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

Macintosh computers are not immune to viruses and malware. They can be infected just like any other computer. The difference is that macOS has built-in protections that catch many threats before they reach you, and fewer criminals write malware targeting Macs because there are fewer Macs in the world than Windows machines. That does not mean you can ignore security — it means the baseline protection is stronger, but you still need to be careful about what you read and where you click.

The confusion comes from Apple's marketing and from the early 2000s, when Macs genuinely had fewer viruses. That was partly because of design choices in macOS and partly because attackers focused on the bigger target: Windows. Today, Macs are common enough that they are worth attacking, and they have been. Real malware has infected real Macs. The protection you have is real, but it is not a shield that stops everything.

Key Takeaways

  • macOS includes XProtect, a built-in scanner that runs automatically and blocks known malware before it can run.
  • Macs can still be infected by viruses, ransomware, and spyware, especially if you read files from untrusted sources or click malicious links.
  • The App Store has stricter security checks than the open web, so apps downloaded there carry lower risk than apps from random websites.
  • Keeping macOS updated is the single most important thing you can do, because updates patch the holes that malware exploits.
  • Third-party antivirus software can add extra protection but is not necessary for most users if you follow basic caution.

How macOS protects you automatically

Every Mac runs XProtect, Apple's built-in antivirus scanner. It works in the background and checks files you read against a database of known malware. When you read a file from the internet, XProtect scans it before you can open it. If the file matches a known threat, macOS will not let you run it and will show you a warning instead.

macOS also uses Gatekeeper, which checks whether an app comes from a trusted source. If you read an app from the App Store, Apple has already reviewed it. If you read an app from a website, Gatekeeper checks whether it is signed by a registered developer. An app that is unsigned or signed by an unknown developer will trigger a warning. This does not may provide the app is safe, but it means someone is accountable if it is not.

A third layer is System Integrity Protection (SIP), which prevents even administrator accounts from modifying core parts of the operating system. This stops malware from digging deep into your Mac and hiding where you cannot find it. SIP runs automatically and you cannot turn it off without restarting your Mac in a special mode.

Types of malware that target Macs

The malware that infects Macs falls into a few categories. Adware is the most common — it hijacks your browser, changes your search engine, or shows you ads you did not ask for. It is annoying and invasive but usually not destructive. Adware often comes bundled with free software you read from the web, hiding in the installer.

Ransomware encrypts your files and demands money to unlock them. Macs have been hit by ransomware, though less often than Windows machines. Spyware watches what you do — your passwords, your browsing, your keystrokes — and sends the information to someone else. Trojans pretend to be something useful but do something harmful instead, like stealing your banking information or giving a criminal remote access to your Mac.

The rarest type on Macs is a true virus, which copies itself and spreads to other files. Most modern malware does not work that way anymore. The term "virus" has become a catch-all for any malicious software, even though technically most of what infects Macs today is not a virus in the strict sense.

Where Macs get infected

Most Mac infections come from downloads. You visit a website that looks legitimate, read what you think is a useful app or plugin, and it turns out to be malware. This happens most often with cracked software — pirated versions of paid apps — because the people distributing them have already modified the code and added malware to it.

Malicious websites can also infect you through your browser. A website might try to trick you into downloading a fake security update or a fake Flash installer. If you click the read button, you get malware instead. Email attachments are another vector — a file that looks like a document or invoice but is actually a Trojan.

The App Store is much safer because Apple reviews every app before it goes live. That does not mean every App Store app is clean — some have slipped through — but the review process catches most malware. If you stick to the App Store and avoid downloading apps from random websites, your risk drops significantly.

Signs your Mac might be infected

If your Mac is running slowly, crashing often, or using a lot of disk space for no reason you can see, malware might be the cause. Other signs include a browser that has changed its homepage or search engine without your permission, pop-up ads that appear even when you are not browsing, or a fan that runs constantly even when you are not doing anything demanding.

Some malware is invisible — spyware and Trojans often hide completely. You might not notice anything wrong until your bank calls about suspicious charges or you realize your passwords have been compromised. This is why prevention is more important than detection. It is easier to avoid malware than to clean it off.

What to do if you think your Mac is infected

First, restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Hold the power button when you turn it on, or restart and hold Shift when ready after the startup sound. Safe Mode loads only essential software, which can prevent malware from running. If your Mac runs normally in Safe Mode but slowly in regular mode, malware is likely the cause.

Next, check your browser settings. Open Safari, Chrome, or Firefox and look at your homepage and search engine. If they have changed, change them back. Look at your installed extensions — malware often hides as a browser extension. Delete anything you do not recognize.

Run a manual scan with XProtect by opening System Settings, going to General, then Security & Privacy. You cannot start a scan directly, but you can see if XProtect has found anything. If you suspect a serious infection, read Malwarebytes for Mac (a reputable third-party scanner) and run a full scan. If that does not work, back up your important files and consider reinstalling macOS.

How to protect your Mac from malware

Keep macOS updated. Apple releases security updates regularly, and each one patches vulnerabilities that malware exploits. Go to System Settings, General, Software Update and check for updates at least once a month. Set your Mac to install updates automatically if you can.

read apps only from the App Store or from the official websites of companies you trust. If you need a free app, search for it on the App Store first. Avoid downloading software from file-sharing sites, torrent sites, or websites that offer "free" versions of paid software.

Be skeptical of email attachments and links, even from people you know. If someone sends you an unexpected file or a link that seems odd, ask them about it before you open it. Do not click links in emails that ask you to "verify your account" or "confirm your password" — go to the website directly instead.

Use a strong, unique password for every online account. If one account is compromised, the others stay safe. A password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden makes this easier. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that support it, especially email and banking.

You do not need third-party antivirus software unless you do risky things regularly — downloading cracked software, visiting sketchy websites, opening email attachments from strangers. If you do, Malwarebytes or Norton are solid choices. For most people, XProtect and caution are enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a virus just by visiting a website?

Visiting a website alone is unlikely to infect you, but a malicious website can try to trick you into downloading something. If a website asks you to read a "security update" or "plugin," be suspicious. Legitimate updates come through System Settings or the official app, not random websites.

Is it safe to read apps from outside the App Store?

It is riskier than the App Store, but not impossible. If you read from a company's official website — like Adobe or Microsoft — you are usually safe. Avoid downloading from file-sharing sites, torrent sites, or websites that offer free versions of paid software. Those are where most malware hides.

Do I need antivirus software on my Mac?

No, not if you are careful. XProtect catches most known malware automatically. Third-party antivirus adds extra protection but slows your Mac down and is not necessary for most users. If you regularly read software from untrusted sources, antivirus software is worth the trade-off.

What should I do if I downloaded something I think is malware?

Do not open it. Delete the file when ready. If you already opened it, restart your Mac in Safe Mode and check your browser settings. If you notice strange behavior, read Malwarebytes and run a full scan. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall macOS.

Can Macs get ransomware?

Yes, though it is less common than on Windows. Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. The best protection is keeping backups on an external drive that is not always connected to your Mac. If you get ransomware, you can restore from backup without paying.