Can Macs Get Viruses?

If you've ever switched from Windows to a Mac, you've probably heard someone say: "Macs don't get viruses." It's one of the most persistent myths in consumer tech, and it's dangerously wrong.

The short answer is yes, Macs can absolutely get viruses and malware. The longer answer explains why the myth stuck around, how Mac threats have evolved, and what you can actually do about it.

The origin of the "Macs don't get viruses" myth

The myth isn't entirely without foundation. For much of the 1990s and 2000s, Mac malware was exceedingly rare. Windows dominated the market with over 90% market share, making it a far more attractive target for cybercriminals. Writing malware is an investment, and attackers go where the returns are highest.

Apple famously leaned into this perception in its long-running "Get a Mac" ad campaign, positioning Macs as inherently safer than PCs. The ads weren't technically lying at the time, Mac malware was far less common. But that's no longer the world we live in.

So, can Macs really get viruses?

Yes. Here's the evidence.

Malware on Macs is growing year-over-year. Security researchers and threat intelligence firms have documented a consistent upward trend in macOS-targeted malware. According to ESET research, 11% of all detections on Macs in 2023 were caused by malware, a figure that underscores that Mac users face a real, measurable threat.

Attackers are investing more in Mac-specific tools. Research from Red Canary's 2025 Threat Detection Report notes that 2024-2025 saw "a continued increase in development of targeted macOS malware and APT tooling, plus numerous paid malware services (stealers-as-a-service)" aimed specifically at Apple devices.

Mac malware is becoming more sophisticated. macOS systems now face the same categories of malware as Windows, info-stealers, backdoors, trojans, adware, and even ransomware. As macOS gains market share (especially in enterprise environments), it becomes an increasingly attractive target.

Types of malware that target Macs

"Virus" is actually a specific type of malware, one that self-replicates by attaching itself to legitimate files. Pure viruses are relatively rare on Macs. But the umbrella of malware, malicious software of all kinds, is very much a Mac problem. Here's what's out there:

Adware. The most common Mac threat. Adware hijacks your browser, injects unwanted ads, redirects your searches, and can track your browsing habits. It often sneaks in bundled with free software downloads.

Trojans. Software that poses as something legitimate (a cracked app, a fake installer, a pirated tool) but delivers a malicious payload once executed. Trojans can fetch additional payloads, steal data, or quietly alter your security settings.

Info-stealers (spyware). One of the fastest-growing Mac threats. Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) became one of the most notorious examples in 2024, built to exfiltrate passwords, browser data, crypto wallets, and files. Info-stealers are often sold as a service on criminal forums, lowering the barrier for less sophisticated attackers.

Backdoors and RATs (Remote Access Trojans). These give attackers persistent, covert access to your machine, letting them spy on you, exfiltrate files, or use your Mac as part of a botnet.

Ransomware. While less common on macOS than Windows, Mac ransomware exists. ThiefQuest (also known as EvilQuest) emerged in 2020 and encrypted files while also functioning as a spyware tool.

Cryptominers. Malware that silently hijacks your Mac's CPU and GPU to mine cryptocurrency for attackers, causing slowdowns, excessive heat, and reduced battery life.

Fake antivirus / scareware. Pop-ups or fake apps that claim your Mac is infected and pressure you into paying for "cleanup" software. These are scams that prey on fear.

Apple's built-in Mac security: how it works (and where it falls short)

To Apple's credit, macOS ships with a layered security architecture that provides real, meaningful protection.

Gatekeeper checks whether an app is from an identified developer and whether it has been notarized by Apple, meaning Apple scanned it for known malware before allowing distribution. Apps that don't pass are blocked from launching.

XProtect is Apple's built-in, signature-based malware detection system embedded directly into macOS. It runs silently in the background. When you open a downloaded file or app, macOS automatically checks it against XProtect's malware definitions and pushes definition updates silently and automatically.

System Integrity Protection (SIP) prevents even administrator-level users and processes from modifying core system files, making it significantly harder for malware to embed itself deeply into macOS.

App Sandbox restricts what files and system resources apps can access, limiting the damage a compromised app can do.

Where Apple's protections fall short:

• XProtect is signature-based, it only catches known malware. New or recently modified malware can slip through until Apple updates definitions.
• There's no real-time file system monitoring or on-demand scanning.
• Malicious traffic, phishing connections, and suspicious outbound data aren't monitored at the network level.
• If XProtect blocks something, you may never know it happened.
• Gatekeeper can be bypassed. Researchers have repeatedly demonstrated (and Apple has repeatedly patched) Gatekeeper bypass techniques, including one in late 2024.

Apple's protections are a strong baseline, but they're a floor, not a ceiling.

How Macs get infected: common attack vectors

Understanding how Macs get infected helps you avoid the most common traps.

Malicious downloads. Downloading software from unofficial sites (cracked apps, pirated games, "free" tools) is the single most common infection vector. These packages often contain trojans or info-stealers bundled with the software you wanted.

Phishing emails and websites. Attackers send convincing emails or create fake websites that trick you into downloading malicious files or entering your credentials. No operating system is immune to these scams.

Malicious Browser Extensions. Extensions can access everything you do in your browser, your passwords, form data, and browsing history. Malicious extensions (sometimes disguised as productivity tools) are a growing vector.

Bundled adware in free software. Many "free" apps bundle adware in their installers, relying on users clicking through installation prompts without reading the fine print.

Supply-chain attacks. Sophisticated attacks target software development pipelines or update mechanisms to deliver malware through trusted channels.

Fake "your Mac is infected" alerts. Browser pop-ups that mimic system alerts claim your Mac has a virus and direct you to download "cleaning" software, which is actually malware.

Warning signs your Mac may be infected

Macs are generally good at hiding malware activity, but there are telltale signs:

• Unexplained slowdowns. Your Mac feels sluggish even with few apps open (could signal a cryptominer).
• Browser behavior changes. Unexpected redirects, a new homepage you didn't set, or an unfamiliar search engine.
• Excessive pop-up ads. Especially ones that appear outside of your browser.
• Apps you don't recognize. Unfamiliar programs in your Applications folder or Activity Monitor.
• High CPU or memory usage. Check Activity Monitor for processes consuming unusual resources.
• Unexpected network activity. Large amounts of data being sent or received when you're not actively using the internet.
• Login items you didn't add. Check System Settings > General > Login Items for unfamiliar entries.
• Frequent crashes. Apps or the system crashing more than usual.

How to protect your Mac from viruses and malware

Here's what actually works.

Keep macOS updated. Apple regularly patches security vulnerabilities. Running the latest version of macOS and enabling automatic updates ensures you have the latest Gatekeeper rules, XProtect definitions, and security patches.

Only download software from trusted sources. Stick to the Mac App Store and official developer websites. Be extremely cautious about cracked or pirated software, it's one of the top malware delivery mechanisms.

Enable FileVault. FileVault encrypts your entire hard drive, ensuring that if your Mac is stolen or physically compromised, your data can't be accessed.

Use strong, unique passwords with a password manager. Info-stealers often target stored credentials. Using unique passwords for every account limits the damage if your browser data is compromised.

Turn on two-factor authentication. Enable 2FA on your Apple ID and other important accounts. Even if an info-stealer grabs a saved password, 2FA stops attackers from getting in without your second factor.

Be skeptical of email attachments and links. Phishing remains highly effective regardless of your operating system. Verify senders before opening attachments and avoid clicking links in unexpected emails.

Audit your browser extensions. Regularly review your installed extensions. Remove anything you don't actively use or don't recognize.

Check login items and background processes. Periodically review System Settings > General > Login Items and Activity Monitor for anything unfamiliar.

Consider a dedicated Mac security tool. For users who want beyond-baseline protection, a dedicated tool can fill the gaps Apple leaves open with real-time protection against malicious downloads and dangerous websites, phishing detection, and browser security, without manual scans or updates.

The bottom line: Macs can get viruses, but you're not powerless

The "Macs don't get viruses" era is over. With 11% of Mac detections being malware, a booming market for Mac-specific stealers and backdoors, and growing attacker investment in macOS tooling, the threat is real and growing.

That said, Macs remain better protected out of the box than many alternatives. Apple's layered approach (Gatekeeper, Notarization, XProtect, SIP) provides meaningful baseline protection that stops a significant volume of threats.

The key is understanding the boundary between what Apple protects and what it doesn't. New malware, zero-day exploits, sophisticated phishing, and network-level threats require vigilance and, for many users, additional tools.

Being a Mac user is still a security advantage. Being a careless Mac user is an increasingly costly mistake.

Conclusion

Stay safe: keep macOS updated, download software only from trusted sources, and know the warning signs of infection. The myth that Macs are untouchable is exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.

Get a free security scan with Guardio today and stay protected.