How to Check Your Mac for Viruses

As a Mac user, it's essential to be cautious about what you click on, which apps you download (and from where), and who you allow access to your computer. While Macs are generally considered to be more secure than PCs, they can still get viruses if you're not careful.

In fact, research has shown that 50% of employees say they're less likely to follow safe data practices when working from home because they're not working on their usual devices. Additionally, a third of workers rarely or never think about cybersecurity at work, and younger workers are 5x more likely to make mistakes with security consequences.

To check your Mac for viruses, start by deleting any suspicious extensions in Safari. Go to Preferences > Extensions and remove any apps that you didn't install yourself. You can also change your homepage to a trusted site if needed.

Next, go into System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and look for files downloaded from the internet. Delete any unknown software titles or files from the Downloads folder by dragging them to Trash and then right-clicking and selecting Delete Trash. After deleting each item, restart your computer to ensure it's fully removed.

If you're not using anti-virus software, there are other troubleshooting steps you can take. Look inside the Applications folder on your Mac for unknown software titles and remove any suspicious apps. If malware has been detected, follow the directions for removal from your anti-virus software provider.

Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date and run a system scan immediately to see if it detects a problem. If you're convinced your computer has malware, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue.

Remember, the likelihood of a Mac user getting a virus largely comes down to that user's behavior. By being mindful of what you click on and taking steps to protect your computer, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting a virus.

How to check mac for viruses