MacBook virus scan

There is little more annoying than getting caught by a virus, even for a MacBook. MacOS virus scanners protect you from that. But do they protect enough? And what happens if your laptop has a virus? This blog tells you how to keep viruses out.

In this article, we discuss:

• Does my MacBook have a virus scanner?
• What is a virus anyway?
• What can I do to protect my MacBook from viruses?
• Security Settings MacBook
• Does my MacBook need additional virus scanners?
• Does my MacBook have a virus?
• How do I remove a virus from my MacBook?
• How does macOS protect your MacBook from malware?
• Ask ThePhonelab for help

Does my MacBook have a virus scanner?

All Apple devices include their own virus scan by default – including your MacBook. It’s also called antivirus software: security programs that prevent viruses from entering your laptop. Without even realizing it, this software runs on your MacBook and is updated automatically – no need to download it separately.

What is a virus anyway?

In computing, a virus is the umbrella name for malicious software such as Trojans, worms, spyware, fake (rogue) security software and simply viruses. This software can invade your computer or laptop unwanted and damage the operating system. Viruses can also perform activities under your name, such as a hacker invading a device, or a virus sending e-mails or deleting data without permission. Another generic term for viruses is also called malware, short for malicious software (translated: malicious software), and can strike on any device – including on your iPhone.

What can I do to protect my MacBook from viruses?

Even though macOS has its own built-in security system, you can always protect your MacBook extra against viruses. Most important here is your own PC behavior, because viruses often enter your computer or laptop through wrong downloads or instant messages or emails with links or attachments that contain viruses (spam). Therefore, always download programs or apps through the App Store and do not open websites, messages, attachments, links or images that you do not trust. Do you doubt the reliability? Then always move the source to the spam box, junk folder or trash can, and empty it.

Security Settings MacBook

Through your MacBook’s security settings, you can largely prevent viruses from entering your laptop. Through the ‘Privacy and Security’ settings, you can set up to prevent unsafe apps from reaching your MacBook.

1. From the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen, select System Settings.
2. Click on “Privacy and Security” in the navigation column (sometimes you have to scroll down).
3. Go to the “Security” tab. Choose the source/s from which your MacBook is allowed to install software:
   – ‘App Store’. All apps you can download from this online store are known to Apple and checked by macOS. Apple immediately removes unreliable apps from its offerings.
   – ‘App Store and well-known developers’. All apps and apps from well-known developers that you can download from this online store are known to Apple and verified by macOS. Apple revokes the authorization of unreliable apps and/or removes them from its offerings.

Does my MacBook need additional virus scanners?

The automatically built-in antivirus scanners on your MacBook can be considered very reliable. Also, macOS is known to be little affected by malicious software. Therefore, it is not necessary for most people to download separate virus scanners. Moreover, virus scanners such as AVG, Bitdefender, McAfee or Norton often even give you so many notifications and intervene so often that they almost behave like viruses themselves. So we do not recommend installing an additional virus scanner on your MacBook. However, always pay close attention to your own computer use and behavior. Always be on your guard and think carefully before you click on a link or dismiss a warning.

Does my MacBook have a virus?

The short and correct answer to this question is: usually not, but it can be done. The built-in security software of macOS is strong, but even Macs can be hit by malware. Still, we stress again that you should always stay alert to phishing: never enter personal or login information on a website that is not trustworthy.

How do I remove a virus from my MacBook?

If you get a notification of a virus, close and move the app to the trash as soon as possible and empty it immediately. Can’t stop the app? Then choose forced stop:

1. Press and hold these three keys simultaneously: Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + Escape.
2. From the Apple menu, choose the “Force Stop” option.
3. In the window, select the app in question and click “Force stop. Can’t do that? Then proceed to step 4.
4. Go to the Apple search bar and click “Go.
5. Select “Utilities.
6. Double-click on “Activity View.
7. In the list of apps, look for a suspicious activity, click on it, followed by the Stop icon in the top left corner.
8. Select “Force stop” from the window that appears.

How does macOS protect your MacBook from malware?

macOS uses multiple layers of security to prevent and remove malware. Think Gatekeeper and notarization to check if apps are trustworthy, and XProtect to detect and block known malware. These security components are also updated automatically, often separately from major macOS updates. That helps, but it’s still important to remain critical of downloads, fake notifications and links yourself.

Ask ThePhonelab for help

Are you still worried that your MacBook has a virus, however unlikely? We understand that if so, you want to be on the safe side. In that case, a software restore is the most thorough step you can take. Restore the Mac to its factory settings to remove all data and any virus. Can’t get it to work for you? Then make an appointment for a MacBook software repair. You are welcome in one of our stores. Our specialists will help you get your MacBook working like new again. And by!