Scanning for malware on a Mac computer won't require you to pay any money. Unfortunately, malware on Macs often comes packaged in the form of virus removal tools that demand payment for computer protection. Don't be fooled into sharing information with suspicious companies! Learn a safe (and free!) way to scan for malware on your Mac using a trusted application so you can separate and delete files that could potentially be malware.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Malwarebytes
Step 1. Open a web browser
Download Malwarebytes, a free anti-malware application recommended by security experts for Mac computers.
Step 2. Visit
The application will be downloaded automatically.
Step 3. Double-click the file that starts with the phrase “MBAM-Mac” in its name
Overall, the file name should look like this: MBAM-Mac-1.2.5.dmg. However, the displayed number may differ depending on the latest version of the program.
Step 4. Drag the Malwarebytes icon to the “Applications” folder
Step 5. Click the “File” menu
Step 6. Click “Eject Anti-Malware for Mac”
Step 7. Open the “Applications” folder
Step 8. Double click “Malwarebytes Anti-Malware”
Step 9. Click Open
The application will open. If you see a message indicating that the app can't be opened because it wasn't downloaded from the App Store:
- Open “System Preferences”.
- Select "Security & Privacy".
- Click Open Anyway.
Step 10. Type in the administrator username and password
Step 11. Click Install Helper
A tool that can remove malware found by Malwarebytes will be installed. Once the tool has been installed, you will arrive at the main Malwarebytes Anti-Malware page.
Step 12. Click Scan
Scans are fast so don't be surprised if the results you find are displayed after just a few seconds (or no results are found).
Step 13. Evaluate the scan results
- If the system does not have malware, you will get a message indicating that the threat was not found.
- If a threat is found, a list of threats will be displayed in a pop-up window.
- Remove any threats or malicious files that the app finds, unless you are prompted to take other steps.
Step 14. Place a check next to each threat or malicious file that needs to be removed
Step 15. Click Remove Selected Items
Now your Mac computer is free of malware.
Method 2 of 2: Using ClamXav
Step 1. Open a web browser
ClamXav has a fully functional free trial version that you can download to your computer to scan for malware. This program has been around for a long time and is recommended by experts.
Step 2. Visit
Step 3. Click the DOWNLOAD button under the words "Get Free Trial"
Step 4. Save the file when prompted
The file will be saved to the computer with a name like “ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip.”
Step 5. Double click the file “ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip"
Step 6. Double click “ClamXav.app”
ClamXav installation will begin.
Step 7. Accept program license approval
Step 8. Follow the prompts to complete the installation
Step 9. Click Update Now
Once clicked, the latest definition files will be downloaded and a quick scan will be performed. Allow the scan to run to completion, then continue this method to perform a more in-depth scan.
Step 10. Click “All My Files”
This option is one of the options in the “Source List” in the left pane.
Step 11. Click the “Start Scan” icon
A thorough scan will begin. Once done, all the threats or malicious files will be displayed in the top right pane with the name “Infection List”.
Step 12. Evaluate the scan results
ClamXav color-codes search results based on recommended actions, such as quarantine (separating or isolating files into their own folders so as not to harm the system) or deleting files. Here are the meanings of the displayed color codes:
- Blue: If you don't recognize the file, it's a good idea to quarantine the file so as not to damage other files.
- Orange: You are required to quarantine files.
- Red: You are required to delete the file.
- Green: The file has been neutralized successfully. No other action is required.
Step 13. Click the threat or malicious file to select it
Step 14. Click “Quarantine File” or “Delete File” as recommended
Tips
- Never download programs from untrusted sites.
- Mac experts have different opinions on whether or not Mac computers can get viruses. If you want to install an antivirus program on your computer, make sure you choose a program recommended by experts, such as Sophos or Norton.