XProtect operates automatically and it will scan new data or extensions the moment you try to download/install them. This security feature is similar to Windows Defender and it mainly keeps you protected against potentially malicious files you may download from the Internet and against insecure browser extensions. Below, we will break down what the different Mac security features do and what warning notifications you may get if they spot malware. Nevertheless, if there’s malware on your Mac and the system security features detect it, you will be promptly notified.
This means that you can’t start an actual malware scan on your Mac unless you are using a third-party antivirus or anti-malware tool.
In other words, you don’t get to use a centralized app through which you can control and customize your security settings, schedule scans, and so on. However, it must be noted that these features don’t come with a user interface like antivirus programs do. They are designed to provide your computer with protection against most forms of software threats which is why Macs typically don’t require a third-party antivirus. Mac computers have several automated built-in security features that keep them safe from malware. However, you may still notice some signs of its presence. If you have been attacked by malware that is not in Mac’s databases, you will likely not get warned about the infection. Also, even if the symptom isn’t caused by malware, you should still try to find the root of the issue in order to fix it. However, since there’s no way of knowing for sure just by looking at the symptoms, it’s best to not take any chances and check your Mac for malware using a reliable third-party security program. There could also be other issues causing these symptoms that aren’t related to malware. Noticing some of the above-mentioned symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that your Mac has been infected. Weird new add-ons to your browser that you don’t remember installing.
Frequent warnings from third-party software about viruses in your Mac, that prompt you to buy the software’s full version to remove the purported threat.Sudden restarts of the computer for seemingly no reason.Automatic installs of suspicious new software or updates.Applications starting without you having opened them.Your web browser tabs are filled with ads that are superimposed over the page’s contents.Performance issues such as slow-downs and freezes.Here are some common malware red-flags for Mac: You can also check if Mac has a virus by scanning it with third-party security software. You can check if your Mac has a virus by looking out for potential infection symptoms and by paying attention to the system warnings of Mac’s built-in security features.
While it is still true that you are more likely to land a virus on a Windows computer than on a Mac, the people who use Mac machines definitely need to know how to keep their systems malware-free and how to spot any potential threats that may have entered their computers, which is why this article has been written.
The notion that Mac systems cannot get infected by malware is wrong and the last couple of years have proven that with the exponentially increasing numbers of malware infections for Mac systems.