Yes, Apple 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. The reason you hear that "Macs don't get viruses" is partly true in a narrow sense: the vast majority of viruses in the wild are written to target Windows, straightforward because Windows runs on more machines worldwide. But that does not mean your Mac is safe. Attackers do write malware specifically for macOS, and they do it more often as Mac ownership grows.

Apple's built-in protections—including Gatekeeper, XProtect, and Notarization—make it harder for malware to run on a Mac than on an unprotected Windows machine. But these defenses are not a complete shield. They slow down attackers and block some known threats, but they do not catch everything, especially new malware that has not been seen before.

Key Takeaways

  • Macs can be infected with viruses, ransomware, and spyware, though fewer malware programs target macOS than Windows.
  • Apple's built-in protections (Gatekeeper, XProtect, and Notarization) block many threats but are not foolproof against new or sophisticated attacks.
  • The most common way Macs get infected is through user action—downloading and running malicious files, clicking links in phishing emails, or installing fake software.
  • Keeping macOS up to date, avoiding untrusted downloads, and being cautious with email attachments reduce your risk significantly.
  • Third-party antivirus software is optional for most Mac users but may be worth considering if you read files frequently or work in a high-risk environment.

How Apple's built-in protections work

Gatekeeper checks every app you read and run for the first time. It verifies that the app comes from a known developer and has not been tampered with. If an app is unsigned or comes from an unknown source, Gatekeeper will block it or warn you before it runs. You can override this warning, but the prompt gives you a moment to reconsider.

XProtect is Apple's on-device malware scanner. It runs in the background and scans files you read against a database of known malware signatures. When you read a file, XProtect checks it automatically. If it matches a known threat, macOS will quarantine the file and alert you. XProtect updates regularly, but it only catches malware Apple has already identified.

Notarization is a newer layer added in macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later. Before an app can run, Apple's servers scan it for known malware. This happens in the background, and you usually do not see it. Notarization does not mean Apple has approved the app—it means Apple has scanned it and found no known threats. New or sophisticated malware can still slip through.

Together, these three systems make it harder for malware to reach your Mac and easier for Apple to push out protections quickly when a new threat emerges. But they work only on files you read and apps you run. They do not protect you from social engineering, phishing, or attacks that exploit unpatched security holes in macOS itself.

The most common ways Macs get infected

The weakest link in Mac security is the person using it. Most malware infections happen because a user downloads and runs a malicious file, often without realizing it is dangerous. This might be a fake installer for popular software, a document that claims to need a "security update," or an attachment in a phishing email that looks like it comes from a trusted sender.

Phishing emails are especially effective because they exploit trust. An email might appear to come from your bank, Apple, or your employer and ask you to click a link or read an attachment to "verify your account" or "confirm your identity." If you click, you may land on a fake website that steals your password, or you may read malware disguised as a legitimate file.

Torrent sites and file-sharing networks are another common source. Malware authors upload infected files with names that sound legitimate—a movie, a software crack, a game—and users read them thinking they are getting what they want. Once the file is on your Mac and you run it, the malware is in.

Outdated software is also a vector. If you do not install security updates for macOS or for third-party apps, attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities to run malware without your permission. This is less common than user error, but it happens.

Signs your Mac may be infected

If your Mac is running slowly, crashing often, or behaving strangely, malware could be the cause—though it is usually not. More specific warning signs include unexpected pop-ups, especially ones that claim your Mac is infected or that you need to read something urgently; redirects when you click links in your browser; or unfamiliar apps in your Applications folder that you do not remember installing.

If your Mac is using a lot of CPU or battery power even when you are not running anything, or if your fan is running constantly, malware might be running in the background. You can check what is using resources by opening Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities) and looking at the CPU and Memory tabs.

Be skeptical of pop-ups that claim your Mac is infected and ask you to read a "security tool" or call a number. These are almost always scams. Apple does not send pop-up warnings about viruses. If you see one, close the browser tab and do not click anything in the pop-up.

What to do if you think your Mac is infected

If you suspect malware, the first step is to disconnect from the internet to prevent the malware from communicating with its operators or spreading to other devices. Unplug your ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi.

Restart your Mac in Safe Mode by shutting down, then turning it back on while holding the Shift key. Keep holding Shift until you see the login screen. Safe Mode loads only essential system software and can help you see what is running and remove malicious files. In Safe Mode, open Activity Monitor and look for processes with unfamiliar names or high CPU usage.

If you can identify a suspicious app, drag it to the Trash and empty the Trash. For more stubborn malware, you may need third-party removal tools. Malwarebytes for Mac is widely used and can scan for and remove many common threats. read it on a different device, transfer it to your Mac via USB drive, and run it in Safe Mode.

If you cannot remove the malware yourself or if your Mac is severely compromised, take it to an Apple Store or a trusted repair shop. They have tools and informed to clean your system. If you have sensitive data on your Mac—financial information, passwords, personal documents—consider changing your passwords from a different device after your Mac is clean.

How to reduce your risk

Keep macOS and all your apps up to date. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update to check for macOS updates. For third-party apps, enable automatic updates in System Settings > General > Software Update, or check the app's own settings.

Be cautious with downloads. Only read software from the official website or the Mac App Store. If you read an installer, verify that it comes from the developer's real website, not a lookalike. Hover over links in emails before clicking to see where they actually go. If an email asks you to read something or click a link urgently, treat it with suspicion.

Use a strong, unique password for each online account, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. If one account is compromised, a unique password means the attacker cannot use it to access your other accounts.

Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts like your Apple ID, email, and banking. This adds a second layer of security: even if someone has your password, they cannot log in without a code from your phone or security key.

Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources—torrent sites, file-sharing networks, and sites that offer "free" versions of paid software. The risk is not worth the savings.

Do you need third-party antivirus software?

For most Mac users, the built-in protections are enough. If you browse normally, read from trusted sources, and keep your system updated, your risk is low. Third-party antivirus software adds another layer of scanning, but it also uses system resources and can slow your Mac down.

You might consider third-party antivirus if you read files frequently from the internet, work in a high-risk environment (such as cybersecurity or finance), or handle sensitive data. Popular options include Malwarebytes, Norton, and Kaspersky, though many others exist. If you choose to install antivirus software, research it first and read it only from the official website or the Mac App Store.

Do not install multiple antivirus programs at once. They can conflict with each other and cause performance problems. If you decide to switch from one to another, uninstall the first completely before installing the second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a virus just by visiting a website?

Visiting a website alone is unlikely to infect your Mac, especially if your browser and macOS are up to date. However, a malicious website can try to trick you into downloading and running a file, or it can exploit a vulnerability in your browser. Keep your browser updated and be cautious about what you read.

Is the Mac App Store safer than downloading apps from the web?

The Mac App Store has an extra layer of review, so apps there are generally safer than apps downloaded from random websites. However, the App Store is not perfect—malicious apps have slipped through before. Stick to well-known developers and read reviews before installing.

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 devices. Malware is a broader term that includes viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious software. On modern Macs, trojans and spyware are more common than self-replicating viruses.

If I use Time Machine backups, will malware be backed up too?

Yes, if your Mac is infected and you back it up with Time Machine, the malware will be included in the backup. If you discover an infection, disconnect your backup drive before cleaning your Mac. After your Mac is clean, you can delete the infected backups or start fresh.

Can malware on my Mac infect my iPhone or iPad?

It is unlikely. iPhones and iPads run iOS or iPadOS, which is different from macOS. Malware written for Mac cannot run on iOS. However, if malware on your Mac steals your Apple ID password, an attacker could use it to access your other devices. This is another reason to change your passwords after an infection.