Can You Get A Virus On A Mac? How Can I Fix It?

Introduction

What is a computer virus? Well, viruses are considered to be packets of a program or software that replicate themselves on a user’s device. These malicious programs can cause a lot of issues amongst users in terms of security breaching. When a virus replicates itself on a computer, it installs itself on different applications and can sometimes control these applications as well.

You will find that viruses can also be extremely tricky to keep track of since they can easily sneak onto your device, and that can lead to a massive problem. Your computer getting infected with a virus can lead to your personal information being leaked, receiving unwanted messages or even having your data destroyed.

Apple is now one of the leading tech companies in the world; it has a range of top-tier devices from the much beloved iPhone to the highly praised iPad. Users have a plethora of features offered to them nowadays, along with the extra security that Apple provides.

Apple provides more security to its users compared to its competitors, and this is because of the isolated ecosystem it provides. The most vulnerable devices to such malware are laptops; Apple has its own laptop called the MacBook. The question is: is Mac safe from viruses or are Apple’s claims not as credible as they seem to be?

How Can You Get a Virus on Your Mac?

Your MacBook can fall prey to a virus through many different ways. It is true that Apple’s laptops are much more secure than the ones running on Windows, and this is because the separate firmware that Apple uses is mostly unfamiliar for most hackers.

However, your MacBook is still prone to viruses; the main threats to your computer are mainly going to be third-party apps such as Microsoft Word, or even Adobe Photoshop. Virus programmers have written malicious code and hidden it in various versions and scripts of third-party apps so that it reaches your device by bypassing Apple’s security.

Moreover, if we talk about Apple’s own applications, the threats are minimal but they still exist. If you surf on Safari, the official browser of the company, you can get in trouble depending on the sites you visit. If you find yourself on a shady-looking website, chances are you might fall victim to a virus attack.

A virus might attempt to freeze your computer and mention a ‘helpline’ to solve the issue; the helpline will merely be a trick intended to get a hold of your personal information. Emails can also lead to viruses, as they sometimes contain a lot of web-traffic redirection which is meant to get through the security and attack you.

How to Avoid Getting a Virus on Your Mac

Even though there might be a few slips-ups in the security department of a Mac, there are a lot of ways you can use to prevent getting these viruses; you just need to take precautionary steps to be safe, since a lot of these issues are mostly initiated because of the user.

First of all, make sure that all applications on your Mac are updated to the latest patch or operating system version. Updating all applications will not only ensure that you get the maximum security possible, but it will also provide you with a few extra features such as the ‘Quarantine’. Quarantine is a built-in Mac tool that alerts you about any new downloads so that you’re always aware of any activity on your device.

Furthermore, you need to stay away from shady websites and enticing emails that don’t look secure; refrain from clicking on such links so that you’re fully protected. Also, make sure that all your Java and Flash applications are kept updated, because they are usually the target points for most hackers due to coders’ familiarity with them.

Lastly, you should make sure that you have your firewall turned on for increased security and, if you use public wifi way too often, you should also throw in a VPN so that you’re fully protected from all harm.

What to do in Case Your Mac Gets a Virus

First and foremost, you need to relax and stay calm about the situation. Once you’re composed, make your way towards the settings and back-up all your data on to a drive or a USB. Once that’s done, you need to make sure that your browser history is completely wiped clean before you take the necessary steps to remove the virus from your Mac.

If you have any sensitive information on your computer, then make sure to password-protect it or secure it with a specific program. After taking all of these safety measures, you’ll now have to follow the five steps mentioned below to remove the virus from your MacBook.

5 Simple Steps to Remove the Virus from Your Mac

Locate the Virus

There are several tools that can inform you of any suspicious-looking apps or programs on your Mac, including but not limited to the Quarantine tool.

Go to the Activity Monitor

Once you know the name of the virus and have located it, go to your MacBook’s activity monitor.

Kill the Virus

Search for the name of the virus in the activity monitor, select it, and then click on the cross on the top left to kill the process.

Uninstall the App

In order to kill the application, you need to head on to the application menu, find the suspicious program, and uninstall it from there.

Restart Your Mac

After following the above mentioned steps, restart your computer so that the changes can be saved and your Mac will be back to normal in no time!

Final Thoughts

Even though having a virus on your computer can be intimidating, you can be safe and protected with the variety of security tools and options that Mac provides, and also by using our step-by-step guide to eliminating viruses.