Detect and remove virus on Mac

If you suspect that you have a virus on your Mac, you should stay calm. In this practical tip, we will tell you what is important and how you can remove viruses.

Detect virus on Mac - so go ahead

• A virus may be present on the Mac if the administrator password is requested during an installation. Therefore, you should pay close attention immediately if the Mac asks for an administrator password.
• Note: If your browser (usually Safari) reports that your Mac is infected by a virus, do not click this message. These are advertisements that are likely to attempt to download malware for your Mac.
• We will tell you how to remove these viruses under macOS in the following paragraph.

Remove virus on Mac - Here's how it works

1. First download and install the free Avira Antivirus for Mac tool.
2. After installation, the latest updates are automatically downloaded.
3. Then open the tool and select "Scan computer".
4. The scan starts and searches your Mac for viruses. Wait for this process to finish.
5. At the end you will receive a summary of the finds. You can then decide how to proceed.
6. Either move the items to quarantine or delete them immediately - your Mac will then be virus free again.

Does my Mac have a virus? Often explained myths

In contrast to Windows, macOS has numerous myths about virus infections. Because viruses are actually rather rare here. We will clear up the most important rumors and errors for you.

• We have already mentioned the first great myth above. If you receive a message in your browser that a virus has been detected, this is always a scam. Only after you have fallen into such websites do you get the virus. You should therefore simply close such a page.
• If your Mac behaves strangely and repeatedly opens certain websites and displays advertisements, it is mostly adware. This is primarily annoying, but not as dramatic as a virus. Anti-virus programs also detect and remove adware.
• If you keep getting messages that your Mac is at risk, these are not viruses. Optimization programs like "MacKeeper" often try to panic with such messages and tempt you to buy the full version. Don't put too much faith in such news.
• If friends and acquaintances received spam mails from your address, your mail account was probably hacked. This usually has nothing to do with your Mac.
• In general, viruses or Trojans on your Mac are very unlikely. In addition, a good virus should ensure that you don't even notice its presence. Most of the supposed signs of a virus can thus be quickly dispelled.

In the next practical tip, we will tell you what else you should also consider when protecting against viruses for macOS.