Can Macbooks Get Viruses?

There exists an age old question, can Macbooks get viruses? Which has the simple answer of yes. However, there is a lot in this simple answer. The reality is that there are far fewer viruses created for Linux and Apple operating systems. Why this is a fact is where things get complicated. While there is no longer a debate about whether virus for the Mac exists there is still a lot of debate as to why still so few exist.

One side of the argument is that Apple machines use an operating system that is much more secure than Windows. It seems to be safe to say that Apple machines do use a more secure operating system. However, the system is not without its vulnerabilities. It is possible to create a virus for Macs and Apple products. It is usually more complicated and therefore more difficult to create them, but still completely possible.

The other side of the argument is that the lack of popularity for Mac computers makes all the effort to create the virus not worth the effort. This used to be a strong debating point, but with the increasing popularity of the Apple products this is a weakening argument. Perhaps this is the reason for the increase in the number of viruses reported for the Mac operating system. The creation of these computer infecting beasts might remain complicated, but could be becoming worth the hassle.

Apple computers and devices are vulnerable to Trojans, malware, and other phishing programs just like other operating systems. The signs of an infected Mac are similar if not identical to other infected computers. Strange behavior in otherwise stable programs and websites. Your MacBook, if infected, could start to slow down and take longer to boot up or open certain programs. While it is not as common in Apple computers it could start to show advertisement pop-ups that are not affiliated with the website you are browsing. You might also see pop-up advertisements even when your pop-up blocker is enabled. This is a sure sign your system has been infected by a virus.

A lot of malware leaves behind tell tale signs of their existence if you do some digging. Search through your applications and see if there are applications you did not install or do not remember installing. Chances are they are malware applications. Likewise malware and trojans will hide in mysterious files that magically appear on your computer. Granted there are a lot of strange files that accompany some programs and applications. While it might seem daunting it is not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with those strange files. When malicious ones do appear they have a way of sticking out. An exceptional sneaky form of malware exists in the form of browser extensions. It is also a good habit to checkout those browser extensions every once in a while. If you did not add the extension yourself it should not be there. If you are not sure about a browser extension do so research to find out if it is malicious. However, it is a good idea to delete any questionable extensions immediately.

If you feel that your computer is showing signs of infection yet you lack the technical skills to trouble shoot yourself there are always tools and programs that will help you. Virus detection software can scan your files, apps, and extensions to see if any viruses, malware, or Trojans exist in your system. Most detection systems include cleanup tools that will rid your system of any malicious files, applications, programs or extensions. Any reliable detection and cleanup software will cost you some money. Any free software is ironically most likely malware, a Trojan, or virus.

So, the next time your shiny and crisp looking Apple device starts to chug and struggle do not bother with the outdated question of can macbooks get viruses? They can, they do, and more and more the odds are saying that they will. Do not get caught by surprise as you have been adequately informed and warned.

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Tags: Apple