A guide to removing malware or virus from Mac
Despite popular belief, Macs can get viruses. The most common types of viruses and malware are browser hijackers, such as the Search Baron redirect virus. The virus is a nuisance, and it can completely ruin your browsing experience. Due to this virus, users are redirected to Bing when they try to visit any website. Luckily, you don’t have to think too much about how to get rid of Search Baron on Mac because the steps are easy and fuss-free. You can install the CleanMyMac X app and let the program quickly scan your system to eliminate malware with ease. Keep scrolling to find other methods that can help remove malware from your Mac system.
- You need to disconnect from the Internet
If your system is affected, it will help you disconnect from the Internet to prevent more data from being sent to the malware server. You need to stay offline and download a removal tool. When the malware is removed, connect to the Internet again.
- Boot your system into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a way to boot your computer so that it quickly performs all the important checks and only runs the minimum programs or software required to load. If the malware has been set to load automatically, starting in Safe Mode will prevent this from happening, and you can remove it easily. You can enter Safe Mode by starting or restarting your system and pressing the Shift key. Keep holding this key until the Apple logo appears. Then, release the key when you see the login window.
- Go to the Activity Monitor to check for malicious programs
Navigate to the Activity Monitor to check all the running applications or programs. You can manage all the processes running from the Activity Monitor and even find out how they are affecting the performance of your system. Sometimes, malicious software can take up a lot of your system’s resources. Therefore, you need to check the CPU tab and see which programs work the hardest. If you find suspicious programs, close them and delete the application from Finder.
For checking your Activity Monitor and deleting applications, you have to click Applications in Finder > select Utilities > click Activity Monitor > select the Application option > click Quit.
Scan your computer using an antivirus software
Malware scanners are capable of removing most standard viruses and infections. However, it is critical to keep in mind that if you don’t have any antivirus software installed on your system, you can use a different scanner to check malware.
But it is wise to install antivirus software so that your computer is quickly scanned and you are intimated about malicious software. The antivirus program will eliminate the malware and boost your system’s security. Furthermore, the program will prevent you from downloading and installing files that might be a threat to your computer.
- Verify the homepage of your web browser
It is common for malware to modify the homepage of a web browser to infect your system. You need to check the browser homepage and the connection settings. Keep scrolling to know how to check,
You can verify Safari’s homepage by selecting Safari > heading to Preferences > clicking General > navigating and selecting Homepage found next to the ‘New windows open with’ and ‘New tabs open with’ option > verify your default homepage next to the Homepage option.
You can verify Chrome’s homepage by going to Chrome and clicking on Settings. Next, you need to make your way to the Search engine section in the dropdown menu and verify the default homepage.
Clear cache
Once you’ve finished verifying the homepage setting, you need to clear the browser cache. You will find caches in the temporary location of your system where information is saved so that your web browser does not need to download data each time.
You can clear the cache on Chrome by selecting Chrome > selecting History > clicking on Clear Browsing Data > selecting the Time Range > clicking on All-Time > clicking on Clear Data.
You can clear the cache on Safari by heading to Safari > clicking on Preferences > clicking on Privacy > selecting Manage Website Data > clicking on Remove All.
What to do if malware removal is not successful?
If removing malware is not a success, you can ensure your computer isn’t affected by reinstalling the entire operating system and all the applications from scratch. But you must remember to take a backup of all the files before wiping your hard drive.
You can reinstall the Mac operating system by restarting Mac and holding the Command + R keys after hearing the startup chime sounds. Then, you need to select Disk Utility and click Erase. After erasing the data, you need to reinstall macOS again.
The bottom line
These are exceptional ways to remove malware and viruses from your Mac system. If these don’t work, contact your nearest Apple service center.
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A guide to removing malware or virus from Mac