How to Check a Mac Computer for Viruses

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Checking a Mac Computer for Viruses

Ensuring your Mac computer is free from viruses and malware infections including ransomware, trojans, browser hijackers, and adware, is crucial for maintaining its performance and security. Here's how to check your Mac computer for potentially unwanted software step by step:

Using macOS Built-In Security:

Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."

In the System Preferences window, click on "Security & Privacy."

In the Security & Privacy window, select the "Privacy" tab.

In the left sidebar, choose "Full Disk Access."

Click the padlock icon in the bottom left corner to make changes, then enter your administrator password.

Click the "+" button, navigate to your Applications folder, and select your preferred antivirus software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Sophos, or Bitdefender). Click "Open."

Your chosen antivirus software now has full disk access, which is necessary for comprehensive scans.

Open your selected antivirus software and perform a full system scan. Follow the software's on-screen instructions to remove or quarantine any threats detected.

Using Third-Party Antivirus Software:

If you have third-party antivirus software installed, open it. The process may vary depending on the software you're using, but most will have a "Scan" or "Scan Now" option.

Select the type of scan you want to perform, such as "Quick Scan" for common areas, "Full Scan" for the entire system, or "Custom Scan" to check specific folders or files.

The antivirus software will scan your Mac for viruses and display the results. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove or quarantine any threats found.

Regularly scanning your Mac computer for viruses is essential for maintaining its security. Whether you're using macOS built-in security or third-party antivirus software, make sure to keep your antivirus definitions up-to-date for the most effective protection.

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