Is your MacBook Pro working slowly, showing suspicious icons, or consuming more data than usual? These signs indicate that your device has a virus or malware. But don’t worry; you can remove all malware by following the right method. To revive the normal functionality of your Mac device, start by disconnecting it from the Internet and creating a data backup. Then, boot your device into the Safe Mode and use Activity Monitor to identify unnecessary processes. After that, remove malicious files, delete suspicious applications, and remove unwanted browser extensions. If you cannot apply these solutions, contact a trusted Macs repair shop for expert assistance.
Signs That Your MacBook Pro Has Malware
Here are some of the most common signs that your MacBook Pro is infected with viruses or malware:
- Applications become unresponsive or take longer to respond.
- Some suspicious icons or pop-ups appear on the display.
- A sudden increase in Internet data usage.
- Random prompts that ask you to enter a password or personal information.
- Non-functional firewalls or antivirus software indicate malicious activity.
- Unnecessary redirects and unwanted add-ons or browser extensions.
- Frequent browser crashes or system breakdowns indicate viruses.
- Unexpected changes in your search engine or browser’s homepage.
Steps to Remove Virus on MacBook Pro
If your MacBook Pro has viruses or malware, remove it immediately to revive normal functionality. Here are easy and effective steps for safely clearing malware on your MacBook Pro.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
Malware connects to its server to execute harmful operations. Disconnecting from the internet stops this process.
- Click the “Wi-Fi” icon in the menu bar.
- Select “Turn Wi-Fi Off” to disconnect.
- You can also unplug your Ethernet cable if you are using a wired connection.
Step 2: Back Up Your Data
Before proceeding, create a backup of your files to avoid losing important data during removal. You can connect an external drive or use cloud storage for this purpose.
How to Use Time Machine for Data Backup?
- First, go to “System Preferences” and navigate to the “Time Machine” option.
- Click “Select Backup Disk” and choose your external drive.
- After that, hit “Back Up Now” to start the process.
Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe mode prevents any unnecessary process from loading, including types of malware. To use it:
- Restart your Mac by holding down the “Shift” key during boot.
- Hold the key until the Apple logo appears, then release it.
- System files will load in safe mode, which can help you identify malicious software.
Step 4: Use Activity Monitor to Locate Malicious Processes
Using the Activity Monitor can help locate harmful processes. Here’s how you can use it:
- Open the “Finder” option and go to the “Applications” folder.
- Then, select “Utilities” and navigate to the “Activity Monitor” app.
- Click on the running processes, and look for unfamiliar names or high CPU usage.
- Select the suspicious processes one by one, then click “Quit Process” to stop them temporarily.
5. Remove Malicious Files From Your Mac
Follow these steps to identify and delete files associated with the malware.
- Initially, open “Finder” and select the “Downloads” folder.
- Check your recent downloads and move unfamiliar or suspicious files to the Trash.
- Next, press the “Command + F” buttons to search for files by the name noted in Activity Monitor.
- Move identified malware files to the Trash, then empty them to delete them permanently.
- Lastly, right-click on the Trash and select the “Empty Trash” option to remove everything.
6. Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions
Some malicious extensions can affect the functionality of your browser. Therefore, you must remove them from your web browsers. Here’s how:
Chrome:
- Open “Chrome” and click the “Three dots” in the top-right corner.
- Then, access “Settings” and select “Reset Settings” from the list.
- After that, click “Restore settings to their original defaults” and confirm the action.
Safari:
- First, navigate to your “Safari” browser and access its “Settings” from the top-left menu.
- Afterward, uninstall unfamiliar or malicious extensions in the “Extensions” tab.
Firefox:
- To begin the process, open the “Firefox” menu and select the “Help” option.
- Then, click “More Troubleshooting Information” and choose the “Refresh Firefox” option from the “Give Firefox a tune-up” section.
- Finally, confirm the action to reset the default settings of your browser.
7. Delete Suspicious Applications
Upon removing malicious files, you must uninstall unwanted applications to eliminate potential threats. To do this:
- Start by opening “Finder” and access the “Applications” folder.
- Then, look for unfamiliar or unrecognized apps or programs.
- Remove apps you didn’t install or recognize to eliminate potential threats.
Read More: Common Tablet Issues and How to Repair Them
Wrap Up
In conclusion, a MacBook Pro device can experience different performance and functionality issues due to viruses or malware. However, you can remove them by disconnecting your device from the Internet and creating a data backup. Then, identify malicious files and activities by booting your Mac into the Safe Mode and using Activity Monitor. Remove suspicious applications, and delete malicious files and harmful browser extensions. If the malware issue persists, get professional help from a MacBook repair shop.
