Here's how to remove Mac viruses for free if you're one of the unlucky few, plus how to avoid getting infected in the first place. (We also recommend you read our best Mac. (Scan removable.

According to Malwarebytes, 2017 saw a 230% spike in malware activity within Mac ecosystem. The notable examples include Proton Remote Access Trojan and KeRanger virus.

But whatever is that ends with “-ware” on your Mac — ransomware, adware, malware, or scareware — we’ll share a couple of methods to delete it. So, welcome to our Mac Malware Removal Guide. Mac malware: The symptoms Oftentimes a malware app would trick you into believing it’s perfectly harmless. Such apps are known to disguise themselves as antiviruses, extractors or video players.

But how to check your Mac for viruses? Here are some of the tell-tale signs: • A sudden drop in Mac’s performance or frequent freeze-ups. • Pages that you visit get obscured with ads. • Unexpected Mac reboots or apps starting for no reason.

• Your browser installs suspicious updates automatically. How to remove a virus from Mac Just as with any disease, to doctor a virus you need to remove the infected part of your software — as simple as that. Remove malware from Mac manually If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you’re half-way through the problem. First of all, you need to close the app and then root it out from the system processes.

• Open Activity Monitor (type its name in the Launchpad). • Locate the problematic app in the Processes. • Use [x] button to quit the process Now go back to your Applications and move the app to the Trash bin. Immediately empty the Trash. This method is simple, but for the best malware removal results, you’d have to invest a bit more time.

There are still parts and pieces of the virus app scattered around your system folders. It’s a bit like killing a dragon that re-grows its head after you’ve chopped it off. To remove malware from your Mac completely, it’s better to use a powerful uninstaller. Do a quick search for virus-infected.DMG files within your Downloads. The potential culprits could be recently downloaded files, especially media-related ones. Delete them and empty the Trash bin.

Get rid of malware using CleanMyMac X CleanMyMac X has a 10-year reputation of guarding Macs around the world. The app will scan your Mac for any vulnerabilities and offer immediate removal if it finds something suspicious. CleanMyMac detects thousands of malware threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and more. The app’s database is regularly updated to keep all those “-wares” away from your Mac. Here’s how to remove malware from your Mac: • — it’s free to download. • Click Malware Removal tab. • Click Scan.

• Click Remove. How to remove Mac Adware cleaner Ironically, the app called “Mac Adware cleaner” maybe itself be the very source of annoying adware on your Mac — the classic case of a wolf in a sheep’s skin. To remove it, you can use CleanMyMac (which is a legit app that has a 4.5-star rating from MacWorld magazine). Additionally, you can browse through your Login Items list to stop any dubious apps from auto-launching. Below is how to do it. Remove Mac malware from your Login Items Most adware or spyware will try to sneak inside the bootup process. Good news, you don’t have to be Kaspersky to prevent this.

• Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences • Choose Users & Groups section • Make sure if your username is highlighted • Open Login Items tab Now use the “—” sign to disable all the suspicious apps (like Mac Defenders) that you’ll find. Restart your Mac for the changes to take place. How to get rid of pop-up ads on Mac Advertising pop-ups are browser-related, so whatever browser you are using, be prepared for a thorough cleanup. First off, don’t buy into whatever the ad is telling you. Some scary alerts would mention 343 viruses found on your Mac forcing you to immediately install a “Mac Defender” or “Mac Security” tool. Just ignore it and don’t click anywhere on the pop-up.