How to Scan for Malware on a Mac Computer (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

How to Scan for Malware on a Mac Computer (with Pictures)
How to Scan for Malware on a Mac Computer (with Pictures)

Video: How to Scan for Malware on a Mac Computer (with Pictures)

Video: How to Scan for Malware on a Mac Computer (with Pictures)
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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

Scan Mac for Malware Step 1
Scan Mac for Malware Step 1

Step 1. Open a web browser

Download Malwarebytes, a free anti-malware application recommended by security experts for Mac computers.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 2
Scan Mac for Malware Step 2

Step 2. Visit

The application will be downloaded automatically.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 3
Scan Mac for Malware Step 3

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.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 4
Scan Mac for Malware Step 4

Step 4. Drag the Malwarebytes icon to the “Applications” folder

Scan Mac for Malware Step 5
Scan Mac for Malware Step 5

Step 5. Click the “File” menu

Scan Mac for Malware Step 6
Scan Mac for Malware Step 6

Step 6. Click “Eject Anti-Malware for Mac”

Scan Mac for Malware Step 7
Scan Mac for Malware Step 7

Step 7. Open the “Applications” folder

Scan Mac for Malware Step 8
Scan Mac for Malware Step 8

Step 8. Double click “Malwarebytes Anti-Malware”

Scan Mac for Malware Step 9
Scan Mac for Malware Step 9

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.
Scan Mac for Malware Step 10
Scan Mac for Malware Step 10

Step 10. Type in the administrator username and password

Scan Mac for Malware Step 11
Scan Mac for Malware Step 11

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.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 12
Scan Mac for Malware Step 12

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).

Scan Mac for Malware Step 13
Scan Mac for Malware Step 13

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.
Scan Mac for Malware Step 14
Scan Mac for Malware Step 14

Step 14. Place a check next to each threat or malicious file that needs to be removed

Scan Mac for Malware Step 15
Scan Mac for Malware Step 15

Step 15. Click Remove Selected Items

Now your Mac computer is free of malware.

Method 2 of 2: Using ClamXav

Scan Mac for Malware Step 16
Scan Mac for Malware Step 16

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.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 17
Scan Mac for Malware Step 17

Step 2. Visit

Scan Mac for Malware Step 18
Scan Mac for Malware Step 18

Step 3. Click the DOWNLOAD button under the words "Get Free Trial"

Scan Mac for Malware Step 19
Scan Mac for Malware Step 19

Step 4. Save the file when prompted

The file will be saved to the computer with a name like “ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip.”

Scan Mac for Malware Step 20
Scan Mac for Malware Step 20

Step 5. Double click the file “ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip"

Scan Mac for Malware Step 21
Scan Mac for Malware Step 21

Step 6. Double click “ClamXav.app”

ClamXav installation will begin.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 22
Scan Mac for Malware Step 22

Step 7. Accept program license approval

Scan Mac for Malware Step 23
Scan Mac for Malware Step 23

Step 8. Follow the prompts to complete the installation

Scan Mac for Malware Step 24
Scan Mac for Malware Step 24

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.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 25
Scan Mac for Malware Step 25

Step 10. Click “All My Files”

This option is one of the options in the “Source List” in the left pane.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 26
Scan Mac for Malware Step 26

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”.

Scan Mac for Malware Step 27
Scan Mac for Malware Step 27

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.
Scan Mac for Malware Step 28
Scan Mac for Malware Step 28

Step 13. Click the threat or malicious file to select it

Scan Mac for Malware Step 29
Scan Mac for Malware Step 29

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.

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