If you are unaware of what malware is, then this article is here to answer all your queries. Malware is a collective term used to denote various malicious software like viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware. These are capable of damaging your system in multiple ways.
From allowing unauthorized access to stealing sensitive data or information from your system, malware can do it all. It can be delivered to you in myriad ways, i.e., via email, links, social media, etc. Be it your PC or your mobile phones; all remain at risk of getting attacked by different malware variants.
If you are using a Mac computer and assume that you are safe from malware, then you are wrong. MacBooks, iMacs, and iPhones might not be a frequent target of malware like Windows computers, but they have their threats.
Interestingly, as per the 2020 State of Malware report, there has been an immense rise in the cyberattack on Mac. Compared to 2018, there was a significant rise in the threats for Mac users of over 400%. As compared to Windows, there were almost double threats on Mac endpoints in the year of 2019, as stated by the report of Malwarebytes Labs. Some examples of Mac threats are CyptoMix Clop Ransomware, Shlayer (a variant of adware), Tarmac, and the primary source of such malware are network, i.e., internet.
How to find if your Mac is infected with malware?
Are you wondering whether your Mac is infected with malware or not? If yes, then below mentioned are some ways to tell that.
- If you are facing an unusual amount of banner ads and pop-ups, then there are chances of infection with some malware variants. The more than usual and unexpected pop-ups on your system might be signs that you need to do a virus scan.
- Are you tired of watching that little rainbow-colored spinning wheel on your Mac screen? The speed of your Mac has declined even when there is no program running in the background. It indicates that there is a possibility of some unwanted malware in your system.
- While browsing, if you are redirected to unwanted sites, then there is a high probability that your Mac is infected with some browsing hijacker. Sometimes your browser may land upon a fake warning page. It is nothing but a way to promote scareware.
- Macintosh machines, unlike Windows, are not that much affected by ransomware, but there is still a threat to your files to get encrypted. Hence, if you aren’t able to access your data, then the chances of attack of some ransomware cannot be denied.
- Constant odd behavior portrayed by your browser also suggests that your Mac has been infected with some malware. The viruses affect Safari and Firefox in ways that make your browser crash regularly or make it unresponsive.
How to remove Malware from Mac?
Once you know that your device is infected with any variant of malware, the next step would be the methods that can help you get rid of them. Several ways can work wonders if you wish to remove malware from your Mac. Well, macOS already comes with inbuilt security features that fight against malware into your system.
- The advanced technology of runtime protection in macOS tries to keep your system away from malware. Several technological features like XD which executes disable option, ASLR (address space layout randomization), and System integrity protection help the system fight against the harmful programs.
- Mac keeps the downloading safe for its users. You can download apps from the App store as well as the internet. There is a Gatekeeper on your Mac system, which ensures that your new installation is safe and does not possess any known malicious code.
- The inbuilt browser of your Mac keeps the browsing safer for you. There are myriad privacy features in your Safari browser like automatic strong password, intelligent tracking prevention that is effective.
- Safari browser even safeguards your system from fraudulent websites. Whenever safari finds any website suspicious, it prevents loading to that page and informs you about the same.
Is Antivirus needed for Mac?
You must be wondering if the inbuilt security features of Mac are so effective then there is hardly any need to have a third-party antivirus. As discussed in the beginning, there has been an immense rise in the Mac targeted attacks, which suggests that your macOS needs more strong protection. A variant of adware, Shlayer was even able to bypass the gatekeeper security feature of Mac. Thus, it would be best to have a third-party antivirus which is the best suited for your needs. Various Antivirus options in the market can protect your Mac from almost all types of malware.
3 Best Antivirus for Mac:
1. Avast Premium Security
It offers a certified Mac malware protection along with a network security scanner. The free version also provides these protections, but the additional ransomware protection comes only in the premium mode that safeguards your files. Besides, you can get antivirus protection at the best price using Avast promo codes.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
It provides real-time protection against several variants of malware. While browsing, it keeps your online identity as well as your banking details safe from the hijackers. However, if you need protection for multiple devices, be it Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, you can take advantage of Bitdefender discounts online.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
It is certified to defend your Mac against malware by two major independent testing labs. Be it the threat of identity theft or any other malicious threat for your Mac; it provides security against all.
Conclusion:
With the growing popularity of Mac, the Mac targeted threats are also increasing. If you keep your security above everything else, then you must go for a third-party antivirus for your Mac.
