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 ransomware, spyware, trojans, and other 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 malware targeting Macs because there are fewer Macs in use than Windows PCs.
The myth that Macs cannot get viruses comes from two facts: macOS is built on Unix, which has stronger security architecture than older Windows versions, and the smaller Mac user base makes it less profitable for malware writers to target them. Neither fact means Macs are invulnerable. A determined attacker or a piece of malware designed for Macs will still infect your machine if you do not take precautions.
Key Takeaways
- macOS includes XProtect, a built-in virus scanner that runs automatically and blocks known malware before it installs.
- Macs can still be infected through phishing emails, malicious downloads, and compromised websites, especially if you bypass security warnings.
- Keeping macOS updated is the single most effective way to close security holes that malware exploits.
- Third-party antivirus software adds a layer of protection but is not required for most users if you follow safe browsing habits.
- Real viruses that spread on their own are rare on Mac; most threats are trojans or spyware that require you to run them first.
How macOS protects your computer automatically
Apple built three layers of protection into every Mac. The first is XProtect, a background scanner that checks files you read and software you install against a database of known malware signatures. When you read a file or open an app for the first time, XProtect scans it silently. If it matches a known threat, macOS blocks it and shows you a warning.
The second layer is Gatekeeper, which verifies that apps come from a trusted source before letting them run. By default, macOS only runs apps from the App Store or from developers whose identity Apple has verified. If you try to open an unsigned app, you get a warning and must confirm you want to run it anyway.
The third layer is System Integrity Protection (SIP), a feature that prevents even administrator accounts from modifying core system files. This stops malware from burrowing deep into the operating system where it would be hard to remove. SIP has been standard on all Macs since 2015.
These protections run without you doing anything. You do not need to turn them on, configure them, or run scans manually. They work in the background every time you read or open something.
Where Macs actually get infected
Most Mac infections start with phishing emails that trick you into downloading malware disguised as a legitimate file. An email might claim to be from your bank, Apple, or a package delivery service, with a link or attachment that installs malware when you click it. XProtect may not catch it if the malware is new or modified.
The second common route is compromised websites. A legitimate website can be hacked and made to serve malware to visitors. You visit the site normally, but malicious code runs in your browser or tricks you into downloading something. This is especially dangerous on sites that do not use HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your address bar).
The third route is software bundling. You read what looks like a free utility or game, but the installer also installs adware, spyware, or a browser hijacker. These are often not detected by XProtect because they are not technically malware — they are unwanted software that you technically agreed to install by not reading the fine print.
A fourth, less common route is exploits in unpatched software. If you have not updated macOS or a third-party app in months, malware can use known security holes to infect your machine without you doing anything wrong. This is why updates matter so much.
What types of threats target Macs
True viruses that copy themselves and spread automatically are extremely rare on Mac. Most Mac threats fall into other categories. Trojans pretend to be legitimate software but do something malicious once you run them — they might steal passwords, record your keystrokes, or give a hacker remote access to your machine. Spyware runs in the background and collects information about your browsing, passwords, or financial data without your knowledge.
Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. It has become more common on Mac in recent years. Adware floods your browser with ads, changes your search engine, or hijacks your homepage. Cryptominers use your Mac's processor to mine cryptocurrency without your permission, slowing your machine down.
Most of these require you to run them first — they do not spread on their own like a traditional virus. That is why the most dangerous threat to a Mac is not the malware itself, but the moment you decide to ignore a security warning and run something anyway.
How to reduce your risk without extra software
The most important step is to keep macOS updated. Apple releases security updates regularly, and each one closes holes that malware could exploit. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click General, then Software Update. Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to remember.
Second, be skeptical of unexpected emails and links. Do not click links in emails from your bank, Apple, or any service unless you initiated contact first. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself. Hover over links to see where they actually point before clicking. If an email asks you to read something, verify it is real by calling the company directly.
Third, check the website address before entering passwords or payment information. Phishing sites often use addresses that look similar to the real thing — amazon.com versus amaz0n.com, for example. Look for the padlock icon and "https://" at the start of the address bar.
Fourth, do not disable Gatekeeper or System Integrity Protection to run unsigned software. If an app requires you to turn off these protections, it is a red flag. Legitimate software does not ask for this.
Fifth, be cautious with downloads from unfamiliar websites. Stick to the App Store, official developer websites, and trusted sources. If you read a file and get a warning that it is from an unidentified developer, read the warning carefully before clicking Open.
When to consider third-party antivirus software
You do not need third-party antivirus software to use a Mac safely. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and SIP handle most threats if you follow safe habits. However, third-party antivirus can add an extra layer of protection if you read files frequently from untrusted sources, visit risky websites, or want peace of mind.
If you choose antivirus software, pick one from a reputable company — Malwarebytes, Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender all offer Mac versions. Avoid free antivirus tools from unknown developers, as some are actually malware themselves. Antivirus software will slow your Mac slightly because it scans files constantly, so weigh that against the protection it offers.
A lighter alternative is Malwarebytes, which focuses on removing adware and spyware rather than acting as a full antivirus. You can run it on demand when you suspect a problem, rather than having it scan constantly in the background.
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. First, restart your Mac in Safe Mode by shutting down, then turning it back on while holding the Shift key until you see "Safe Mode" in the login window. Safe Mode loads only essential system files and can help you see if the problem persists.
Second, check your installed apps. Go to Applications in Finder and look for anything you do not recognize. Drag suspicious apps to the Trash and empty it. Check your browser extensions too — go to Safari (or Chrome/Firefox) settings and remove any extensions you did not install.
Third, run a malware scan if you have antivirus software installed, or read Malwarebytes and run a scan. Let it remove anything it finds. If you do not have antivirus software, you can read Malwarebytes for free and run a limited scan.
Fourth, change your passwords from a different device if you suspect spyware stole them. Do this from a phone or a different computer, not your infected Mac.
If the problem persists after these steps, take your Mac to an Apple Store or a trusted repair shop. They can run more thorough diagnostics and remove stubborn malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a virus just by visiting a website?
Visiting a website alone will not infect your Mac unless the site exploits a security hole in your browser or operating system. This is rare if you keep macOS and your browser updated. The bigger risk is clicking a link in an email that takes you to a phishing site designed to steal your password.
Is the App Store completely safe?
The App Store is safer than downloading from random websites because Apple reviews apps before allowing them. However, it is not perfect — malicious apps have occasionally slipped through. The risk is much lower than downloading from untrusted sources, but not zero.
Do I need antivirus software if I only use the App Store?
No. If you only read apps from the App Store and do not click suspicious links in emails, the built-in protections are usually enough. Antivirus software is more useful if you read files from the open internet or visit risky websites regularly.
What does it mean when macOS says an app is from an unidentified developer?
It means the app was not signed by a developer whose identity Apple has verified. This does not automatically mean the app is malicious — many legitimate small developers do not pay for Apple's signing certificate. But it is a warning to check where the app came from and whether you trust the source before running it.
Can ransomware lock my Mac?
Yes, ransomware can encrypt your files and make them inaccessible until you pay a ransom. The best protection is to keep regular backups of your important files on an external drive or cloud storage that is not always connected to your Mac. If you get infected, you can restore from backup without paying.