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According to Malwarebytes, 2017 saw a 230% spike in malware activity within Mac ecosystem. The notable examples include Proton Remote Access Trojan and KeRanger virus. But whatever is that ends with “-ware” on your Mac — ransomware, adware, malware, or scareware — we’ll share a couple of methods to delete it. So, welcome to our Mac Malware Removal Guide.

Malwarebytes For Mac is a free malware and adware removal tool for OS X and here we take a look at just how effective it is in our review of Malwarebytes for Mac. With malware becoming an increasing problem on Macs, there has been a lot of demand from PC users that have switched to OS X for a Mac version of Malwarebytes.

Mac malware: The symptoms

Oftentimes a malware app would trick you into believing it’s perfectly harmless. Such apps are known to disguise themselves as antiviruses, extractors or video players. But how to check your Mac for viruses? Here are some of the tell-tale signs:

• A sudden drop in Mac’s performance or frequent freeze-ups.
• Pages that you visit get obscured with ads.
• Unexpected Mac reboots or apps starting for no reason.
• Your browser installs suspicious updates automatically.

How to remove a virus from Mac

Just as with any disease, to doctor a virus you need to remove the infected part of your software — as simple as that.

Remove malware from Mac manually

If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you’re half-way through the problem. First of all, you need to close the app and then root it out from the system processes.

1. Open Activity Monitor (type its name in the Launchpad).
2. Locate the problematic app in the Processes.
3. Use [x] button to quit the process

Now go back to your Applications and move the app to the Trash bin. Immediately empty the Trash.

This method is simple, but for the best malware removal results, you’d have to invest a bit more time. There are still parts and pieces of the virus app scattered around your system folders. It’s a bit like killing a dragon that re-grows its head after you’ve chopped it off. To remove malware from your Mac completely, it’s better to use a powerful uninstaller.

Get rid of malware using CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X has a 10-year reputation of guarding Macs around the world. The app will scan your Mac for any vulnerabilities and offer immediate removal if it finds something suspicious. CleanMyMac detects thousands of malware threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and more. The app’s database is regularly updated to keep all those “-wares” away from your Mac.

Here’s how to remove malware from your Mac:

1. Download CleanMyMac X — it’s free to download.
2. Click Malware Removal tab.
3. Click Scan.
4. Click Remove.
5. Done!

How to remove Mac Adware cleaner

Ironically, the app called “Mac Adware cleaner” maybe itself be the very source of annoying adware on your Mac — the classic case of a wolf in a sheep’s skin. To remove it, you can use CleanMyMac (which is a legit app that has a 4.5-star rating from MacWorld magazine). Additionally, you can browse through your Login Items list to stop any dubious apps from auto-launching. Below is how to do it.

Remove Mac malware from your Login Items

Most adware or spyware will try to sneak inside the bootup process. Good news, you don’t have to be Kaspersky to prevent this.

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences
2. Choose Users & Groups section
3. Make sure if your username is highlighted
4. Open Login Items tab

Now use the “—” sign to disable all the suspicious apps (like Mac Defenders) that you’ll find. Restart your Mac for the changes to take place.

How to get rid of pop-up ads on Mac

Advertising pop-ups are browser-related, so whatever browser you are using, be prepared for a thorough cleanup. First off, don’t buy into whatever the ad is telling you. Some scary alerts would mention 343 viruses found on your Mac forcing you to immediately install a “Mac Defender” or “Mac Security” tool. Just ignore it and don’t click anywhere on the pop-up. Use [x] button and if it doesn’t close the ad, Ctrl + click the browser icon to quit the browser completely.

How to block pop-up ads in Safari

1. Open Safari preferences (in the top menu)
2. Go to the Security tab
3. Tick “Block pop-up windows”

How to get rid of pop-ups in Chrome

1. Open Chrome Settings (a three-dot icon)
2. Click Advanced
3. Go to Privacy and security > Content setting
4. Locate the Popups tab and block them from appearing

Additionally, make sure your browser’s homepage is set to standard Google page or other trusted source.

Clean up extensions to remove adware from Mac

Apple lists several browser extensions as potentially malicious. The list includes:

Amazon Shopping Assistant by Spigot Inc.
Slick Savings by Spigot Inc.
FlashMall
Cinema-Plus

This is just to give you an idea how different these adware extensions could be. But if you’re looking how to remove malware from Mac Safari browser, follow this path.

Remove extensions in Safari

1. Go to Safari Preferences
2. Choose the Extensions tab
3. Select an extension and click Uninstall

Disable browser extensions in Chrome

And here’s how to remove malware from Mac Chrome. Open Chrome and click Window in the top menu. In the bottom of the list choose Extensions. This opens up the list of all your installed extensions. Now use a trash bin icon to remove the ones you suspect are adware viruses. Right after that, your Chrome experience should get much less distracting.

Just to be doubly sure, we recommend you to remove all the extensions you'll find. Later you can re-install each one separately.

Malwarebytes For Mac Removal

Launch Agents and Daemons: Where else to look

So far we’ve covered browser Extensions, Applications, and Login Items trying to remove malware from your Mac. But these are not the only locations where malicious agents may be hiding. Another type of system services that could be affected by malware are the so-called Launch Agents and Daemons — yes, the name does derive from the word demon. These are small helper programs that stealthily run in the background, like software updaters or automatic backups.

While Launch Agents and Daemons are two different entities, both can be infiltrated by malware. As it often happens, trojan apps would place their executable files within the Launch Agents folder. The result — the virus app launches automatically and potentially harms or steals your data.

How to remove daemons and agents from the Mac’s startup

1. Click Finder
2. Choose Go > Go to Folder
3. Type in: /Library/LaunchDaemons

For Launch Agents, repeat the steps above, but this time search in 2 more locations:

/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Inside you’ll find a bunch of PLIST files and if some of them look suspicious to you, delete them. Sure, the names of these files may not be very telling, but if you already know the problematic app that you are after, knowing this folder may help you fully extinguish it.

Don’t forget to reboot your Mac — until you do, all these files are still in memory.

One more way to remove daemons, agents, and plug-ins

If the manual path described here sounds too complicated, you can again be rescued by CleanMyMac X. This app has a special tool to remove malware Launch Agents.

1. Download CleanMyMac X (it’s free to download).
2. Install the app.
3. Click Optimization tab > Launch Agents
4. Click Perform.

If all else fails

Below a few more ideas to help you remove malware from Mac.

• Switch to a different user account and do a full system cleanup.
• Restore your Mac using Time Machine (to the point before it got infected).
• Update all your software , including the macOS.

OK, looks we’ve covered how to remove malware from Mac including both manual and software solutions. Hope your Mac stays virus-free and may you never click on those scary Mac alerts again.

These might also interest you:

Welcome to our list of the best free malware removal tools you can download in 2019. Each of these tools has been carefully tested by us to ensure that they offer you the very best when it comes to removing malware from your PC.

These days you don't just need antivirus software installed - you also need a malware removal tool, but with our list of the best free malware removal tools, you don't need to spend any additional money for the extra level of protection.

Norton For Mac Removal Tool

Adware and spyware are increasingly common, and they don't behave like viruses. This means they might escape detection when traditional antivirus software scans your system.

• This is our best antivirus buying guide

In our list of the best free malware removal tools, we've collected a range of brilliant tools that can protect your PC from all kinds of threats. We've also looked at programs that will identify and eliminate malware infections on friends' and relatives' PCs – essential if you've become the family tech support.

These free malware removal tools are all reliable and trustworthy, and they are essential programs to have installed if you're unlucky enough to get infected. Make sure you also check out our guide to the best free antivirus software as well.

• Worried about ransomware? Check out these free anti-ransomware software tools
• Installing the best free VPN is another way to stay protected

• Want your company or services to be added to this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.

1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

The most effective free malware remover, with deep scans and daily updates

Operating system: Windows

Best Free Malware Removal Mac

If you suspect a malware infection, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should be your first port of call. It’s updated daily, so you can trust it to identify and remove new threats the minute they appear.

The first time you install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, you’re given a 14-day trial of the premium edition, which includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and specific protection from ransomware. After two weeks, it reverts to the basic free version. This has to be activated manually, but is still a top-notch security tool. We recommend running it at least once a week to check or any nasties that you haven't noticed, or if you notice that your web browser has suddenly started acting strangely (likely a result of adware).

Last year, Malwarebytes bought Adwcleaner, which – as its name suggests – targets and removes annoying programs that hijack your browser by changing your homepage, resetting your default search engine, or adding unwanted toolbars. It’s also available free, and along with Anti-Malware, is a great addition to your security toolkit.

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Prevention is better than cure, and Bitdefender delivers both

Operating system: Windows

If you’re thinking about replacing your antivirus software, check out Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It has a dedicated anti-malware engine to help you avoid an infection in the first place, and mop up any existing problems.

One of BitDefender’s best features is the ability to scan files or folders that look a bit suspicious by simply dragging and dropping them onto its home screen (it might be a good idea to do this with your Downloads folder if you’ve noticed some funny business lately). Any unpleasantness detected by the malware removal engine will be swiftly quarantined, and can be disposed of at your leisure.

BitDefender is unobtrusive, but its Protection Shield will alert you to any malicious attempts to compromise your system. All in all, it’s an excellent foundation for your anti-malware arsenal.

3. Adaware Antivirus Free

Adaware can replace your antivirus or work an anti-malware supplement

Operating system: Windows

Adaware Antivirus Free is another great option if you’re building an anti-malware toolkit from the ground up. It includes a virtual environment where suspicious programs can be analysed to see if they behave like malware (a technique known as heuristic analysis). This means you’re always protected from new malware – even if you’re the very first person to be affected and the malicious program isn’t yet in Adaware’s database of known threats. The malware can then be safely contained and removed.

All this happens quietly in the background, and can be suspended temporarily if you want your processor’s full power for a gaming session.

Adaware Antivirus Free can also scan downloads before you install them, helping prevent malware infestations in the first place by filtering their most common point of entry.

Best of all, if you're just looking for a way to boost your existing antivirus software, Adaware's installer lets you choose a version without real-time scanning that won't conflict with other antivirus tools.

4. Emsisoft Emergency Kit

A portable app that’s perfect if you’ve become the family tech support

Operating system: Windows

If you’re called in to help a friend with a malware infestation, Emsisoft Emergency Kit is the tool for you. It’s a portable app, so you can keep it handy on a USB stick, or your cloud storage service of choice (it’s only 591MB, though it does generate log files, which will take up a little extra room).

Like any malware removal tool, Emsisoft Emergency Kit has a database of current threats, and the PC you’re cleaning needs an internet connection so the software can check for updates.

Once it’s updated itself, it scans the PC for threats and quarantines anything it finds to stop it doing further damage to your system. After a quick reboot, the files will be deleted.

5. SUPERAntiSpyware

All-round protection from malware that gives you full control over scans

Operating system: Windows

The free edition of SUPERAntiSpyware detects all forms of malicious software – including adware and spyware – and removes every trace quickly and efficiently.

If you suspect that a particular file might contain malware, you can submit it to SUPERAntiSpyware’s threat labs, where its behavior will be analyzed. It’s not as fast or convenient as tools that scan files using a virtual machine, but is a good option if your system is low on resources.

You can also control which types of file are scanned, whether SUPERAntiSpyware should follow shortcuts, and whether it should check inside ZIP archives – very handy if you’ve downloaded a program in an archive and want to check it before extracting the contents.

Mac Malwarebytes Free

Scans must be performed manually, but SUPERAntiSpyware’s granular control makes it a great choice for more confident users.

6. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a free anti-malware tool provided by Microsoft. The MSRT is normally downloaded with automatic updates, to run alongside the built-in Windows Defender AntiVirus.

Free Malwarebytes For Mac

However, for those users with automatic updates normally turned-off you can download the software directly.

The MSRT is updated once a month to deal with the most prevalant threats, namely posed by viruses, worms, and trojans.

If it doesn't detect anything it will run in quiet mode, but it if does a balloon alert will appear stating that malware has been detected and needs to be removed.

Malwarebytes

If you struggle to remove any problems with the MSRT, then you could also try the Microsoft Safety Scanner which is also available as a download.

Malwarebytes For Mac Removal Software

This is also designed my Microsoft to detect and remove malware from Windows computers, but it intended to run in support of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.