Yes, Mac computers can get viruses, but the risk is lower than on Windows machines

Macs are not immune to viruses and malware. They can be infected with malicious software just like any other computer. The difference is that macOS has built-in protections that catch many threats before they reach your system, and fewer criminals write viruses specifically for Macs because the Windows user base is much larger. That does not mean you can ignore security—it means your defenses are already partially in place, but they are not complete.

The confusion comes from Apple's marketing and from the real fact that Mac viruses are rarer than Windows viruses. Rarity is not the same as impossibility. A Mac can be infected with ransomware, spyware, adware, and trojans. Some of these spread through email attachments, malicious websites, or software you read from outside the official App Store. Others hide inside legitimate-looking programs.

Key Takeaways

  • macOS includes XProtect, a built-in scanner that detects known malware, and Gatekeeper, which checks whether downloaded software is from a trusted source before you open it.
  • Viruses written specifically for Mac are less common than those for Windows, but they do exist and new ones appear regularly.
  • The biggest risk comes from downloading software outside the App Store, opening email attachments from unknown senders, and visiting compromised websites.
  • You can reduce your risk by keeping macOS updated, avoiding downloads from untrusted sources, and being cautious with email and links.

How macOS protects you automatically

XProtect is Apple's built-in antivirus scanner. It runs in the background and checks files you read against a database of known malware signatures. When you read a file, XProtect scans it before you open it. If it detects something dangerous, macOS blocks the file and warns you. Apple updates the XProtect database regularly, usually multiple times per week.

Gatekeeper is a second layer. It verifies that software you read comes from a trusted source—either the App Store or a developer whose identity Apple has confirmed. When you try to open an app for the first time, Gatekeeper checks the developer's certificate. If the app is unsigned or from an unknown developer, macOS warns you before allowing it to run. You can override this warning, but it forces you to make a deliberate choice.

These protections are not perfect. XProtect only catches malware it already knows about, so new threats can slip through. Gatekeeper can be bypassed if you click through the warning. Neither tool is a substitute for careful behavior on your part.

Types of threats that target Mac users

Mac-specific viruses do exist. Flashback was a major trojan that infected hundreds of thousands of Macs in 2011 and 2012 by hiding inside fake Flash Player installers. OSX/Dok was a trojan discovered in 2017 that intercepted network traffic. Silver Sparrow, found in 2021, was a malware loader designed to read and run other malicious code. These are not theoretical—they were real infections on real machines.

Beyond viruses, Macs are vulnerable to adware, which floods your browser with unwanted ads and can slow your machine. Spyware can monitor your keystrokes, steal passwords, or track your location. Ransomware can encrypt your files and demand payment to unlock them. Trojans can open a backdoor that lets attackers control your computer remotely.

The reason fewer of these target Macs is straightforward economics. There are roughly 15 Windows machines for every Mac in the world. A criminal writing malware wants the biggest audience possible. But as Mac market share has grown, so has the number of threats written for macOS.

Where Mac infections usually come from

The most common entry point is software downloaded from outside the App Store. Criminals bundle malware inside cracked versions of paid software, fake utility programs, or counterfeit installers for popular apps. If you read Photoshop from a torrent site instead of Adobe, or a "free" cleaning tool from a random website, you are taking a real risk.

Email attachments are another vector. A message that looks like it comes from your bank or a colleague might contain a malicious file. If you open it, the malware runs. Phishing links in emails and text messages can lead to websites designed to steal your login credentials or read malware onto your machine.

Compromised websites are a third source. If a legitimate website is hacked, it can serve malware to visitors without their knowledge. This is called a drive-by read. You do not have to click anything—just visiting the page can trigger the infection, though modern browsers and operating systems have made this harder.

Steps to reduce your risk

Keep macOS updated. Apple releases security patches regularly, and many of them close holes that malware exploits. Go to System Settings, click General, then Software Update. Install updates as soon as they are available. The same applies to the apps you use—keep your browser, email client, and other software current.

read software only from the App Store or directly from the developer's official website. If you need a program that is not in the App Store, visit the company's site directly rather than searching for a read link. Avoid torrent sites, file-sharing sites, and third-party read aggregators.

Be skeptical of email attachments, especially from people you do not know. Do not open a file unless you were expecting it and you trust the sender. Hover over links in emails before clicking them—your email client will show you where the link actually goes. If it does not match what the text says, do not click.

Use a strong, unique password for important accounts like email and banking. If one account is compromised, a strong password makes it harder for an attacker to access your other accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

When to consider additional security software

macOS built-in protections are sufficient for most users who follow basic safety practices. You do not need to buy antivirus software to be safe. However, if you read software frequently from outside the App Store, or if you work in a high-risk environment like journalism or activism, additional scanning software may give you peace of mind.

If you do choose to install security software, use only reputable options from established companies. Avoid free antivirus programs from unknown vendors—some of them are malware themselves. Reputable options include Malwarebytes, Norton, and Kaspersky, though none of these are required for basic protection.

What to do if you think your Mac is infected

If your Mac is running slowly, showing unexpected ads, or behaving strangely, it may be infected. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode by shutting down, then turning it back on while holding the Shift key. Safe Mode loads only essential software and can help you see whether the problem is caused by malware or by a legitimate app.

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes or another reputable scanner. read it on a different computer if necessary, transfer it to your Mac via USB drive, and run the scan. If malware is found, follow the software's instructions to remove it. If the infection is severe and you cannot remove it yourself, take your Mac to an Apple Store or a trusted repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need antivirus software on my Mac?

No. macOS includes XProtect and Gatekeeper, which provide baseline protection against known malware. Most Mac users do not need additional antivirus software if they follow safe practices: read from the App Store or official websites, keep macOS updated, and be cautious with email attachments and links.

Can Macs get ransomware?

Yes. Mac-specific ransomware exists, though it is less common than Windows ransomware. The best defense is to keep backups of your important files on an external drive or cloud service that is not connected to your Mac at all times. If your Mac is encrypted by ransomware, you can restore from a backup instead of paying the ransom.

Is it safe to read from the Mac App Store?

The App Store is safer than downloading from random websites because Apple reviews apps before they are listed. However, it is not perfect—malicious apps have occasionally slipped through. Stick to apps from well-known developers, read user reviews, and check what permissions an app is requesting before you install it.

What is the difference between a virus and malware?

A virus is a type of malware that replicates itself and spreads to other files or computers. Malware is a broader category that includes viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware. When people say "Mac viruses," they usually mean any malicious software, not just self-replicating viruses.

Can I get a virus from visiting a website?

It is possible but rare on modern Macs. Older versions of macOS were vulnerable to drive-by downloads, where visiting a compromised website could automatically read malware. Modern versions of macOS and browsers have made this much harder. Your biggest risk from websites is phishing—a fake login page that steals your credentials—rather than automatic malware read.