Contrary to what most people may think, Macs are not immune to being infected with malware. This misconception is derived from the fact that in past years, with more people owning PCs than Macs, this led to more hackers targeting Windows laptops instead. So, it doesn’t mean that the devices were immune. It just means that at the time, Macs were not as popular as they were now, so hackers did not need to try and illegally access them.



However, now that Apple is almost virtually dominating the tech market, more and more people are purchasing MacBooks, which means that there is now more of a risk of your Mac falling victim to a malware attack. Now, in such cases, there are two main ways by which you could end up with an infected Mac. Either, a hacker gains access to your Mac through the internet or gains access to your Mac physically.



But, it’s often common for this to happen online, as many people tend to visit unprotected websites and public WiFi connections that can open the door for someone to gain access to your data and files. It is for this reason that most users are encouraged to only use private WiFi. Or use a wired network connection instead. In the latter case, since MacBook’s no longer have ethernet ports, you will need to use docking stations to connect your Mac to an internet router. An added benefit of bringing this accessory back to your home or office workspace is they expand the number of access ports on your device. So you can now connect multiple devices at once, eg. external keyboards, monitors, storage drives, speakers, mousepads, etc.



How Can I Tell If I Have A Virus?



There are quite a few warning signs that will indicate that your device might be the victim of a malware infection:



Slow performance.
Tons ofunexpected
Unwanted yet installed apps.
Abnormal/Erratic Mac behavior.

Now, that is not to say that anytime you encounter one of these problems, it indicates that your Mac has a virus. Quite the contrary, several different reasons could explain such similar problems. For instance, macOS often make sure of temporary files/caches to help programs run faster. The problem with these files is that they can start to pile up over time. And this can lead to a slow down in performance. In such scenarios, it is recommended that you either delete the files or store them on an external storage device instead to help conserve space. You can do this by using a usb c sd card reader, for example.



We recommend that you check out Lention’s CB-CS15 model. It is a rather affordable and small hub that can be connected directly to your Mac, without using a cord. It features a powerful USB 3.0 port that can transfer data at a rate of 5Gbps. Plus, it also comes with two SD card ports that can transfer data at about 200Mbps. This makes it a very convenient and portable choice that should serve all your basic file transfer needs, especially if you tend to work remotely.



How Do I Remove A Virus?



If you believe that your device is infected, then the next step is to remove the virus as quickly as possible. In most cases, viruses and malware infection are easily fixable. So, you should be able to get your Mac back up and running in no time. However, if you tend to work on heavy programs that require a wide amount of space and room to work on, eg. video editing or graphic design, and your Mac seems to be performing slowly, then you may need to take your Mac for a check up.



But in the short term, you can always plug in your computer to an external monitor which should help you continue working, at least until you find time to take it for repair. However, in such instances, you may find yourself needing a dual hdmi adapter. These devices will allow you to expand your workspace and viewing experience considerably. This means better productivity and adaptability while working, especially if your Mac screen is acting up, for example.



But putting that aside, here are a few main ways to solve your virus problem:



Use an Anti-Virus Software Tool


This is one of the most effective ways to remove viruses from your Mac and while the other methods below are also helpful, this one does the job perfectly. However, keep immid that picking out the right antivirus tool can be tricky. There are so many options to choose from in the current market. And some are more effective than others in finishing the job. It is for this reason that you should only download antivirus software from an established and trustworthy developer. This means downloading software from brands like; Kaspersky, McAfee, Malwarebytes, Intego, Avast, etc. Once installed, these tools will essentially scan your Mac to locate any existing threats and purge them completely.



Delete Any NewApps


Most Mac users usually download applications from the Mac App Store. This is because those apps are completely safe and cleared by Apple. As such, it is less likely that you will end up downloading something that contains a malware infection. However, if you recently downloaded an app from a third-party developer, then there is a chance that it could be infected and is the cause of all your Mac woes. In such a case, the best thing to do is to delete the app and remove any cache files it may have left behind using a clean-up tool like CleanMyMacX.