8 Easy Fixes to Remove Malware from Mac

There is no doubt that a Mac is one of the most secure devices you can get. As an Apple product, it boasts remarkable security and protection. But it is still part of the technology connected to the Internet. Thus, it can still get malware, viruses, and other similar items.

The question is, is there a way to restore your Mac? Can you restore your Mac’s performance without taking adverse steps? This is your ultimate guide to finding the best solutions. If your Mac has malware or viruses, we have compiled a list of solutions for you. They are all tested and updated to make things easier for you.

Signs of Infection – How to Remove Malware from Mac Manually

There are many things that will happen to your Mac if it gets infected with a virus or malware. Since the Mac has some of the best security systems, detecting malware that affects it is difficult. After all, they are well thought out to avoid much of the Mac’s security. So, you should be careful with these signs:

Your Mac has slowed down significantly. This was not due to software upgrades or hardware changes, but gradually. If your Mac has slowed down to an annoying level, it could be a sign of malware.
In addition to slowing down, if your Mac starts to “freeze”or “freeze”it could mean malware. Even older Macs won’t freeze or slow down as quickly. If the Mac restarts or shuts down without any warnings or prompts, it could be a malware issue.
You will find some changes made in apps or web browser. For example, the entire home page is reset or changed. The same applies to the default search engine setting. If you notice such changes or loss of saves in the settings, it may be malware.
Are your files or folders working properly? If you have the correct application to open them, but are unable to access them, it could be malware. If you cannot open a file or folder, the chance increases.
Your Mac may also receive many error messages. No matter what you do, an error popup may appear. The task may still be running, but an error has occurred. Other times you get too many errors lately. If so, it might be malware.
Even if simple applications or processes start consuming an excess amount of RAM. The same goes for other CPU resources. If you find that your Mac is using too much power for even the most basic tasks, it could be malware.
You will find that you are running out of disk and other storage space. Your hard drive may have reduced capacity. It’s not by mistake. Reduced disk space or excessive consumption could mean malware.

These symptoms may also be part of other problems. It could be a software or OS error. You may need to think about what you have done before drawing a conclusion. If you’ve visited questionable websites or frequently opened untrustworthy links, be careful.

Similarly, if you have downloaded from untrusted and unauthenticated platforms, you are at risk. So keep those things in mind as well.

Free Mac Malware Removal Solutions

Always keep your Mac up to date
Use Activity Monitor
Disconnect your Mac from the Internet
Remove browser extensions
Use Safe Mode
Use an antivirus program
Be sure to check your Mac login items
Always uninstall suspicious apps

How to remove malware from Mac?

1. Always keep your Mac up to date

There is nothing better than the updates that Apple releases for the Mac. It has everything for security you could ever need. That’s what makes the Mac such a brilliant device. You don’t need any third party antivirus. The Mac device itself is capable of dealing with all threats. Even after the recent phishing attack, Apple released a security patch.

So, if you ever suspect a security issue, update your mac. Before doing this, be sure to back up your files and data. Updates for macOS must be done manually. Other applications and firmware are updated automatically, but not the OS itself. So here’s how you do it:

Click on the Apple icon to open the menu. Select System Preferences.
There you will find the software update options. On some Macs, it’s not there. In this case, you will have to go to the App Store. In this case, the app store will have a refresh button.
There will be an Update Now button. This is necessary to check for the latest updates, download and install them.
There is also an Update Now button. It’s different. This button will work to update all new OS. In simple terms, it’s like upgrading to a new Windows.

Of course, you may also get a “Mac is up to date”message. This means that everything related to Apple and Mac is up to date on your Mac. If you have another app that is not controlled or owned by Apple, you will need to update it manually. To do this, you will need to visit the app store.

2. Use an activity monitor

The Activity Monitor on Mac is similar to Task Manager. This works in a similar way. Activity Monitor shows you everything that’s running on macOS. You can see how much CPU or RAM any program or service is consuming, among other things. Thus, it is a valuable tool that can help you remove malware.

Navigate to the Apps option on Mac. Find Utilities. There you will find the activity monitor. Click on it to launch.
Now go to the CPU tab and check the CPU usage percentage of various tasks.
Besides CPU, you can also check the Memory and Bytes Written tabs. Even the Network tab will have some information.

What are you doing here? Check the name of the process that is excessively consuming something. It could be excessive network or memory consumption. You can google the name of the process to understand it. If Apple or Google does not have reliable information about the process, it is most likely a virus.

In some cases, you will be informed if it is malware. You can go ahead and select a task and then click on the “Exit”button. If the “Exit”button does not work for any reason, use the “Force exit”option. But it won’t delete the process and it won’t remove it from the Mac. This is a temporary solution.

You may need to find the original application for the process. Right click on the process name and you can navigate to the source. You may need to look through the collection of applications you have. Then find suspicious ones to remove them. After deleting suspicious materials, be sure to empty the Trash as well.

3. Disconnect your Mac from the Internet

Most malware and viruses today work with an active Internet connection. If you suspect that you have a malware infection, you can prevent it from growing. In some cases, you can contain it. This is a good idea in the first place if you use a lot of devices.

If you also notice that certain applications, such as email, are using too much of your network, you may be disconnected. You can also disable the connection and then get rid of the malware. For this:

Go to System Preferences and Network section. Be sure to check the Wi-Fi setting and turn it off.
Repeat the process for Ethernet. This is in case you are using a wired connection. You can find the switch under “IPv4 Setup”in the Ethernet option. Use it and apply the changes.

If you wish, you can disconnect the router from the power supply. You can do the same for Ethernet cables. This can stop malware from spreading from your Mac. Keep in mind that this step will not help you get rid of the malware, but in most cases will stop it from growing.

After that, refrain from using a Mac until you find the right solution.

4. Remove browser extensions

Has your activity monitor shown that your browser is consuming too much memory or resources? Of course, Google Chrome is notorious for such things. It consumes too much RAM, but not all browsers are like that. If you’ve noticed this for your Safari and other browsers, extensions may be the culprit.

The extension looks like an add-on feature for browsers, but it’s not. It’s also like adding an application to your browser. That is why it is also prone to bugs and viruses. This is especially true if you have used an unknown platform to download the extension. Even the Google extension store is not 100% secure. So, removing the extension is a good idea:

For your Safari browser, launch it and go to Menu. Then select “Settings”and find the “Extensions”tab.
The extension can be easily removed by clicking on the “Remove”button. You may need to right-click on the extension or access it.
Be sure to uninstall any extensions you don’t use or don’t recognize. See if they reappear. If so, you may need to take other steps.

If you are using Google Chrome on your Mac, follow these steps:

Launch Google Chrome and you will see a puzzle piece icon in the top right corner. This is the extension icon. Click on it and it will show you all extensions.
You can click to make changes to the extensions and you will be taken to the page. From there, you can select and remove any extension.

There is another way to remove extensions from Google Chrome:

Launch Chrome and select Windows from the options. Then click “Task Manager”. Find the CPU tab in the options and see if any extension is consuming excessive resources.
If they are, return to Windows and select Extensions. Click the uninstall button for the extension that is causing the problem.

5. Use Safe Mode

You may already know about safe mode. If not, it’s the same as the Microsoft counterpart. Safe Mode lets your Mac run only what it needs. It does not download unnecessary applications, autostarts and other components.

Safe Mode is a great tool for solving many system problems. For example, it will prevent malware from downloading or downloading faster. In cases where malware is not easy to detect, safe mode is the ace.

Moreover, it will also clear the system cache for you. But there are different ways to start safe mode on Apple. This will depend on your processor or chipset.

For a Mac that uses Intel:

Restart your Mac and press the Shift button when it starts to load.
The login window will appear. Stop pressing the Shift button. You will now need to provide login credentials.
So how do you know you’re in Safe Boot? You will see “Safe Boot”in the top right corner.

For MI Mac processor:

First, turn off your Mac. Now press the power button. Keep holding it for about 10 seconds. A new set of launch options will be loaded.
Now select your drive. The boot drive is where you have macOS installed. When you select it, be sure to press Shift.
You may be asked if you want to continue working in safe mode. Click Yes and release the Shift button.
You will need to provide the same credentials as you would for a regular login. You can see Safe Boot written in the top right corner.
You can also go to Apple settings by clicking the icon. Go to About This Mac and look for System Report. In the “Software”option, you will see the download mode. It should be in safe mode.

See if your Mac is running normally in safe mode. Go ahead and find the apps and tools you don’t use. Delete them or delete the files you suspect. Secure Boot is a great choice for removing extensions, files, and anything else that might contain malware. After that, you can normally reboot and run in the original mode.

6. Use an antivirus program

As mentioned earlier, the need for an antivirus program is rare. Apple and Mac provide better security on their own. But you can still opt for premium security.

Premium antivirus can help you when all else fails. If you can’t find a way to remove malware, download a genuine or certified antivirus. Use what Mac and Apple trust. But be sure to do this:

You will need to allow access to the antivirus. As already mentioned, do not use unreliable or unknown third party applications.
Go to the Apple menu and find System Preferences. There you will find the “Security and Privacy”option.
Select your antivirus from the list and be sure to allow it full disk access.

Only with full access to the disk, the antivirus can thoroughly scan the system. Without it, the application may be useless.

7. Be sure to check your Mac login items

Mac login items are launcher apps. They run when you boot up your Mac and start with them. Some malware sticks to these programs like parasites. Thus, you may not be able to detect them.

There may also be some kind of launcher that you don’t know anything about. So, it is recommended to check the login elements:

Click on the Apple logo to open the menu and go to System Preferences.
You will find user groups in the options. Click on it and find the entry points. It should be under the lock icon in the bottom left corner.
If you find any login element that you are not familiar with. You may want to uninstall the related application. You can also disable those that you may not need.

8. Always uninstall suspicious apps

If this is not clear, you should always check the applications installed on the system. This should also be one of the “useful”solutions for you. You can also do this in the Secure Boot option. This will prevent any problematic application from interfering with your process.

Here are some tips:

Uninstall any apps you haven’t used in a while. It’s not that important if you haven’t used it yet. You can always reinstall them when you need them.
Always check the application list from time to time. See if there is an application that you don’t recognize. Don’t run it. Find it on Google or another engine. See if you can find information. You can always remove them.
Do not download applications from untrusted sources. These include shady websites and third party platforms. Some app stores such as the Google App Store are acceptable.
Always research the app. Make sure you have reviews and other relevant information. This will prevent you from downloading untrusted apps.

Malware Prevention Tips on Mac

The solutions above will help you take care of malware. But what if you don’t want them in the first place? You can remember these pointers. They will help you keep your device safe:

Do not subscribe to unnecessary email newsletters, especially those that are unfamiliar to you. Try not to open emails from unknown people. If you don’t remember the letter, don’t open it.
Avoid visiting unknown or unreliable websites. Any piracy website and service also falls into this category.
Try to update and change your passwords from time to time. Once a month or three is a great practice. Make sure you have strong passwords. Use a password manager if necessary.
Try to only use apps available in the Apple App Store. You may have to buy them, but at least they are trustworthy.
Make sure your real-time protection and antivirus are working. Mac comes with built-in security. Make sure it works fine.
There is no need to download or use tools like ad blockers and security tools that you don’t trust. They cannot be trusted applications. You may end up infiltrating.
Always back up your files and data. This is a good practice if you need to reset the entire system.
Don’t forget to run a scan from time to time.

The last resort is to restart your Mac

If none of the solutions above worked for you, it’s time for the last resort. You can reset the entire Mac. Resetting a Mac to factory settings is a complicated process and can take some time, but it’s the best option.

You can also visit your nearest Apple Store for assistance. They may have some other malware cleaning method. If not, then you will have to restart your Mac.

Warning signs that your Mac has a virus

Your Mac is running slowly.
Your Mac freezes or restarts unexpectedly.
Your web browser changes its home page and/or search engine.
Files and folders do not open.
Frequent error messages appear on your Mac.
One or more processes are taking up all of your RAM and/or CPU resources.

How to find and remove malware from your Mac

There are two main types of malware: viruses and worms. Viruses are malware that infect your Mac while worms are programs that replicate themselves. To find and remove malware from your Mac, follow these steps:

Scan your Mac with Malwarebytes.
Update your Mac’s operating system.
Remove malware files.
Scan your Mac again.

Malicious software is software designed to damage your computer or steal your data.

Mac computers used to be better protected from malware than Windows PCs, but that has changed in recent years.

If you’re worried about your security, here’s how to find and remove malware from your Mac.

Check activity monitor for anything suspicious

Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities
Click the CPU tab, then click the %CPU column to sort processes by the most used CPU.
Look for processes you don’t know that use a lot of processing power
Do the same with the Memory tab and the Memory column.
Repeat this with the Bytes Written column on the Disk tab.
Finally, go to the “Network”tab and sort the “Bytes Sent”column.

Disconnect from the Internet

In System Preferences, click Network.
Select a Wi-Fi connection and click Turn Wi-Fi Off.
If you are using an Ethernet cable, select this option and then disconnect the cable.
You can also turn off the router, but this is not required.

Remove suspicious browser extensions

In Safari, click Safari in the top menu and select Preferences.
Select the Extensions tab
To remove an extension, click it, then click the Remove button.
Remove any extensions you don’t recognize or use a lot of CPU resources in Activity Monitor.
In Chrome, choose Window > Task Manager.
Sort the CPU column to see if any extensions are consuming more processing power. Do the same for the Storage and Network columns.
Now choose Window > Extensions from the menu bar.
Review the installed extensions and click the “Remove”button for those that seem suspicious.

Boot into safe mode

There are two ways to boot into safe mode – one for Intel processors and one for ARM-based M1 chips.

Safe Mode removes some system caches so that they can be restored automatically.

If your Mac is working fine, it either has malware that won’t boot in safe mode, or you’re experiencing some other software-related issue.

Launch your antivirus application

It is recommended that you run an antivirus application on your Mac. There are many good antivirus apps available such as MacKeeper Antivirus and Malwarebytes Premium for Mac.

An antivirus application can scan your entire Mac in just a few minutes and check every file for an extensive database of threats and suspicious behavior. Mac computers can now receive malware. You may need an antivirus app if you download a lot of apps

How to prevent malware from getting onto your Mac

Malware is a general term that includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware. Malicious software can be downloaded to your computer without your knowledge.

Back up your files regularly
Clean your device of problematic apps and extensions
Use a Malware Removal Tool for Your Mac
Get expert help if needed
Keep your Mac updated with the latest software updates.
Use a good antivirus program and keep it up to date.
Install ad blockers and pop-up blockers.
Be careful what you download and install.
Do not open email attachments or follow links in emails from unknown senders.
Keep your firewall turned on.

What if I still can’t get rid of malware?

If the malware is still on your computer, then you need to reinstall Windows. You should also check if other applications have been affected. If so, then you should remove them.

If you are unable to remove the malware using the steps above, try performing a factory reset.

This will erase everything on your Mac and return it to its original state.

Hopefully this will remove all viruses from your system.

If you’ve tried all the methods listed in this guide and you’re still having malware issues, it’s time to take more drastic action.

There are a number of programs that can help you remove malware from your computer, even if you don’t have the technical knowledge.

If you are not comfortable removing malware on your own, you can also call a specialist to help you get rid of the infection.

Conclusion – How to Remove Malware from Mac, Google Chrome, Safari

Mac is a highly secure device. It is well versed in security and keeps you well protected. But malware is notorious and constantly updated. Thus, it will not be a mistake to keep these decisions in mind. I hope you have found a suitable solution to deal with malware problems on Mac.

Remember that the latest OS versions for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS are safe. They have made anti-virus programs completely useless. But you can get an antivirus if you choose paid protection. Subscribing to an antivirus package is still a good idea to improve security.

With that in mind, protect your Mac from malware with the guide above.

FAQ

How to remove Search Baron malware from Mac?

Search Baron Malware is malware for the Safari browser. You will have to change your Safari settings for development. Developer mode will allow you to make changes and fix the issue. This is the best known method to remove Search Baron malware from Mac.

Do you need antivirus on Mac for malware?

When it comes to any gadget, antivirus systems have lost their importance. However, they can continue to provide assistance and enhance security. It’s a good idea to invest in and use high quality antivirus software. No doubt it will help keep your device safe. There is no need to use a free antivirus program. Your operating system is already well versed in providing the same level of security.

Is a malicious virus different from spyware and ransomware?

These are all bad for your system, but yes, malware is different. The malware works to damage and slow down your system. Spyware works to collect information from you in order to sell it to third party companies. Ransomware can compromise your security in order to obtain data such as payment information. The person or company that created the ransomware can then use that information.

Is Mac Safari browser safer than Google Chrome?

For a Macbook user, it would be the right choice to stick with Safari. But there are many other secure browsers out there. By comparison, Safari is safer than Google Chrome for various reasons. After all, this is an Apple product and can be trusted. People still prefer Google Chrome due to less control and open access.