Three things you need to know about Mac malware Share This Malicious Mac software is rare, but it does exist. Discover how to remove Mac malware for free with our guide to getting rid of malicious OS X software
How can I remove malware from my Mac? I think I picked up something nasty. Should I have installed antivirus on my Mac to stop this kind of thing?
Malware (malicious software) is the scourge of the software world, but it's (thankfully) rarely found on Mac OS X. Mac malware does exist, though, and every so often a new piece of Mac malware hits the headlines and scares Mac owners senseless.
Mac malware is extremely rare, and you are unlikely to have installed malware on your Mac. But it is still a concern for people. In this article we are going to look at the following:
Apple is also extremely adept at issuing security updates that remove OS X malware as it is discovered. Having said all that, many people wisely learn how to spot Mac OS X malware and how to remove it for free.
Super-advanced tips for Mac OS X Yosemite
The first thing to know is that malware is different from other types of malicious software, such as viruses.
Malware doesn't attempt to get into your machine without your knowledge - it is malicious software disguised as legitimate software. It tricks you into installing it as you would any other program, and then when it is installed it starts to gather information about you. In most instances it wants to get hold of your credit card or banking details and passes them on to nefarious individuals on the other end.
Where things get tricky is that most Mac malware pretends to be the very thing you want to use to get rid of it. Most Mac malware seems to masquerade as antivirus or antimalware software. While there is no definitive list of OS X malware, here are some names to watch out for:
So, to be clear: these are the names of programs you should be avoiding.
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How to remove Mac malware: free ways to scan, protect and defend Mac OS X from malicious software