A virus scanner on a Mac: needed or not?

Does your MacBook need a virus scanner? The short answer: for most people no, because macOS already has good protection. But Macs are not invulnerable. Fake alerts, adware and phishing in particular happen. This article explains what macOS does itself, where the real risk lies and when an extra virus scanner on your Mac makes sense.

Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. We see few real viruses, but many Macs that are slow because of a "cleaning" or "security" program that is itself the problem.

What macOS already does

• Gatekeeper: checks whether an app comes from a known developer and has been checked by Apple. You cannot simply open an unknown app.
• XProtect: macOS's built-in scanner, which recognises and blocks known malware. Apple updates it quietly in the background.
• Sandboxed apps: apps may not simply access your camera, microphone, files or screen. macOS asks for your permission.
• Security updates: keep your Mac up to date and you have the newest protection.

Where Macs are vulnerable

• Phishing: a fake e-mail or website asking for your password or bank details. No virus scanner fully stops you if you enter your details yourself.
• Fake alerts: a pop-up in your browser saying your Mac is infected and you must call or install something. That is a scam.
• Adware: programs that come along with free software and fill your browser with ads or change your search engine.
• Pirated software: cracked apps are a known source of malware.

When is an extra scanner sensible?

• You share many files with Windows users and want to avoid forwarding Windows viruses unknowingly.
• Your employer requires it.
• You suspect something is already on your Mac and want a one-off check.

Then choose a known brand, and install no more than one scanner. Two security programs side by side slow your Mac down and get in each other's way.

The most important habits

• Install macOS and browser updates as soon as they arrive.
• Download apps from the App Store or the maker's own site, not from download sites.
• Use a different password for every service, for example with the Passwords app, and turn on two-factor authentication.
• Do not click links in unexpected e-mails or texts about your bank, parcels or your Apple Account.
• Make regular backups, so you lose nothing if there are problems.

Signs that something is wrong

• Your browser opens pages by itself or your search engine has changed.
• There are apps or browser extensions you did not install.
• Your Mac is suddenly slow and the fan runs a lot while you do nothing heavy. Check in Activity Monitor what uses a lot of processor.

How to clean it up

1. Delete unknown apps. See deleting apps on a Mac.
2. Remove unknown extensions in your browser and reset the home page and search engine.
3. Check System Settings, General, Login Items for what starts along.
4. Change your passwords if you think you entered them on a fake site.

What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam

If your Mac is slow or behaves strangely, we check whether it is software (such as adware or a heavy security program) or hardware. You hear beforehand what is needed. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Mac get a virus?

Yes, but it happens much less than on Windows. With updates and care the risk is small.

Is a free virus scanner reliable?

From a known brand, often yes. Be careful with unknown "Mac cleaners".

I got a message that my Mac is infected. What now?

Close the browser window with Command + Q and do not call any number. It is almost always a fake alert.