Updated on: August 26, 2024
Despite popular belief, Macs are not immune to malware and viruses. While it’s true that macOS has strong security features, the growing number of Mac users has made the platform an appealing target for cybercriminals.
That’s why Mac users must take proactive measures to secure their systems. This includes leveraging the built-in security features of macOS, performing regular software updates, and maintaining cautious downloading practices.
The most effective way to protect your Mac is by using a reliable antivirus solution. I recommend Intego as the best antivirus for Macs, thanks to its comprehensive security features tailored specifically for macOS.
In this article, I’ll explore the various types of malware that threaten Macs and discuss the essential built-in security features of macOS. I’ll also provide practical tips on how to protect your Mac against these threats in 2024. Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
Is It Possible for Macs to Get Malware & Viruses?
Yes, even though Macs aren’t as susceptible to malware and viruses as other operating systems, they still face various threats. Your Mac can get trojans, ransomware, adware, cryptojackers, rootkits, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and you can still be subject to phishing scams from untrustworthy websites and emails.
Most cybercriminals target Windows due to its larger user base, but many have recently started targeting Macs. Some recent examples of malware targeting macOS include:
- SpectralBlur. This is a sophisticated backdoor malware that infiltrates Macs, often through phishing emails or malicious downloads. Once installed, SpectralBlur allows hackers to remotely control the infected Mac. It can execute commands, log keystrokes, capture screenshots, and access personal files — without the user ever noticing.
- Activator. Discovered in early 2024, this Trojan horse infiltrates macOS systems through cracked software downloaded from pirating websites. Once installed, Activator executes a post-install script that initiates the infection, including the installation of a Python interpreter and the execution of a malicious payload. This payload reaches out to a command-and-control server to download additional scripts and commands, ultimately giving attackers remote access to the infected Mac. The malware can steal cryptowallet data, execute arbitrary commands, and persist through system reboots.
- RustDoor. Spread through deceptive emails and fake job offers, RustDoor creates a backdoor on infected Macs, allowing attackers to access and control the system remotely. RustDoor is particularly dangerous because it can spread further malware and steal your sensitive information.
- XCSSET. Discovered in 2020, XCSSET targets Mac developers by infecting Xcode projects. It can steal browser data, inject malware into websites viewed by the developer, and even execute commands with root privileges. This malware highlights the increasing complexity of attacks against Mac users.
- Silver Sparrow. This malware has had a widespread impact, having infected over 30,000 Macs globally. It’s one of the first strains of malware with native code for M1 chips and it operates as a malicious installer that runs in the background on your Mac. It’s capable of downloading and executing additional payloads, which could include spyware and other harmful software.
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for Mac:
Do Macs Have Built-In Security Features?
Yes, Macs have some of the most advanced built-in security features around. Specific security features vary depending on whether you have an Intel-based Mac or a Mac with Apple silicon (M-series). Click the Apple logo at the top of your screen and then click About This Mac to find out which type you have.
Apple Silicon-Only Security Features
- Pointer Authentication Codes (PAC): Enhances memory security by protecting against return-oriented programming (ROP) and jump-oriented programming (JOP) attacks. ROP and JOP attacks exploit the existing code in a program. PAC helps prevent this by verifying the authenticity of memory addresses.
- Kernel Integrity Protection (KIP): KIP monitors and maintains the integrity of your Mac’s kernel, preventing tampering by malware. It ensures that the core part of the operating system remains secure and unchanged.
- Advanced Memory Protection: This utilizes hardware-based mechanisms to protect against memory corruption attacks. It safeguards the system by preventing unauthorized changes to memory.
Intel-Based Mac Security Features
- Intel Boot Guard: This ensures that the system boots with legitimate, trusted software, by verifying the platform firmware against a known good state.
- Intel SGX (Software Guard Extensions): SGX provides applications with the ability to create secure enclaves, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. A secure enclave is a protected and encrypted area of memory where data can be processed securely, isolated from the rest of the system.
- Intel BIOS Guard: The BIOS flash memory stores the firmware that initializes and manages hardware (like RAM, storage, and other components) during startup. BIOS Guard protects the BIOS flash memory from modification and corruption, ensuring the integrity of the firmware.
- Hardware-Verified Secure Boot (T2 Chip): This ensures the lowest levels of software aren’t tampered with and only trusted operating system software loads at startup.
- Encrypted Storage (T2 Chip): This provides on-the-fly data encryption for everything stored on your SSD, meaning your data remains secure even if the physical storage is removed.
Security Features Available on Both Apple Silicon and Intel-Based Macs (With T2 Chip)
- Secure Enclave: This is a coprocessor that provides a secure boot process and encrypted storage. It’s available on Macs with Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs with the T2 chip. Mac’s own version of secure enclave works as well as Intel’s SGX.
- Gatekeeper: Gatekeeper verifies downloaded apps before you open them to ensure they’re from a trusted source.
- XProtect: Apple’s built-in antivirus automatically scans downloaded files for known malware and prevents them from running if detected.
- FileVault: This encrypts your entire hard drive to protect data from unauthorized access, providing strong security in case your Mac is lost or stolen.
- System Integrity Protection (SIP): SIP restricts the root user account and limits the actions that the root user can perform on protected parts of macOS, helping to prevent potentially malicious software from modifying system files and directories.
- Privacy and Security Settings: This comprehensive set of settings allows you to control which apps have access to your information and which sources are allowed for software installation.
How to Protect Your Mac Against Viruses & Other Threats in 2024
Macs are the most secure computers available. But even so, no device is completely immune to threats. Here are some essential tips to protect your Mac:
Use Antivirus Software
Using a reliable antivirus program is your first line of defense. I use Intego on my M1 MacBook Air, and I highly recommend it. It offers comprehensive security alongside clean-up tools, real-time malware detection, a powerful firewall, and more.
In my tests, it detected 100% of the malware samples I downloaded. But you don’t have to stick to Intego — there are other great antivirus apps for Mac you can use instead.
Keep Your Mac Updated
Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS to benefit from the latest security patches and features. Regular updates fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malware and other cyber threats.
To check if your Mac needs updates, go to the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Automatic updates should be turned on by default. If, for some reason, they’re not, click the little i icon with a circle around it and choose your options.
Use a Firewall
Turn on your Mac’s firewall to block unauthorized connections and enhance network security. This built-in feature is essential for protecting against network threats.
Though macOS’s built-in firewall is powerful on its own, it doesn’t block outbound connections, which means potentially malicious apps could still send data from your computer to external servers. For that, I recommend using Intego’s firewall.
Be Cautious With Downloads
Download software from trusted sources only, such as the App Store or verified developers. Avoid downloading pirated or unknown software, as these are common sources of malware.
Verify the authenticity of software before installing it: read reviews or research the developer. When in doubt, avoid the app altogether.
Use Strong Passwords
Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts to prevent unauthorized access. A strong password includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and is generally at least 12 characters long. You can also use passphrases, which are long sequences of random words. They’re easy to remember but tough to crack. For example, “Random-Tacos-In-Clever-Toboggan” is both memorable and secure due to its length and randomness.
If your Mac supports it, I also recommend using passkeys, like TouchID. TouchID lets you log in, install apps, and sign into accounts using your fingerprint. It’s highly secure, using your unique biometric data and strong encryption, which makes it comparable to the strongest passwords. It’s also far more convenient, allowing quick and easy access with just a fingerprint scan.
Speaking of convenience, using a dedicated password manager is also a great option. Mac’s iCloud Keychain is useful but limited — , it doesn’t support shared family vaults or access on non-Apple devices. To securely share and access passwords across all your devices, consider a third-party password manager like 1Password.
Clear Your Browser’s Cache Regularly
Regularly clear your browser cache to remove potential malware and improve performance. Cached data can sometimes include malicious scripts. Here’s how to clear your cache on Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
On Safari, click History in the top menu bar and then click Clear History. Note, however, that clearing Safari’s history deletes cached files as well. If you’d prefer to keep your website data, including cached images and files, simply hold the Option key to turn the Clear History button into a Clear History and Keep Website Data button.
To do this on Google Chrome, hold Command, press the Y key, and click Clear browsing data on the left. Then, choose your time range, click Cached images and file > Clear data.
For Firefox, hold the Shift and Command buttons while pressing Delete. Then, choose your time range, select Cookies and Cache, then click Clear Now.
Avoid Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails and messages from unknown senders. Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information unless you’re certain of the source. Use email filters and security features to block phishing attempts.
Again, I highly recommend Intego for preventing phishing scams. Intego’s VirusBarrier has a feature called “Safe Browsing On” that checks whether your browser’s anti-phishing settings are turned on. This helps you quickly see if your settings need adjusting.
Enable FileVault Encryption
FileVault uses XTS-AES-128 encryption to protect the data on your Mac and requires a 256-bit key to decrypt it. It’s very important to use FileVault in case your Mac is ever lost or stolen, or if you ever just want to sell it or give it away. It also helps stop hackers from accessing your data while your Mac is off or asleep.
It’s really easy to turn on FileVault if you haven’t already. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault, and turn it on. This feature is particularly useful if your Mac gets lost or stolen.
Important note: If you enable FileVault, do not lose the decryption key! Make sure you record it in a safe place. If you forget your password and lose the key, the data on your Mac will be unrecoverable.
You can safely store your FileVault decryption key using a good password manager. In addition to creating and storing passwords, password managers have the added benefit of securely storing important notes — like the one containing your decryption key.
Furthermore, when updating your Mac to the latest version of macOS, take note of the new decryption key displayed on your screen after the update. This new key will replace your old one, which will no longer work.
Perform Regular Backups
Backups provide a safety net, allowing you to restore your system to a previous state. Regularly back up your data using Time Machine or another backup solution to ensure you can recover your files in case of a security breach or hardware failure.
You’ll need an external drive to use Time Machine (you can’t use the built-in storage drive on your Mac or iCloud Drive). I recommend using an external drive with a capacity of 250 GB to 500 GB.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN enhances your online security and privacy by encrypting your internet connection, whether you’re at home or on public Wi-Fi. At home, it helps keep your browsing habits private from your internet service provider.
On public Wi-Fi, a VPN becomes even more important as these networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept sensitive information like your passwords or banking details. By creating a secure tunnel, a VPN protects your data from prying eyes, safeguarding your privacy and security across all networks.
I highly recommend ExpressVPN because it’s one of the best on the market. It’s safe, fast, intuitive, with plenty of features that many competitors don’t offer.
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and Intego are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Tell if Your Mac Has a Virus
Identifying a virus on your Mac can be tricky, but there are several clear signs to watch out for. Here are some key indicators that your Mac might be infected with malware:
- Sudden sluggish performance. If your Mac is running much slower than usual, it could be due to malware consuming system resources.
- Unexpected behavior. Frequent crashes, programs opening or closing on their own, or unfamiliar pop-ups and ads can indicate the presence of adware or more serious malware.
- Battery drain. MacBooks have excellent battery management systems in place. If your battery is draining faster than usual, it could indicate the presence of malicious processes running in the background without your knowledge.
- Unusual network activity. If your internet connection is slower than usual or if you notice data being sent or received when you’re not using your Mac, it could be a sign of a virus attempting to communicate with a remote server.
- Unfamiliar applications or toolbars. If you notice new apps or browser extensions that you didn’t install, they could be part of a malware infection.
- Changes in browser settings. If your homepage has changed or if you’re being redirected to suspicious websites, it’s a strong indication that malware is present.
What to Do if Your Mac Has a Virus
If you suspect your Mac is infected with a virus, follow these steps to solve the problem.
Step 1. Install a Reliable Antivirus Program
Install a trusted antivirus program. An app like Intego is specifically designed for macOS and provides comprehensive protection against various types of malware.
But again — you don’t have to use Intego. I use it on my Mac, but you can use other great apps, like TotalAV.
Step 2. Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Once the antivirus app is installed, run a full system scan. This scan will search every file and folder on your Mac for malicious software.
Running a full scan is essential because it ensures that no part of your system is overlooked, allowing the antivirus software to detect all potential threats.
Step 3. Quarantine and Delete Suspicious Files
After the scan is completed, the antivirus app will present a list of suspicious files and potential threats. Quarantine these files to isolate them from the rest of your system, preventing further damage or spread of the virus.
Once the suspicious files are quarantined, you could review them and delete any confirmed to be malicious. However, reliable antivirus apps like Intego don’t produce many false positives — so it’s OK to go ahead and allow the app to automatically delete files without reviewing them one by one.
Step 4. Stay Protected
To prevent future infections, keep your antivirus software active and up to date. Intego offers real-time protection that continuously monitors your system for threats. Additionally, its web protection features can safeguard you against malicious websites and online threats. And make sure to regularly update macOS and the apps you use. All of this combined will ensure you have the latest security patches and virus definitions.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
Do Macs Have a Firewall?
Yes, macOS has a built-in firewall. The firewall is designed to block incoming network connections, helping protect your system from unauthorized access by monitoring and controlling the data traffic entering your Mac. However, since the built-in firewall on macOS primarily blocks incoming connections, it can’t prevent malicious applications from sending data out. Additionally, it lacks advanced features like detailed traffic monitoring that’s available in third-party firewalls.
To access and enable the firewall, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences… on macOS Monterey or earlier).
- Navigate to Network.
- Click Firewall.
- Enable the firewall button.
Once the firewall is enabled, you can configure its settings to suit your security needs. macOS allows you to control which applications and services can accept incoming connections. For more advanced options, click Options. From here, you can select the settings as you see fit.
Do Macs Have a VPN?
Unfortunately, they don’t — but the good news is that there are some excellent third-party options. My personal favorite is ExpressVPN, but there are other great options, too.
Whichever VPN you choose, make sure it has:
- Good security features. Look for AES-256 encryption and additional security measures to protect your data like a VPN with a no-logs policy and a kill switch. A no-logs policy means your browsing behavior doesn’t get logged (or stored), and a kill switch disables your internet connection should your VPN disconnect for whatever reason, which safeguards your privacy.
- Fast speeds. High-speed servers in multiple locations are essential for smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- User-friendly interface. A VPN should be easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and seamless integration with macOS.
- Compatibility with Mac. The VPN should work seamlessly with all versions of macOS and offer dedicated apps for optimal performance.
- Reasonable pricing. Pricing should be indicative of the features you get. It’s ok to pay more for a VPN if it comes with great additional features. Conversely, a basic one with fewer features should be more affordable.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Should You Install an Antivirus on Your Mac?
Yes, for most people, this is a great idea. A third-party antivirus can provide additional protection and benefits. Here’s how:
- Outbound traffic monitoring. As I’ve mentioned, macOS’s built-in firewall primarily focuses on incoming connections. Third-party antivirus solutions offer advanced firewalls that can monitor and control outbound traffic, preventing unauthorized applications or malware from connecting to the internet.
- Advanced real-time protection. macOS includes XProtect and Gatekeeper for real-time protection against known malware. However, third-party antivirus programs use more advanced detection techniques — like heuristics and machine learning — to identify and block zero-day threats and new, evolving malware.
- Comprehensive web protection. While Safari includes features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, third-party antiviruses like Intego blocked more threats in my tests.
- Parental controls. This set of features can safeguard your children by offering detailed activity reports, customizable content filters, and the ability to set time limits. While Macs come with decent built-in parental controls called Screen Time, standalone antivirus apps offer more features and functionality.
- System optimization tools. Many antivirus programs come with system optimization features that improve your Mac’s performance by cleaning up junk files, managing startup items, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple’s Mac have built-in antivirus?
No, Macs don’t have a fully fledged built-in antivirus, but they include several security measures such as XProtect, Gatekeeper, and a basic firewall, which help protect against known malware and unauthorized apps. These built-in features provide a solid baseline of protection.
However, complementing them with a great antivirus for Mac, like Intego, can offer enhanced security. Third-party antivirus solutions provide advanced real-time protection, outbound traffic monitoring, comprehensive web protection, and additional privacy tools, making them a valuable addition to Mac’s native defenses.
Is a free antivirus enough for Mac?
No, it’s not. Free antiviruses often lack comprehensive protection and essential features found in premium solutions. They may have limited real-time protection, fewer updates, and lack advanced tools like VPNs, password managers, and parental controls.
Top antivirus programs come with extensive money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free. Investing in a reputable antivirus ensures strong security, privacy, and additional features that free versions typically do not provide, ultimately offering better protection for your Mac.
Do you need an antivirus on a Mac?
Yes, most Mac users will benefit from a good macOS antivirus because it adds extra protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats. While macOS has robust built-in security features, these defenses may not be enough for users who frequently download software, browse various websites, or handle sensitive data. Advanced real-time protection, web protection, and privacy tools offered by third-party antivirus programs can greatly enhance your Mac’s security.
