Can Macs Get Viruses?
There is a common misconception that Mac computers can’t get viruses. While it’s true that Apple created a highly secure operating system with macOS, it’s still entirely possible to get a virus on your Mac.
Mac users should be cautious about what they click on, what apps they download (and from where), and who they allow access to their computers.
Why the Misconception Exists
The belief that Macs don’t get viruses likely stems from the fact that historically, cybercriminals focused most of their efforts on writing malware for Windows machines. This is simply because Windows computers make up about 90% of the market, providing a better return on investment for hackers.
But Mac viruses are on the rise every year, as hackers are increasingly casting a wider net and developing malware specifically for Macs. In fact, a 2020 study found that Mac threats increased by over 400% year-over-year in 2019, outpacing Windows two to one.
Signs Your Mac Might Have a Virus
There are lots of different ways to tell whether you’ve got a virus on your Mac or not. You might experience:
Performance degradation: Your Mac or particular programs start to operate erratically slowly.
Ad attack: An abundance of pop-ups and advertisements, particularly on websites that don't often have them, is problematic. Even when you are not online, adware adds advertisements all over the place.
Apps or other tools downloaded without permission: If you discover new programs, files, or browser toolbars that you didn't install, as well as unforeseen changes to settings like a new homepage, these are all warning signs.
Storage space disappearing: A lot of malware will download and install files on your device without your consent. These undesirable programs will appear on your device, and the space left over for reliable apps or programs will get smaller. Your device may have been compromised if you've observed a dramatic drop in storage capacity.
Strange behavior: If your Mac keeps crashing or stalling, or if it keeps redirecting you to spam websites, a virus or other malware may be to blame.
While these problems can indicate a malware infection on your Mac, they can also happen for a number of other reasons as well. The only guaranteed way to check if there’s a virus on your Mac is to run a malware scan.
Does a Mac Require Antivirus Software?
The majority of Mac users can avoid using third-party antivirus software thanks to Apple's integrated features. If you work with extremely sensitive material, it can be a good idea to install antivirus software from a third party. If you only want to strengthen your security software, you can easily do that.
That being said, it’s still important to exercise caution when browsing the web, downloading attachments, and installing new apps.
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