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It’s possible to remove malware from a Mac or PC by running a scanner and taking steps to fix your web browser. Here’s our step-by-step guide to removing malware from your computer.
How to remove malware from a Mac
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet
Checking your Mac for viruses. OS X does a pretty good job of stopping viruses and malware from attacking your computer. But there are steps you can take to further protect yourself.
- AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac insulates your macOS computer against Mac-specific threats, and it detects PC and mobile malware as well. That way, you won’t accidentally pass along any malware from your Mac to family, friends, or colleagues who use other devices. Scan and remove threats on your computer, and help protect the folks you care about.
- If you’ve gotten some malware installed on your Mac—if, for example, you’re seeing bad pop-ups within your browser or you note that you’ve got one of the not-helpful-or-necessary.
Disconnecting from the internet will prevent more of your data from being sent to a malware server or the malware from spreading further. So stay offline as much as possible if you suspect that your computer has been infected. If you need to download a removal tool, disconnect after the download is complete and don’t connect again until you are sure that the malware has been removed.
Step 2: Enter safe mode
Safe mode, often referred to as safe boot, is a way to start your computer so that it performs checks and allows only the minimum required software and programs to load. If malware is set to load automatically, this will prevent the malware from doing so, making it easier to remove. To enter safe mode:
- Start (or restart) your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key. The Apple logo will appear on your display.
- Release the Shift key when you see the login window (if you are asked to log in twice, learn more about what to do here).
Disclaimer: Avoid logging into accounts during malware removal
Be careful to not expose passwords though a copy-paste function or by clicking a ‘show password’ box if you suspect your computer has been infected. Keylogger viruses are a common component of malware, which run invisibly and are designed to capture your keystrokes. To avoid sharing your personally identifiable information, refrain from logging into sensitive accounts while your device is infected.
Step 3: Check your activity monitor for malicious applications
If you know that you’ve installed a suspicious update or application, close the application if it’s running. You can do so by using your activity monitor. This shows the processes that are running on your computer, so you can manage them and see how they affect your computer’s activity and performance.
Malware can take up resources on your computer, so check the CPU tab to see which applications are working the hardest. If you are able to find the suspicious application, you can close out of it through your activity monitor and then delete the application from the Finder menu. To check your activity monitor:
In Finder, click → Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor → Select Application → Quit
Step 4: Run a malware scanner
Fortunately, malware scanners can remove most standard infections. It’s important to keep in mind that if you already have an antivirus program active on your computer, you should use a different scanner for this malware check since your current antivirus software may not detect the malware initially. If you believe your computer is infected, we recommend downloading an on-demand scanner from a reliable source and then installing and running security software which provides protection against existing and emerging malware, including ransomware and viruses.
Step 5: Verify your browser’s homepage
It’s common for malware to modify your web browser’s homepage to re-infect your Mac. Check your homepage and connection settings using the steps below for common browsers. Note that you will need to connect your computer to the internet to complete the following steps.
To verify your homepage on Chrome:
- In the top right corner of your Chrome browser, click More → Settings.
- Select the dropdown menu in the “Search engine” section.
- Verify your default homepage.
To verify your homepage on Safari:
- In the top left corner of your screen, select Safari → Preferences → General.
- Next to “New windows open with” and “New tabs open with,” select Homepage.
- Next to “Homepage,” you will verify your default homepage.
Step 6: Clear your cache
After you’ve verified your homepage setting, you should clear your browser’s cache. This is a temporary storage location on your computer where data is saved so your browser doesn’t need to download it each time. Follow these steps below to learn how to clear your cache for Chrome and Safari.
To clear your cache on Chrome:
Select Chrome → History → Clear Browsing Data → Time Range → All Time → Clear Data.
To clear your cache on Safari:
Select Safari → Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All.
How to remove malware from a PC
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet
Disconnecting from the internet will prevent more of your data from being sent to a malware server or the malware from spreading further.
Step 2: Enter safe mode
If malware is set to load automatically, this will prevent the malware from loading, making it easier to remove. To enter safe mode:
- Restart your PC.
- When you see the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key and select Power → Restart.
- After your PC restarts, to the “Choose an option” screen, select: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
- On the next window, click the Restart button and wait for the next screen to appear.
- A menu will appear with numbered startup options. Select number 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
Disclaimer: Avoid logging into accounts during malware removal
To avoid sharing your personally identifiable information, do not log into sensitive accounts while your device is infected.
Step 3: Check your activity monitor for malicious applications
If you know that you’ve installed a suspicious update or application, close the application if it’s running. Your activity monitor shows the processes that are running on your computer, so you can see how they affect your computer’s activity and performance.
In Type to search type → Resource Monitor → Find End Task → Right Click → End Process
Step 4: Run a malware scanner
Luckily, malware scanners can remove many standard infections. But remember that if you already have an antivirus program active on your computer, you should use a different scanner for this malware check since your current antivirus software may not detect the malware initially.
Step 5: Fix your web browser
Malware is likely to modify your web browser’s homepage to re-infect your PC. Check your homepage and connection settings using the steps below for common browsers.
To verify your homepage on Chrome:
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4. In the top right corner of your Chrome browser, click More → Settings.
5. Select the dropdown menu in the “Search engine” section.
6. Verify your default homepage.
5. Select the dropdown menu in the “Search engine” section.
6. Verify your default homepage.
To verify your homepage on Internet Explorer:
- Select the Tools icon.
- Click Internet options.
- In the General tab, find the “Search” section and click Settings.
- Verify your default homepage.
Step 6: Clear your cache
After you’ve verified your homepage setting, it’s imperative to clear your browser’s cache. Follow these steps below to learn how to clear your cache for Chrome and Internet Explorer.
To clear your cache on Chrome:
History → Clear Browsing Data → Time Range → All Time → Clear Data.
To clear your cache on Internet Explorer:
Tools → Safety → Delete browsing history.
What if malware removal is unsuccessful?
If malware removal is unsuccessful, sometimes the only way to be sure your computer is free of malware is to entirely reinstall the operating system and your applications or programs from scratch. Before wiping your hard drive, backup all your files to an external drive and consult Apple support or Microsoft support before beginning the process. Learn how to erase your startup disk prior to reinstalling MacOS in the steps below:
To reinstall MacOS:
Restart the Mac and hold down Command-R after the startup chime sounds → Select Disk Utility → Erase.
To reinstall Windows:
Follow the factory restore options. Windows gives you the option to keep your files or remove everything.
Select the Start button → Settings → Type Recovery Options → Reset this PC → Get started → Remove everything
How to tell if your device has been infected with malware
Some of the tell-tale signs of your device being infected with malware include:
- Changes in your device behavior: for example, unusual ads or pop-up windows may begin to appear, even when you’re not surfing the web.
- Your device may begin to run more slowly.
- Your device may suddenly lack storage space.
- Your browser behavior or homepage appearance may change.
- Ads may pop up featuring inappropriate content and flashing colors. They may also block whatever content you’re trying to view.
How to help protect your devices from malware
Malware or viruses get on your computer in a handful of ways, so it’s a good idea for computer owners to develop good online habits to avoid an infection. Use our best practices below to help protect your computer:
- Avoid suspicious emails, links, and websites. Sometimes malware or viruses are disguised as an image file, word processing document, or PDF that you open. Additionally, if you find a strange new file on your desktop, do not open it.
- Clear your downloads and empty your trash often. If you’ve deleted downloads or moved suspicious files to the trash, empty the trash immediately after.
- Create strong passwords. Once you’re sure the computer virus infection has been cleaned up, change all your passwords, using unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use words found in the dictionary since they can be cracked via a dictionary attack. To help create, manage, and securely store all your passwords, consider using a password manager.
Malware is a dangerous threat to the data that computer owners store on their PCs and Macs. New types of malware are being discovered frequently, and the profitable nature of some types of malware can make it especially attractive to cybercriminals around the globe. It’s important to exercise good online habits and understand the signs of a malware infection.
If you suspect your computer is infected, act as soon as possible to prevent the spread of malware and protect your personal information.
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A common myth often regaled around the office water cooler is that Macs do not become infected with viruses. This was partly spread by a 2009 Apple advertising campaign that formed part of the “Get a Mac” campaign. One of the key selling points of this campaign was that Macs did not suffer from the “thousands” of viruses (now commonly referred to as 'malware'), which plagued Microsoft computers. Over time, it was proven that Macs were not exposed to the multitude of malware strains that targeted Windows systems. The reasons for this are the following:
- Small market share. There is some truth to the “security through obscurity” argument. Many virus writers are motivated by the power they can command and money they can make by seizing control of large numbers of computers. That puts a financial premium on Windows malware, since, globally, there are far more Windows computers than those running Mac OS.
- With Unix-based file systems and kernel, Mac Operating Systems are harder to infect with self-replicating programs. Windows allows users to develop and run executable code outside their own protected memory space, whereas Mac OS X does not.
The myth that Macs are in some ways invulnerable, and come with built-in anti-malware 'force fields', is not true. Macs are affected by malware and have been for most of their existence. One of the first malware infections to become popularised, ElkCloner, affected Apple computers rather than the MS-DOS computers of the time. Security research firms are annually discovering malware targeting Macs on a more frequent basis.
With the surge in popularity of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others utilizing blockchain technology, a new type of malware has risen in conjunction with cryptocurrencies. These new malware strains are called 'crypto miners' and some have been infecting Macs.
What exactly are Crypto Miners?
Currently, there are two ways you can get cryptocurrencies. The first is to buy them and the second is to mine them. There have been instances of hacks targeting the wallets of cryptocurrency buyers. These often rely on hackers exploiting vulnerabilities within wallets on websites or servers. Crypto miners rely on mining the actual currency. A crypto miner, sometimes referred to as a 'crypto jacker', can be defined as malware that uses CPU power of the target device to mine cryptocurrency, with the profits returned to the wallet of the attacker.
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Use and popularity of crypto miners and crypto jackers has become so widespread that researchers believe that they are fast becoming more popular than the use of ransomware by cyber criminals. Security researchers have stated that activity generated by Crypto Miners was the most detected network event in devices connected to home routers in 2017. This ascent of malware use is considerable. In October 2017, prevalence of Crypto Miner detections peaked at 116,361 events, with many of those detections occurring in Japan, India, Taiwan, the U.S., and Australia. To understand the appeal of Crypto Miners to cybercriminals, one needs to understand the financial motivation. In February 2018, it was reported that one operation that installed malware on servers running Jenkins (automation software designed for web development) mined roughly 3.4 million worth of Monero. That is essentially, a considerable sum by any standards. Monero is a popular choice for criminals to mine because of its increased privacy and anonymity features. This situation is further made problematic by the availability of applications such as Coinhive, which allows owners of websites to mine currency when visitors visit their webpage. These applications are abused by cyber criminals to maliciously mine for maximum profit.
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Crypto Miners present very real Dangers
Besides the ethical issues and issues of the illegality of crypto miners, these types of malware can provide real problems. Problems that can result in major financial loss for the victims, be they individuals or companies. In February of this year, Metro reported that a two-floor apartment building in Artem, near Vladivostok, went up in flames. The fire was caused by a resident illegally using the apartment blocks' electricity to mine Bitcoin. It is believed that a power surge caused the circuits to overheat, fail, and result in a fire that gutted the apartment building. Fortunately, in this instance, nobody lost their life. The above example did not involve a Crypto Miner but it is not outside the realms of possibility one could cause such an event.
As the miner uses devices' CPU resources (a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer), it causes an extra load upon the chipset. At the very least, this will increase the power consumption of the device. The device will also become noticeably slower. While the CPU can handle increased loads for short periods, running at 100% for extended periods can cause a critical failure. In a recent article, security researchers at Radiflow, a company that specializes in securing critical infrastructure, noticed miners infecting industrial control systems. The researchers feared such miners would inevitably have a severe impact on systems. In the same article, Marco Cardacci, a consultant for the firm RedTeam Security, which specializes in industrial control, said:
The major concern is that industrial control systems require high processor availability, and any impact to that can cause serious safety concerns. Such systems control things like power grids and dam wall, a catastrophic failure in those instances could be disastrous.
The above is a nightmare scenario, but Crypto Miners can easily cause major failures on the devices we use daily. Russian security firm Kaspersky reported detecting mobile malware that mines Monero, bombards users with unwanted ads, and can even be used to launch denial of service attacks. After two days of testing an infected device, it showed physical trauma: the overworked battery swelled up, damaging the phone’s outer shell. Some cyber criminals want their miners to run for as long as possible and evade detection. They are thus programmed to operate when CPU cycles are not being utilized on other task. Not all malware authors are as cunning. A hacker who simply copies code in the hope of striking it rich could drive a CPU incredibly hard for an extended period of time, thus placing the CPU at risk of catastrophic failure. This will result in the CPU or the entire device being replaced at obvious expense to the victim.
How to detect if your Mac is infected
As mentioned above, Macs are not invulnerable to malware infections, or indeed, Crypto Miners. Security researchers recently reported on a miner being distributed via MacUpdate. The miner was called OSX.CreativeUpdate was designed to hide in the background and use the computer’s CPU to mine Monero. The malware was spread by hacking the MacUpdate site, which was distributing maliciously-modified copies of Firefox, OnyX, and other applications.
It is inevitable that these now popular malware strains will evolve and change in the near future. They will have different key identifiers and some will develop even more cunning ways to avoid detection. That does not mean that they cannot be detected. One of the key indicators that your Mac may be infected, is CPU usage. This can be checked by simply opening a resource monitor on your computer to check if CPU usage is abnormally high. On a Mac, a resource monitor can be found in the Activity Monitor that comes with the operating system.
The following could be indicators of infection:
- If you see a spike in CPU usage when visiting a particular website that should not otherwise be taxing the processor.
- If you have all programs closed but CPU usage is still very high, then you may have a crypto mining malware problem.
- It is hard to say what “normal” CPU usage looks like, since computer processing power and the applications people run vary considerably. Nevertheless, a sudden, elevated level of CPU usage would indicate an abnormal increase in demand for processing power and possible infection.
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Some miners are only active when you are visiting a website that features the miner in question. In these instances, the website or an advertisement may be infected and using your CPU to mine a cryptocurrency. To prevent this, you can take the following actions to prevent such abuse. You can also block JavaScript from running on a site known to be infected by simply using the default privacy and content controls in your browser. It is also advisable that you install an Ad-blocker. Ad-blocking software can also filter out known types of in-browser miners, such as Coin Hive (which is not necessarily malware). It can be embedded in websites without the knowledge of a visitor, although its developers encourage website owners to disclose the script’s presence to users.
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The above are examples of measures you can easily adopt to prevent such infections from occurring, or at least to allow you to detect them. Researchers at IBM have recently detected more sophisticated malicious miners. These are delivered through infected image files or by clicking on links leading to a malicious site. Such attacks tend to target enterprise networks, which have far more CPUs and resources on offer to the attacker. As with their less sophisticated cousins, however, they can be detected by monitoring CPU usage. For these more sophisticated strains, there are methods to help remove them if your system has been infected. There are excellent third-party applications designed for the detection and removal of Crypto Miners such as Combo Cleaner.
Crypto Miners not the only Malware infecting Macs
While much of the above article addresses the understanding and detection of Crypto Miners, it is not only these strains of malware that can infect a Mac. While miners are predicted to be the dominant malware trend of this year, that nefarious title was held by ransomware for the previous year. Ransomware can be defined as a malicious program that seeks to encrypt data so that users cannot access their files. Once files are encrypted, a ransom note is delivered, instructing how payment must be made to decrypt the data. The data is effectively taken from victims until they pay a ransom. Payment is often required in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies of cyber criminals' choice. A recent strain of ransomware seen to infect Macs was discovered in 2017. Called McRansom (not an original name), it was by no means the most sophisticated of ransomware. It could only encrypt a maximum of 128 files. The danger it posed was due to how poorly it was designed. In encrypting the files, it also 'mangled' them, so when the victim paid a 700 USD ransom, there was still no guarantee that the files could be accessed. Another variant called KeRanger was discovered in 2016. It affected some 7,000 Mac users and was distributed via a compromised Transmission installer.
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Adware is another type of very prevalent malware that can infect Macs. This is software designed to display advertisements, usually within a web browser. It can do this by either disguising itself as legitimate, or piggybacks on another program in order to be installed. Once the system is infected, the adware changes the way the browser behaves by injecting ads into web pages, causing pop-up windows or tabs to open, and changing the homepage or search engine settings. This is done to funnel advertising dollars away from companies who pay for online ads, and into their own accounts. This is incredibly frustrating for the victims. To this extent, Mac users are advised to make sure browser pop-up blockers are activated to help prevent further infections.
Conclusion
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It would be great if Macs were invulnerable to all types of malware infection. Unfortunately, they are not. It is vital that users educate themselves as to the threats they face - this greatly helps prevent your day been spoiled by a cyber criminal. Unfortunately, some are incredibly cunning and you might not be able to detect that you have a problem until it is too late. Programs such as Combo Cleaner are an extra measure of defense recommended for Mac users. The company specializes in the detection and removal of malware that targets Mac OS. They also have a dedicated team of researchers who work continually to detect future threats before they become your problem.