Do Macs get viruses and malware?

The big question out there when it comes to Apple products is, “Can a Mac get a virus?” The short answer? Absolutely.

Apple computers can get viruses and malware just like PCs can. While iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Minis, and iPhones may not be as frequent targets as Windows computers, all have their fair share of threats.

Adware, spyware, ransomware, and hardware and software vulnerabilities are some of the problems now affecting Macs, and not just PCs. Read on to learn more about some of the most common malware and viruses that can affect Apple devices, what the signs are, and what you can do to help protect your devices.

Four types of Apple viruses — and a vulnerability

Apple viruses can range from annoying to outright damaging.

1. Adware on Macs

Adware is a potentially unwanted program that can bombard users with advertising pop-ups. Adware can be both malicious or benign. Some adware can work in conjunction with spyware, a type of software that can spy on and record everything you do online.

Pop-up ads can lead users to malicious websites that could deliver data-stealing spyware onto their Macs. Adware can also send information back to a third-party server. This information could be used to commit crimes, such as identity theft, fraud, or even extortion.

Although they’re not malicious, even benign pop-up ads can be extremely annoying and intrusive.

2. Trojan horses on Macs

Trojan horses are common to Macs and PCs. One notable Apple computer Trojan horse was found in February 2017. Dubbed “MacDownloader,” it was malicious software hiding in a fake Adobe Flash update.

The MacDownloader malware was a form of spyware that attempted to steal personal data, including the user’s keychain, which stores usernames, passwords, PINs, credit card numbers, and more.

3. Macro viruses on Macs

Microsoft Word macro viruses have been around for a long time, mainly affecting PCs, but eventually jumping over to the Mac OS.

Macro viruses go to work when a user opens an infected file with macros enabled. The macro then tries to run a code that could perform functions such as taking screenshots and even accessing webcams.

Macro viruses are capable of creating new files, corrupting data, moving text, sending files, formatting hard drives, and inserting pictures, among other things. One of their more popular uses is to deliver destructive viruses and malware.

4. Ransomware on Macs

Ransomware is finally here for the Mac. KeRanger was one of the first significant ransomware outbreaks for Macs. As its name implies, ransomware presents users with an ultimatum: pay a fee to unlock their computer or specific files to reclaim personal data. If users don’t pay the price, they risk losing the data forever.

Macs can have software and hardware vulnerabilities, too

Software and hardware vulnerabilities can affect all devices, no matter their maker. You may have heard of a major vulnerability last year dubbed Meltdown and Spectre.

This was a particular form of malware that affected the processor chips of PCs and Macs. This hardware vulnerability allowed programs to steal data that was currently being processed on the computers’ chip. This included data like your passwords stored in a password manager or browser, emails, personal documents, photos, and instant messages. All of these types of information were vulnerable until the right software patches were installed.

How to tell if your Mac has a virus

If you have a feeling that your Mac is behaving oddly or is just “off,” you may have a virus. Strange activity, applications seeming to “lag” when opening, and more can all be warning signs you may have malicious software on your Mac.

1. Ads and pop-ups are popping up often.

This could be a sign of adware. Being bombarded with a slew of advertisements every time you perform an action on your computer should be a signal that it’s time to run a virus scan. Signs may include unusual amounts of banner ads, or fake pop-ups that recommend updates to your computer.

2. Your computer is slow.

Mac users are familiar with what is referred to as the “spinning wheel of death.” That’s when the cursor turns into a rainbow wheel. This is a sign of a slow computer. That little wheel means that your Mac is working overtime, trying to do too many things at once. When this happens, it could mean there’s a malicious program running in the background you may not know about.

3. You have browser issues.

Did your browser suddenly change its homepage to something you’ve never seen before? If your browser is unresponsive, or starts crashing regularly, you might have a virus.

4. Nothing at all.

That may sound odd, but it’s true. A lot of malware aims to be installed without the user’s knowledge and to run quietly in the background. This is why installing strong antivirus software is crucial for Macs, as it can detect threats you may not be able to.

Do Macs need antivirus software?

Antivirus software is kind of like insurance for your car or house. You may not need it all the time, but when trouble comes calling, you’ll be glad you have it. While it’s true that Macs have historically been considered to be less vulnerable to malware attacks than PCs, there are still significant threats out there. Adding an extra layer of device protection, like Norton Security Premium, is one way to help stay ahead of the curve.