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OSX/Shlayer: This malware comes up in Google results disguised as a Flash player and guides the user through prompts to install it, bypassing Macs’ built-in security.

It takes charge of the user’s browser and accesses financial information.

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XCSSET: This app targets Mac developers, but regular users can also download it when it’s hidden inside an open-source app.

It can take screenshots, record audio, and more.

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GravityRAT: This malicious software has come after PCs for years, but now it’s figured out how to get into Macs by using stolen developer signatures that bypass the built-in protections of Macs.

ThiefQuest: This ransomware steals your files, searches for passwords, and even logs your keystrokes to steal personal information, including financial data.

Macs face an increasing number of threats. Bitdefender Dashboard What Are the Latest Mac Viruses? 3 That being said, it’s important to make sure the antivirus you choose works on a Mac, which is why we tested the software we listed as the best antivirus software for Macs. According to Malwarebytes, the number of serious malware attacks identified on Macs increased by 61 percent from 2019 to 2020, while less malicious adware rates declined, a worrying trend that suggests installing dedicated antivirus software is a wise decision. 2 Part of the problem is that the software relies heavily on Apple identifying and tagging malware and viruses, and since Apple isn’t a dedicated security company, it doesn’t keep track of nearly as many threats as third-party products. XProtect does not identify as many types of potential malware as third-party antivirus software, and gaps in its library of malicious programs can leave users exposed. Most antivirus experts agree that while Apple’s security software is fairly good, it’s not foolproof.

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1 Apple also updates Macs daily with new virus information, so you don’t need to wait for the next security patch or software update to stay protected.

Additionally, Macs keep malicious software from causing too much damage with tools like Execute Disable (XD), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and System Integrity Protection (SIP) that run in the background to prevent viruses from accessing critical files. These include antivirus software called XProtect and the Mac Malware Removal Tool. Macs have several built-in security features designed to protect your computer and information from attackers. Apple enables these features by default, so you don’t have to worry about getting your settings right. The computers automatically quarantine suspicious files, meaning that they can’t access critical system software or change the computer’s core functions. In general, the design of Macs limits damage from malware. If the tool identifies malware, it will notify you and remove the dangerous files. Since threats are always changing, the Mac Malware Removal Tool also scans your computer regularly to check that nothing sneaks past XProtect. If XProtect detects malware on a file or application, it notifies the user and blocks the download. XProtect scans all applications and files for viruses and malware using a database of threats that Apple updates daily.

Since 2009, Apple has included XProtect, Apple’s proprietary antivirus software, on all Macs. Avast Antivirus – Mac is Protected Do Macs Have Built-in Antivirus Software? So do you need antivirus software on your Mac, or does the computer have built-in antivirus protection? The answer is more complicated than you might think. But these days, bad actors are creating malware that targets Macs and can take over your computer and steal your personal financial information. For many years, most Mac users assumed that their computers were safe from the viruses that attacked PCs.