Malware sucks. It is horrible stuff that causes no end of issues for your device. What sucks more is that malware is not just in the domain of Windows machines but malware on Macs is common as well. In fact, the nefarious types are targeting Macs specifically with viruses, malware, and other things that were best left in hell.
With this in mind, let’s look at what malware is and how you can get rid of it.
Malware – What is it?
Malware is a catch-all term for a range of unwanted intrusions into your device rather than a virus which is a distribution model. If you notice your Mac doing any of this you may have malware on your device.
- Download Managers – These download unauthorised objects such as malware.
- Spyware and keyloggers – These nefarious things steal your personal data and so are no fun.
- Backdoor infections – Although not as bad as it sounds they can remotely seize control of your Mac.
- Rootkit – This takes your admin privileges and does goodness knows what once it has done so.
- Botnet – Turns your Mac into a shadow bot. If something has the word ‘shadow’ in it you know it isn’t good.
- Trojan horse – These are apps that appear to be legit but are not.
- Ransomware – This locks up your Mac and your device is normally only freed after you pay a large sum of money to the nefarious types that put it there. Sometimes.
- PUP – An acronym for Potentially Unwanted Programs. Those that have experienced PUP wonder why the word ‘potentially’ is used. It is also the most numerous malware in use.
If you have any of this, you could be in trouble. So how do you find malware on Mac devices and how do you remove it?
Malware on Mac How to Remove It
The following should help you remove Malware from your Mac.
Find Rogue Apps
To find rogue apps you have to hunt them down. So:
- Activity Monitor
- Look under Processes and use the ‘X’ button to close apps you think are the culprits.
- Go Applications.
- Scan for the app and drag it to Trash.
- Check the library files for remnants of the app and drag them to Trash too.
Login Items
Malware lurks in your login times too. So:
- Apple menu, System Preferences.
- Users & Groups then make sure your username is highlighted.
- Login Items tab and scan the list.
- Disable ones that look suspicious using the ‘-‘.
- Restart your device.
Launch Agents and Daemons
As well as your library files often you’ll find remnants of deleted apps in Launch Agents and Daemons. On a good day, this section is full of useful helper apps that keep your system running smoothly.
If you have malware on a Mac device well it is not such a good day. So:
Finder, Go to Folder.
Type /Library/LaunchDaemons.
Look in the PLIST files for the apps you removed that you suspected were dodgy. Drag them to Trash.
Do the same for:
- /Library/LaunchAgents.
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents.
Reboot.
Hopefully, this will purge your system of malware. For more information visit Apple Support.