Updated: by Computer Hope An Macintosh computer can get a virus or malware infection, so the short answer to the question is Yes. However, it is less likely for an Apple Macintosh computer to be infected when compared to a computer. Note: The term 'virus' and 'malware' are often used interchangeably.
For the sake of simplicity, 'virus' will be used on this page and refers to either a virus or malware. Several examples of viruses that have infected Apple Macintosh computers include the following.
Flashback malware - Infected over 600,000 Mac computers in April 2012; designed to steal user's personal information, including account login credentials. OSX/KitM.A virus - Infected a small number of Mac computers in May 2013; designed to take screenshots of a user's desktop and upload to one of several websites. OSX.PROTON - Infected thousands of Mac computers in 2017; designed to steal user's account credentials by accessing the macOS KeyChain app. OSX/MaMi - Infected several thousand or more Mac computers in January 2018; designed to allow a person to view a computer's Internet traffic, also called 'snooping.' In 2015, the Senior E-Threat Analyst at, Bogdan Botezatu, was as saying 'Mac OS X software has more high-risk vulnerabilities than all versions of Windows put together.' Despite that statement and apparent fact, Mac computers are still infected by viruses much less often than Windows computers. Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Windows computers:.
Beginning with in March, operating systems are built on 'Darwin', a of the. Most of the computer virus writers are more familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, which means it's easier for them create a virus for that platform. Many of the tools, scripts, and code used to create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows. Many of the targets of viruses are governments and businesses, with an aim to either steal information, money, or create havoc. The majority of computers used by government agencies and businesses have the Windows operating system, resulting in most viruses being targeted towards Windows computers, instead of Macs. Note: If you are running a virtual PC on your Apple Macintosh or Windows in, because it is emulating Microsoft Windows, it can become infected with Windows viruses.
Checking your Mac for viruses -- wait, what? Likely that you’ll download and run malicious software. Apple introduced malware detection to the Mac OS with Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6. Apple is recommending that Mac users install antivirus software. But don't read this as an admission that the Mac operating system is suddenly insecure. It's more a recognition that Mac users are.
Software and plug-in threats Although the Apple OS is more secure than many versions of Windows, additional software, plug-ins, and add-ons that connect to the Internet can introduce their own security vulnerabilities. The most common ways to attack a Mac computer is through a third-party and browser plugins like,. Today, most Mac users have these plugins installed and enabled on the computer, and, in doing so, compromise the overall security of the system.
Additional security threats Although a Mac is less susceptible to viruses, Mac users can still be the victims of, and online fraud. If you are an Apple computer user, we still recommend keeping informed about how to keep safe while online.
There is no such thing as a 100% safe computer, a Mac, Windows, and even Linux are all capable of being infected with a virus or other malware.
A phishing scam has targeted Mac users by redirecting them from legitimate websites to fake websites which tell them that their computer is infected with a virus. The user is then offered Mac Defender 'anti-virus' software to solve the issue. 
 
This “anti-virus” software is malware (i.e. Malicious software&rpar. Its ultimate goal is to get the user's credit card information which may be used for fraudulent purposes. 
 
The most common names for this malware are MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity.
![Antivirus Antivirus](https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03014/macbookair_3014715b.jpg)
Apple released a free software update () that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. 
 
The Resolution section below also provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove this malware. How to avoid installing this malware If any notifications about viruses or security software appear, quit Safari or any other browser that you are using.
![Virus Software For Apple Mac Virus Software For Apple Mac](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125482968/314802401.jpg)
If a normal attempt at quitting the browser doesn’t work, then the browser. In some cases, your browser may automatically download and launch the installer for this malicious software. If this happens, cancel the installation process; do not enter your administrator password.
Delete the installer immediately using the steps below. 
. Go into the Downloads folder, or your preferred download location. 
. Drag the installer to the Trash.

. Empty the Trash. 
 How to remove this malware 
 If the malware has been installed, we recommend the following actions: 
. Do not provide your credit card information under any circumstances. 
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Use the Removal Steps below. 
 Removal steps 
. Move or close the Scan Window. 
. Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor. 
.
Choose All Processes from the pop up menu in the upper right corner of the window. 
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Under the Process Name column, look for the name of the app and click to select it; common app names include: MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector. 
. Click the Quit Process button in the upper left corner of the window and select Quit. 
. Quit Activity Monitor application. 
. Open the Applications folder.

. Locate the app ex.
MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector or other name. 
. Drag to Trash, and empty Trash. 
 Malware also installs a login item in your account in System Preferences.
Removal of the login item is not necessary, but you can remove it by following the steps below. 
. Open System Preferences, select Accounts, then Login Items 
. Select the name of the app you removed in the steps above ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector 
. Click the minus button 
 Use the steps in the “How to avoid installing this malware” section above to remove the installer from the download location.
Note: Apple provides security updates for the Mac exclusively through Software Update and the site. User should exercise caution any time they are asked to enter sensitive personal information online. Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet.
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