Dealing with an unexpected virus on one of your devices is one of the worst things about spending lots of time on tech devices. As far as software goes, Apple is known for its conservative approach — it doesn’t allow any old app developer to sell apps on the Apple Store, and it does a better job than most at protecting your laptop and phone against viruses. Still, accidents happen. You could have clicked on a link sent to your email from a spammer without thinking, or visited a malicious website that wasn’t properly blocked by Apple.
The most important thing to do when you suspect your computer has a virus is to act fast. But, first, it helps to know some common signs that something is off. Here are two scary giveaways that your MacBook has a virus and what to do about it.
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1. Unexpected Pop-Ups
A healthy MacBook doesn’t experience random, frequent, and annoying pop-ups. If you are suddenly receiving pop-ups, they could be a sign that your computer has been infected with adware, which contain links to malicious websites, or malware. Phishing pop-ups are pop-ups that mimic legitimate websites and try to convince you to enter personal information like your passwords and credit card info. Never fall for this.
2. Sluggish Performance and Overheating
There are other reasons why your MacBook is sluggish and overheating, but don’t rule out that it could have a virus. When viruses, adware, or malware are running hidden in the background, they tax your computer’s system resources like CPU, memory, and storage. This leads to a slowdown in your computer’s operating speed. A virus can also install software or programs that run on your MacBook continuously, which also greatly affects your phone’s efficiency.
If you suspect your MacBook has a virus, there are a few steps you should take to secure it. Update macOS software by going to System Preferences > Software Update. Use an antivirus software designed for Mac to run a malware check. Delete all apps that you didn’t download yourself and clear your browser cache and extensions. If you’re still pressed for solutions, it may help to contact Apple Support or visit a Genius Bar at any Apple Store.
