Protect your Mac from malware. MacOS has many features that help protect your Mac and your personal information from malicious software, or malware.One common way malware is distributed is by embedding it in a harmless-looking app. Mac Adware: Should I Worry About It? Yes, you should! To protect your system you need to check for and remove adware from your Mac regularly. Because adware removal is no longer an option. Despite popular misconceptions that “Macs don’t get viruses,” the opposite is true. In fact, the very first virus - or malware (malicious software. Adware for mac free download - Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool, Adware Removal Pro, WinZip Mac, and many more programs.
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In this article, we will look at the most common Mac viruses and security flaws, how to detect them, prevent your Mac from getting them, and how to remove them.
The more macOS grows in popularity, the more lucrative it becomes to hackers and rogue programmers, and with no anti-virus, your MacBook is at risk of attack. Viruses on Mac are more common than you might imagine. We’re going to run through known Mac viruses, malware, and security flaws and show you how to keep your computer safe using CleanMyMac X.
Something to note before we continue: a virus is a type of malware, capable of copying itself and spreading across a system. Malware is a blanket term for a wide range of malicious software including adware, spyware, ransomware, and Trojans. So all viruses are malware, but not all malware are viruses if that makes sense?
Spyware And Adware For Mac
Okay, let’s dig in.
How a Mac virus infects your system
How does a Mac virus find its way onto your system in the first place? Typically with a helping hand from you.
Apple viruses rely on you downloading a program, clicking a link, or installing an app or plugin.
The most common ways for malware to infiltrate your computer is through third-party browser plugins like Adobe Reader, Java, and Flash, or by using a Trojan horse or phishing scam — an app or email that appears to be from a legitimate source, but is in fact fraudulent. The moment you click on a link and enter details or download the seemingly genuine app, you give the green light for a virus to infect your system.
The best way to avoid a virus on Mac is to be vigilant. Double check every app that you want to download and every email that you receive before following through on an action. If something seems off, there’s every chance that it is.
However, as you’ll see from some of the viruses, in certain cases even vigilance can’t protect you.
An X-ray of a Mac virus: Here is what it looks like
Below is an executable command of an adware code. As you can see it aims to 'download offers' that users see on their computers
Known Mac viruses
1. Microsoft Word macro viruses
What’s that, a Microsoft program bringing its virus-riddled programs over to Mac? Unfortunately, yes.
Macros are commonly used by Word users to automate repetitive tasks and they're a prime target for Malware peddlers. Macro support on Mac was removed by Apple with the release of Office for Mac back in 2008, but was reintroduced in 2011 meaning files opened with macros enabled could run a Python code to log keystrokes and take screenshots of personal data.
In 2017, Malwarebytes discovered malware in a Word document about Donald Trump to the worry of Mac users. However, the chances of being infected rely on you opened that specific file, which is slim.
A warning message that Apple displays anytime a file contains macros should be enough to keep you safe from Word macro viruses.
2. Safari-get
Safari-get is a denial-of-service (DoS) attack that began targeting Mac in 2016. The malware is hidden behind a link in a seemingly genuine tech support email — you click on the link, the malware makes itself at home on your computer.
What happens then depends on whether you’re running macOS 10 or 11. The first variant takes control of the mail application to force create multiple draft emails. The second force opens iTunes multiple times. The end goal for both is the same: overload system memory to bring your Mac to its knees so that you call up a fake Apple tech support number and hand over your credit card details to a bogus team on the other end of the line.
MacOS High Sierra versions 10.12.2 and above include a patch for this vulnerability, so updating your machine should keep you safe.
Adware For Mac Free
3. OSX/Pirrit
OSX/Pirrit is a virus that is able to gain root privileges to take it upon itself to create a new account and download software that you neither want nor need. The virus was found by Cybereason to be hidden in cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office that are popular on torrent sites.
A stark reminder, if ever you needed one, to never download pirated software!
Known Mac malware
1. OSX/MaMi
OSX/MaMi holds the distinction of being the first macOS malware of 2018. It targets Mac users with social engineering methods such as malicious emails and website pop-ups. Once it’s made its way onto a system, the malware changes DNS server settings so that attackers can route traffic through malicious servers and intercept any sensitive data. MaMi is also capable of taking screenshots, downloading and uploading files, executing commands, and generating mouse events.
The Hacker News provides instructions on how to identify the virus on your system:
“To check if your Mac computer is infected with MaMi malware, go to the Terminal via the System Preferences app and check for your DNS settings—particularly look for 82.163.143.135 and 82.163.142.137.”
2. OSX/Dok
This piece of Malware is a worrying one in that it is signed with an Apple-authenticated developer certificate, thus allowing it to bypass Mac’s Gatekeeper security feature and XProtect. Like OSX/MaMi, OSX/Dok intercepts all traffic (including traffic on SSL-TLS encrypted websites) moving between your computer and the internet to steal private information.
Since it arrived on the scene in April 2017, Apple has revoked the developer certificate and updated XProtect, however, it remains one to look out for.
3. Fruitfly
Fruitfly malware has stolen millions of user images, personal data, tax records and “potentially embarrassing communications over a 13 year period by capturing screenshots and webcam images. Researchers are unsure how the near-undetectable “creepware” finds its way on to Mac systems and while Apple has been working to patch the issue, it’s unknown if newer versions still exist in the wild.
4. X-agent
X-agent is classic malware capable of stealing your passwords and iPhone backups and taking screenshots of sensitive data. It has mainly targeted members of the Ukrainian military, which is very bad, of course, but if you're not a member of Ukrainian military you’re unlikely to be affected.
5. MacDownloader
While its name suggests it could be a useful app, MacDownloader is a very nasty piece of malware programmed to attack the US defense industry. It’s hidden inside a fake Adobe Flash update and shows a pop-up claiming your system is infected with adware. By clicking on the alert and entering your admin password, MacDownloader lifts sensitive data, including passwords and credit card details, and sends it to a remote server.
MacDownloader is designed to attack a particular audience, but it’s worth checking for updates on Adobe’s official website before installing any new version of Flash.
6. KeRanger
KeRanger is macOS’s first introduction to ransomware — malware that encrypts system files and demands a ransom to decrypt them. It was bundled in with the torrent client Transmission version 2.90 and installed at the same time, using a valid Mac app certificate to sneak through Apple security. Once document and data files are encrypted, KeRanger demands payment in bitcoin for the malware to be removed.
Transmission has released an update to remove the malware and Apple has removed KeRanger’s GateKeeper signature to protect users. If you’re using Transmission 2.90, head over to the Transmission website to download the latest update.
Known Mac security flaws
1. Goto fail bug
The Goto fail bug was a bit of an embarrassing one for Apple in that the security flaw was as a result of its own doing. A bug in Apple’s SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption meant that a Goto command was left unclosed in the code, thus preventing SSL from doing its job to protect users of secure websites. The flaw put communications sent over unsecured Wi-Fi (the hotspots you use at the mall and in coffee shops) at risk, allowing hackers to intercept passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information.
Apple has since patched the issue on macOS, but it certainly makes you think twice about how you browse the web on your MacBook in a public place.
2. Meltdown and Spectre
In January 2018, it was announced that there was a flaw in Intel chips used in Macs, giving rise to the dastardly duo of Meltdown and Spectre.
From Apple:
The Meltdown and Spectre issues take advantage of a modern CPU performance feature called speculative execution. Speculative execution improves speed by operating on multiple instructions at once—possibly in a different order than when they entered the CPU. To increase performance, the CPU predicts which path of a branch is most likely to be taken, and will speculatively continue execution down that path even before the branch is completed. If the prediction was wrong, this speculative execution is rolled back in a way that is intended to be invisible to software.
The Meltdown and Spectre exploitation techniques abuse speculative execution to access privileged memory—including that of the kernel—from a less-privileged user process such as a malicious app running on a device.
Meltdown and Spectre affects all Mac systems, but Apple insists there are no known exploits currently impacting customers. macOS 10.13.2 and above includes a patch to protect against both flaws.
3. High Sierra “root” bug
As far as security flaws go, High Sierra’s “root” bug is a pretty big one. The flaw, which was discovered by software developer Lemi Orhan Ergin, allowed anyone to gain root access to a system by leaving the password field blank and trying multiple times in a row. So, anyone with physical access to your system, or access via remote desktop or screen-sharing, could type in “root” and hit enter a few times to gain full control of your Mac. Scary thought, huh?
Apple has recently released an official fix for the flaw, but it’s worth taking care about who shares access privileges on your Mac.
How to recognize a virus on Mac
So how do you spot a virus on your MacBook Pro or iMac? In the case of ransomware like KeRanger or a DoS attack like Safari-get, the issue is in your face. With other malware, however, the infection is less obvious.
A few of the tell-tale signs include:
- Unexpected system reboots
- Apps closing and restarting for no reason
- Browsers automatically installing suspicious updates
- Web pages obscured with ads
- Drop in system performance
How to avoid a virus on Mac
We briefly covered this at the top of the article, but there are measures you can take to help safeguard your system:
- Always check the source of an email by looking at the address of the sender
- Avoid pirated software
- Avoid software and media downloads from torrent clients
- Avoid apps or pop-ups that ask you to “fix” an infected Mac
- Never download codecs or plug-ins from unknown websites
- How to remove a virus on Mac
If you suspect a Mac virus has infected your system, it’s important to address the problem immediately. There are two ways that you can do this: manually or with CleanMyMac X.
How to remove a virus on Mac manually
To remove a virus manually, the first thing to do is find out what’s causing the problem.
The chances are it could be a downloaded file, so go to your Downloads folder and search for .DMG files. If the file is unfamiliar, delete it and empty the Trash.
If an app is the issue, go to your Applications, drag the icon of the culprit to the Trash bin and empty the Trash immediately.
Both of these methods offer a quick fix, but neither is the most comprehensive of solutions. The way in which viruses work means that the infection could have spread to system folders. If the problem persists, opt for the more robust CleanMyMac 3.
How to remove malware on Mac with CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is designed to detect and remove malware threats from your Mac, including adware, spyware, ransomware, worms, and more.
If malware is lurking within your Mac, it won’t be after CleanMyMac is done with it.
- Download CleanMyMac X (free download) and launch the app.
- Click on the Malware Removal tab.
- Click Scan.
- Click Remove.
This app is actually notarized by Apple so you are safe using it. Speaking of malware, it has a real-time monitor that keeps an eye on your Launch Agents. If an unkown app tries to add itself into your system folders, you'll get an instant notification from CleanMyMac X.
Keep your Mac virus-free
For the most part, using a Mac is a pleasant, malware-free experience, but no computer is ever 100% virus-free. Keeping abreast of known Mac viruses so that you know what to look for and airing on the side of caution when downloading software will help keep your system running smoothly. And if a rogue app does make its way on your system, keep CleanMyMac X close to hand to remove it immediately and completely.
These might also interest you:
Adware is a software form that downloads or spread unnecessary ads out with user’s knowledge. It redirects to advertising websites. Adware remover software for Mac 2020 lets you detect, block and remove adware from your Mac system very easily. It destroys adware from your Mac by removing malicious security software, Trojans and malware and performs a full scan, custom scan and quick scan on your PC.
It displays the total number of scanned files and threats detected. Nowadays there are many adware removal tools, Among them, in order to choose the best service for you, here I have listed the top 10 best adware remover for Mac OS X.
Best Adware Remover for Mac 2019: Software to Remove viruses, malware, and spyware:
#1. BitDefender Adware Remover:
BitDefender is reliable software for protecting devices from various threats. It removes new and unfamiliar threats by not affecting the Mac speed. It has huge popularity and great impression among users. BitDefender is adware removal tool for removing adware from the computer. It does this removal by scanning all areas and sites of PC. It is non-intrusive scanning of adware. It removes Genieo for Mac completely. In the long run, it also enhances speed of PC and decreases bugs.
It has some important features; they are state-of-the-art scanning technology, toolbars and ability to review applications, application keylogger along with adware and feature to remove application bundler etc. Bitdefender has the world’s fast scanning technology.
It performs proactive silent scanning in the background by using “BitDefenderAutopilot”. To keep up-to-date; you just need an active internet connection. It is highly mentioned that BitDefender is a free adware removal tool. So, if it is not installed in your PC, you can have it completely free.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
#3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2020:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities. It can detect and erase adware from Mac. It can be installed in Mac and Windows safe mode. It can be one of the best solutions for safe Mac. It has the ability to remove that adware which is unable to detect by your mainstream antivirus program.
This software is very simple, easier user interface and supports multiple languages. Its installation process is very simple and light system impact. It also can detect and remove other harmful threats like viruses, malware, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootkits and many more.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware destroys adware on your computer. It does this by restoring the device to its former glory. It has 3 useful properties; those are heuristics, signature, and behavior. These properties are very efficient for removing adware from Mac. Thus it guards your device against adware and other harmful threats.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: The price of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium is at $24.95 per 18 months for 1 PC.
#4. ClamXav Mac Adware Remover:
ClamXav removes Mac or Windows threats from drives. This software uses ClamAV open source antivirus engine. So it can easily detect and erase adware form local folder. It removes adware in a very short time. So it has efficient time consuming. For scanning you should select the directory of your Mac and then scan it. It often results in the complete report within a minute.
It has an useful feature. It can scan specific folders automatically for a certain time at the day. It can be the best solution for keep your Mac adware free. So it can turn dangerous files into safe and secured folders. It fights against holding sensitive data hostage. It runs silently at the background without affecting other applications. It has come free without the price tag. It has free support for customers. Its new version 2.3 includes updated ClamAV v0.97
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
#5. SUPERAntiSpyware Adware Remover:
SUPERAntiSpyware is one of the efficient adware removal tools. It can detect and remove adware from Mac and Windows. It has a simplified user interface. It is much user friendly. It includes fast scanning speed. So it is less time consuming. It has enhanced program ability. It detects some other threats; they are Malware, Spyware, Dialers, Trojans, Hijackers, KeyLoggersand Rootkits etc.
It includes repairing broken internet. Configuration of SUPERAntiSpyware is done by sending e mail. It produces Scheduled scan result. Its user interface manages threat detection, notifications and scanning. It remotely monitors the health and condition of your device. It includes registration handling and licensing from one server.
Platform Availability: Mac & Windows
Price: The price of SUPERAntiSpyware is at $29.95/ year
#6. Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac:
Kaspersky antivirus is another reliable adware removal tool for Mac. It has advanced security technology that ensures safe Mac. It detects and removes adware. It has protection against malware, viruses, spyware, internet threat etc. Its most efficient protection technology stops hackers automatically. Kaspersky antivirus for Mac updates automatically or manually day by day. Creating a schedule of automatic scan is allowed in it. Thus it provides a full scan and quick scan.
It has recommended maximum protection for your Mac. Latest events of Kaspersky are reported in the program. It includes information of detected threats and action against them. It is not a complete security site like any other antivirus program. So you will not get full protection and adware removal from it. The price of Kaspersky Internet Security is at $59.95 per year for 1 PC and has 30 day free trial version.
Platform Availability: Mac, windows, ios, iphone, ipad
Price: The price of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is at $59.95 per year for 1 PC and has 30 day free trial version.
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#7. Dr.Web for Mac OS:
Dr.Web for Mac OS is also reliable software for adware removal from Mac. It also protects Mac against viruses, spyware, threats etc. It has two pre-defined scanning mode; they are “Express scan” and “full scan”. It is useful for safe Mac. It keeps data safe and privacy protected. It has an effective feature. That is “SpIDer Guard”.It checks files in real time automatically. It allows custom scan.
This scanning process needs very little effort. Some important features put at disposal. It has a very easy and efficient user interface. So it is easy to process. Its scanning speed is quite fast. For scanning process, it may use the customization daily scheduler.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
#8. MacScan for Mac:
MacScan for Mac provides a supported effective solution for removing adware, malware, spyware etc. from Mac. It also can erase internet files, history and cookies. Macscan ensures safe Mac. It includes log files, extensions, programs, preferences etc. Then it provides the report of all these activities.
MacScan has an easy user interface to detect and remove viruses and adware easily. So it is very user friendly. It scans computer files remotely. MacScan’s extensive education library helps to find threats and to remove them. It does not hamper the privacy of your Mac. Update of MacScan is needed for maintaining remote access.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: The price of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is at $39.99 and has a 30 day free trial version.
#9. RegRunReanimator:
RegRunReanimator is a useful tool which removes adware, malware, rootkits etc. It scans to solve browser problems. It checks start-up programs. It contains a module to back up the key system and registry files, undo specific damages. It is very useful for your safe Mac. It gives a detailed report of your Mac’s current status. It covers installed programs.
It can be a great record of your Mac configuration. It is also very useful to troubleshoot problems. It is not a good choice for PC beginners. Because its user interface is not much clear. It is a tool for personal use. It is completely free.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
#10. MacClean:
MacClean is an easy and effective tool for safe Mac. It detects and removes adware and other threats from Mac device. It includes privacy care, clean up, security protection and optimization. It scans malicious threats of your Mac. It also can clean caches.
Its new version is 3.0.0. It requires 64 bit processors or OS X 10.7 or later.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
#2. AdwareMedic Adware Remover 2018:
Adware For Mac
AdwareMedic is one of the best solutions for removing adware from your system. It is highly recommended for Mac users. It can detect adware and remove it from Mac. It is very efficient for safe Mac. It is very user-friendly. Its user interface is much pleasant. It provides quite fast processing. It can clean up your system within a minute. AdwareMedic is usable for OS X 10.7.
Malwarebytes has purchased AdwareMedic for Mac. It is a Malwarebytes version for Mac. Nowadays AdwareMedic is completely free. So it is useful to protect the Mac of the home network. Its business and enterprise versions are coming very soon. AdwareMedic is a successful solution for Downlite-infected Macs. Now it is efficient for Apple’s product security team. AdwareMedic can handle redirects.
Platform Availability: Mac
Price: Free
How To Remove Adware and Spyware from Mac?
To remove adware malware and spyware form your mac, you need to install any one of above effective adware removal or spyware removal or malware removal software to remove adware and other threats from you mac. To stay safe at an online dont click or allow on any ads into your mac that may be harmful for your mac.
Best Adware For Mac
Final Thought about Mac Adware Removal Software 2020:
Adwaremedic For Mac
In order to keep your Mac safe and run smoothly, it is hardly required to be adware and spyware free. So using adware remover software is a must. While using free adware removal, you should aware of all the restrictions obligatory. These are the best adware removal tools of 2019 in this industry. If you have any question or suggestion or any problem about any adware remover software, feel free to comment below.