security notifications integrate with your system properly, appearing through official macOS notification systems or System Settings under Privacy & Security.
Claims “hundreds of viruses found” without scanning: Fake alerts instantly claim to have found dozens or hundreds of viruses without performing a legitimate scan. Real security scans, however, take time to complete and provide specific, verifiable results about actual threats.
Examples of fake antivirus software and pop-ups
Mac “Defender” variants: This notorious family of fake antivirus programs includes variants such as Mac Security, Mac Protector, and Mac Guard, appearing through deceptive search results or malicious websites. They display fake system scans that allegedly found threats on your Mac to trick you into paying $50-$99 for a useless antivirus tool. Once you enter payment information, cybercriminals will access your financial data and may continue charging your card for bogus services.
Generic “antivirus” popups: These fake alerts have generic names such as Antivirus 10, Mac Antivirus Pro, or Advanced Mac Cleaner. These ads pop up while you browse, often accompanied by loud alarms and urgent countdown timers, claiming your Mac is infected and demanding immediate action. The scam journey involves clicking the alert, downloading malicious software disguised as security tools, and potentially compromising both your system and personal information.
Verify that an antivirus alert is fake
If you’re not sure whether an antivirus warning is real or just scareware, a quick verification is the safest next step. There are steps you can take and settings on your macOS you can check without putting your Mac at further risk.
Disconnect from the internet immediately: When you suspect a fake antivirus alert, the first step is to break the connection between your Mac and the internet to stop malicious processes from communicating with remote servers or downloading additional threats.
Check the URL and certificate details: If the alert appeared in your web browser, examine the web address carefully. Legitimate security warnings from Apple or trusted vendors will come from official domains, not URLs with misspellings or random characters.
Verify the app’s developer signature and source: To verify that the developer signatures are from recognized companies, open Finder, navigate to Applications, and locate the security software. Right-click the application and select “Get Info” to view the developer information. In macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia, you can also go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > More Info > System Report > Applications to view information about the software.
Review configuration profiles and login items: Navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings or System Preferences > Privacy & Security to find and remove any configuration profiles you didn’t install. Next, check Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups > Login Items for suspicious applications set to launch automatically.
Inspect LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons folders: Fake antivirus software often installs persistent components in these system folders. Go to Finder > Go to Folder > ~/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchAgents, and /Library/LaunchDaemons. Fake antivirus files typically have .plist extensions.
Check browser extensions and notification permissions: Fake antivirus alerts often originate from malicious browser extensions or abusive notification permissions. Review your extensions and remove those you didn’t install or revoke permissions that might be generating fake security alerts.
Run legitimate security scans from trusted sources: Use reputable security tools downloaded only from the Apple App Store or directly from the websites of legitimate vendors to scan your system. Apple’s built-in XProtect and Malware Removal Tool (MRT) run automatically, but you can also use the system’s First Aid feature in Disk Utility to check for file system issues.
Your action plan when a fake virus warning pops up
The moment a fake virus warning pops up, scammers are hoping you’ll react fast, click a button, call a number, or download their “fix.” However, the safest approach is the opposite: take a moment to think, don’t interact with the alert, close the browser, and clear any files it may have tried to leave behind. Here’s exactly what to do right away to stay safe.
Stay calm and don’t interact with the alert: Resist the urge to click anywhere on the fake virus warning pop-up window, including any “X” buttons, “OK” buttons, or phone numbers. These elements are designed to trick you into downloading malware or connecting with scammers. Avoid touching your mouse or trackpad while the alert is displayed.
Force-quit your browser immediately. Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window, select your browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge), and click “Force Quit.” If the pop-up has taken over your entire screen, try pressing Command+Q to quit the browser directly. This breaks the connection to the malicious website without triggering any hidden downloads.
Clear your browser’s site data and disable notifications. When you restart your browser, immediately go to Preferences/Settings and clear your browsing data, cookies, and cache. Then navigate to the Notifications section and remove permissions for suspicious websites to block the fake antivirus from returning.
Check and remove any malicious configuration profiles. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles or System Preferences > Profiles, and look for profiles you didn’t install, especially those with generic names or suspicious publishers. Select unknown profiles and click the minus (-) button to remove them.
Restart your Mac to clear temporary threats: A simple reboot helps clear any temporary malicious processes that might be running in memory. After restarting, check your desktop and Downloads folder, move unfamiliar files to the Trash, and empty it completely.
Update your macOS and browser to the latest versions: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install macOS updates. Update your browsers as well to protect against the latest fake antivirus tactics and browser exploits.
Run a full security scan with trusted software: Use reputable security software to scan your entire system for lingering threats. Focus on applications that have been specifically designed for Mac and have current threat definitions.
Monitor and validate financial statements: If you provided payment information to what you now suspect was fake antivirus software, immediately check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report these fraudulent charges to your financial institutions and place fraud alerts on your accounts over the next few weeks.
Report the scam to protect others: Report the fake antivirus website to the Federal Trade Commission and to Google’s Safe Browsing if you encountered it through search results. You can also report it to your browser manufacturer. Your report helps security teams identify and block these threats more quickly, thereby protecting other Mac users from falling victim to the same scam.
Final thoughts
Your Mac experience should be enjoyable and secure. With the right awareness and tools, it absolutely can be, especially when you know what to look for and follow the right practices. By recognizing the warning signs of fake antivirus pop-ups, downloading software only from trusted sources, keeping your macOS and applications updated, and following the prevention tips outlined above, you can avoid falling victim to these fake antivirus scams.
Remember that legitimate security alerts from Apple come through System Preferences and official macOS notifications, not through alarming browser pop-ups demanding immediate payment or phone calls. Use reputable security tools from a trusted vendor, such as McAfee, that provides real-time protection and regular updates about emerging threats.
Share these tips with your family and friends, especially those who might be less tech-savvy and more vulnerable to these deceptive tactics. The more people understand how fake antivirus schemes operate, the safer our entire digital community is.
While Apple goes to great lengths to keep all its devices safe, this doesn’t mean your Mac is immune to all computer viruses. What does Apple provide in terms of antivirus protection? In this article, we will discuss some signs that your Mac may be infected with a virus or malware, the built-in protections that Apple provides, and how you can protect your computer and yourself from threats beyond viruses.
What is a Mac virus?
A computer virus is a piece of code that inserts itself into an application or operating system and spreads when that program is run. While viruses exist, most modern threats to macOS come in the form of other malicious software, also known as malware. While technically different from viruses, malware impacts your Mac computers similarly: it compromises your device, data, and privacy.
Macs are not invulnerable to being hacked
While Apple’s macOS has robust security features, it’s not impenetrable. Cybercriminals can compromise a Mac through several methods that bypass traditional virus signatures. Common attack vectors include software vulnerabilities, phishing attacks that steal passwords, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, malicious browser extensions that seem harmless, or remote access Trojans disguised as legitimate software.
Common types of viruses and malware
Understanding the common types of viruses and malware that target macOS can help you better protect your device and data. Here’s a closer look at the most prevalent forms of malware that Mac users should watch out for.
Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): These programs hijack your browser, alter your search engine, and bombard you with pop-up ads, severely impacting performance and privacy.
Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software, such as fake Adobe Flash Player installers or system optimization tools, trojans create a backdoor on your Mac for attackers to steal data, install other malware, or take control of your device.
Spyware and keyloggers: This malicious software operates silently in the background, recording your keystrokes, capturing login credentials, and monitoring your activity to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Ransomware: A particularly damaging threat, ransomware encrypts your personal files, photos, and documents, making them inaccessible. Attackers then demand a hefty ransom payment for the decryption key.
Cryptominers: This malware hijacks your Mac’s processing power to mine for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It doesn’t steal data but can cause extreme slowdowns, overheating, and increased electricity usage.
Signs that your Mac may be hacked
Whether hackers physically sneak it onto your device or by tricking you into installing it via a phony app, a sketchy website, or a phishing attack, viruses and malware can create problems for you in a couple of ways:
Performance issues
Is your device operating slower, are web pages and apps harder to load, or does your battery never seem to keep a charge? These are all signs that you could have a virus or malware running in the background, zapping your device’s resources.
Your computer heats up
Malware or mining apps running in the background can burn extra computing power and data, causing your computer to operate at a high temperature or overheat.
Mystery apps or data
If you find unfamiliar apps you didn’t download, along with messages and emails that you didn’t send, that’s a red flag. A hacker may have hijacked your computer to send messages or to spread malware to your contacts. Similarly, if you see spikes in your data usage, that could be a sign of a hack as well.
Pop-ups or changes to your screen
Malware can also be behind spammy pop-ups, unauthorized changes to your home screen, or bookmarks to suspicious websites. In fact, if you see any configuration changes you didn’t personally make, this is another big clue that your computer has been hacked.
Browser redirects
Your browser’s homepage or default search engine changes without your permission, and searches are redirected to unfamiliar sites. Check your browser’s settings and extensions for anything you don’t recognize.
Disabled security features
Your antivirus software or macOS firewall is disabled without your action. Some viruses or malware are capable of turning off your security software to allow them to perform their criminal activities.
Check your Mac for viruses and malware
Fortunately, there are easy-to-use tools and key steps to help you validate for viruses and malware so you can take action before any real damage is done.
Check activity monitor: Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and look for any unknown processes using a disproportionate amount of CPU or memory. A quick web search can help identify if a suspicious process is malicious.
Review login items: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. Check the “Open at Login” and “Allow in the Background” sections for any apps you don’t recognize and disable them.
Inspect system profiles: In System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down to “Profiles.” If you see any profiles you did not intentionally install, aside from those for work or school, remove them.
Audit browser extensions: Open your web browsers and review installed extensions. Remove any that you did not add or no longer use.
Run a security scan: The most reliable method is to use a dedicated security application. Run a full system scan with a trusted program to detect and remove any malware that manual checks may have missed.
Update everything: Ensure your macOS and all installed applications are up to date. Updates frequently contain critical security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.
XProtect and quarantine: XProtect is Apple’s proprietary antivirus software built into all Macs since 2009. It works the same as any other antivirus, scanning suspicious files and apps for malware, then quarantining or limiting their access to the Mac’s operating system and other key functions. XProtect relies on up-to-date information to spot malicious files. However, this information may be outdated, and may not always protect Mac users from the latest threats.
Malware removal tool: To further keep Apple users protected, the malware removal tool scans Macs to spot and catch any malware that may have slipped past XProtect. Similar to XProtect, it relies on a set of constantly updated definitions to identify potential malware, removes malware upon receiving updated information, and continues to check for infections on restart and login.
Notarization and Gatekeeper: Apps for Apple devices go through a review before they are distributed and sold outside the App Store. When this review turns up no instances of malware, Apple issues a notarization ticket. That ticket is recognized in the macOS Gatekeeper, which verifies the ticket and allows the app to launch. If a previously approved app is later found to be malicious, Apple revokes its notarization and prevents it from running.
App Store review: All apps that wish to be sold on the Apple App Store must go through Apple’s App Store review. While not strictly a review for malware, security matters are considered in this process to ensure that all apps posted on the App Store are “reliable, perform as expected, respect user privacy, and are free of objectionable content.”
Other features: In addition to the above, Apple includes technologies that prevent malware from doing more harm, such as preventing damage to critical system files.
Do I need an antivirus for my Mac?
There are a couple of reasons why Mac users may want to consider additional protection on top of the built-in antivirus safeguards:
Apple’s antivirus may not recognize the latest threats. These tools primarily rely on known virus definitions, which may lag behind the latest cyberthreats including “zero-day” incidents. This leaves Mac owners susceptible to attack if they solely rely on XProtect and other features.
The Mac’s built-in security measures largely focus on viruses and malware. While protecting yourself from viruses and malware is of utmost importance, the reality is that antivirus is not enough. They don’t block other forms of harmful activity, such as phishing attacks, malicious apps downloaded outside of the App Store, suspicious links, prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, data breaches, and identity theft, among others.
Macs are like any other connected device. They’re also susceptible to the wider world of threats and vulnerabilities on the internet. For this reason, Mac users should think about bolstering their defenses further with online protection software.
Your guide to removing a Mac virus
If you suspect your Mac has been infected with a virus or other malware, acting quickly is essential to protect your personal data and stop the threat from spreading. Fortunately, this can be effectively done with a combination of manual steps and trusted security software:
Disconnect from the internet: Immediately disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug the ethernet cable to prevent the malware from communicating with its server or spreading.
Remove suspicious apps: Open your Applications folder. Drag any unfamiliar or recently installed suspicious applications to the Trash and then empty it.
Delete malicious files: Malware often hides files in your Library folders. Navigate to Finder > Go > Go to Folder and check paths like ~/Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons for suspicious files. Be cautious when deleting system files.
Clean up browsers: Remove any unknown extensions from your web browsers and reset your homepage and search engine settings if they were altered.
Run a security scan: The safest and most effective method is to run a full scan with a trusted security solution. This will automatically identify, quarantine, and remove all traces of the infection.
Restore from a clean backup: If the infection is severe and persistent, your best option may be to erase your Mac and cautiously restore from a Time Machine backup created *before* you noticed signs of the virus. If you restore from a backup version that was already infected, you will re-introduce the malware to your clean system.
Last resort: Reinstalling your macOS
In the most extreme cases, erasing your hard drive and reinstalling a fresh copy of macOS is a very effective way to eliminate viruses and malware. This process wipes out all data, including the malicious software. This, however, is considered the last resort for deep-rooted infections that are difficult to remove manually.
Future-proof your Mac from viruses
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, taking proactive steps now can protect your device, your data, and your identity in the long run. Here are simple but powerful ways to future-proof your Mac, and help ensure your device stays protected against tomorrow’s threats before they reach you:
Keep everything updated: Enable automatic updates for macOS and your applications. This is the single most important step to protect against vulnerabilities.
Download from trusted sources only: Stick to the Apple App Store or the official websites of reputable developers. Avoid downloading software from unvetted third-party aggregators or torrent sites.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA): Protect your Apple ID and other accounts with long, complex, and unique passwords and enable MFA to prevent unauthorized access.
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: Do not click on links or download attachments in suspicious emails or texts. These are primary methods for delivering malware and conducting phishing attacks.
Install comprehensive security software: Use a trusted security suite like McAfee+ for real-time protection that goes beyond Apple’s built-in tools, offering features like web protection, a firewall, and anti-phishing technology.
Back up your data regularly: Maintain regular backups of your important files using Time Machine or a cloud service. This ensures you can recover your data without paying a ransom in a ransomware attack.
Stay informed: Be aware of the threats out there and take a proactive stance to fill the gaps in protection. Comprehensive security suites like McAfee+ can take care of it for you. Our exclusive Protection Score checks your online safety, identifies any gaps, and offers personalized guidance to seal those cracks.
Best digital habits to practice
Staying safe online isn’t just about having the right software—it’s about making smart choices every day. Adopting strong digital habits can drastically reduce your risk of falling victim to viruses, scams, or data breaches.
Browse safely: Be wary of unsolicited links, pop-up windows, and urgent warnings. Use a web protection tool to block known malicious websites before they can load.
Scrutinize downloads: Never install software from an untrusted source. Read installation prompts carefully to deselect any bundled optional software or PUPs.
Improve email hygiene: Treat emails with attachments or links with caution, even from known senders, as their accounts could be compromised. Verify any unusual requests through a separate communication channel.
Review app permissions: When an application asks for permission to access your contacts, location, or other data, consider if it truly needs that access to function. Deny any unnecessary requests.
Enable your firewall: Ensure the macOS firewall is turned on in System Settings > Network > Firewall. This provides a basic but important barrier against unsolicited incoming network connections.
It’s about protecting yourself
An important part of a McAfee’s Protection Score involves protecting your identity and privacy beyond the antivirus solution. While online threats have evolved, McAfee has elevated its online protection software to thwart hackers, scammers, and cyberthieves who aim to steal your personal info, online banking accounts, financial info, and even your social media accounts to commit identity theft and fraud in your name. As you go about your day online, online protection suites help you do it more privately and safely. Comprehensive security solutions like McAfee+ include:
Personal data cleanup reveals which high-risk data brokers and search sites are collecting and selling your personal information. It then requests the removal of your information, confirms completion, and conducts ongoing scans as your data continues to be collected.
Unlimited secure VPN automatically connects to public Wi-Fi to protect your online privacy and safeguards personal data while you bank, shop, or browse online.
Identity theft and stolen funds coverage reimburses up to $1 million in lost funds or expenses, including losses to 401(k) accounts, while restoring your identity.
Ransomware coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for losses and ransom fees.
Licensed restoration experts who help repair identity and credit issues, including assistance with the identity fraud of a deceased family member.
Credit monitoring promptly alerts you about changes to your credit score, report, and accounts and guides you on actions needed to tackle identity theft.
Credit Score and Report help you stay on top of daily changes to your credit score and report, from a single location.
Security freeze prevents unauthorized access to existing accounts or new ones being set up in your name with a credit, bank, or utility account freeze.
Identity monitoring scans for up to 60 unique pieces of personal information on the dark web with timely alerts up to 10 months sooner than competitive products.
FAQs about Mac viruses
Can Macs get viruses from Safari?
Yes. While Safari has built-in security features, you can still get a Mac virus by visiting a compromised website that initiates a drive-by download or by being tricked into downloading and running a malicious file.
Do pop-ups mean my Mac is infected?
Not necessarily. Many websites use aggressive pop-up advertising. However, if you see persistent pop-ups that are difficult to close, or fake virus warnings, it’s a strong sign of an adware infection.
Is adware a type of malware?
Yes. While some consider it less harmful than a trojan, adware is a form of malware. It compromises your browsing experience, tracks your activity, slows down your computer, and can serve as a gateway for more dangerous infections.
How often should you scan for viruses?
If you have a security suite with real-time protection, your Mac is continuously monitored. It is still good practice to run a full system scan at least once a week for peace of mind.
Can iPhones spread malware to Macs?
Direct infection via a cable is extremely unlikely due to the security architecture of both operating systems. The greater risk comes from shared accounts. A malicious link or file opened on one device and synced via iCloud, or a compromised Apple ID, could affect your other devices.
Final thoughts
Current trends show a rise in sophisticated adware and PUPs that are often bundled with legitimate-looking software. Cybercriminals are also focusing on malicious browser extensions that steal data and credentials, injecting malicious code into legitimate software updates, or devising clever ways to bypass Apple’s notarization process. Given these developments, Macs can and do get viruses and are subject to threats just like any other computer. While Apple provides a strong security foundation, their operating systems may not offer the full breadth of protection you need, particularly against online identity theft and the latest malware threats. Combining an updated system, smart online habits, and a comprehensive protection solution helps you stay well ahead of emerging threats. Regularly reviewing your Mac’s security posture and following the tips outlined here will also enable you to use your device with confidence and peace of mind.
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