Pop-ups, slowdowns, and mystery apps: How to tell if your Mac is infected
A malware infection can go way beyond annoying ads. It may spy on activity, steal passwords, encrypt files, or quietly use your Mac for scams. Catching it early can prevent serious damage to your system and data. Use the checks below to spot suspicious behavior and confirm it with real clues like network activity and running processes.
Frequent system crashes and slowdowns
Random freezes, spinning beach balls, apps quitting unexpectedly, or long boot times can happen for normal reasons, such as low storage, buggy updates, or a failing drive. Malware can cause similar symptoms by running hidden tasks in the background, injecting itself into apps, or constantly contacting remote servers.
Rapid battery drain
Battery drain often points to heavy background activity. A legit cause might be a browser with many tabs, Spotlight indexing, or a video call. Malware can drain power by mining crypto, running ad scripts, or constantly uploading data.
Unfamiliar processes running
Every Mac runs many background services, so “unknown process” doesn’t always mean “bad.” A normal process is usually signed by Apple or a known developer, behaves consistently, and matches installed software. Malware often tries to blend in with harmless-sounding names like “Updater,” “Helper,” or “Security.”
To verify whether a process is legitimate, go to Activity Monitor and double-click on any suspicious processes to view details. Take a moment to review the name and any related information to decide if it matches something you intentionally installed. If it looks unfamiliar or oddly named, make a note of it.
Next, check which programs are set to open automatically when your Mac starts up. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items and review the list carefully. Remove any apps you don’t recognize or no longer use. Programs that automatically relaunch every time you reboot (especially ones you didn’t approve) deserve closer attention.
Pop-ups and fake alerts that try to scare you
Scareware is built around pressure. Messages claim your Mac is “infected,” “at risk,” or “locked,” then push you to call a number or install a tool. Legit macOS security alerts don’t typically include phone numbers, flashing banners, or urgent countdowns.
Increased network activity
Unusual internet activity can be a serious warning sign because many types of malware quietly communicate with outside servers. That connection might be used to send out data, pull in more unwanted software, or load aggressive ads. Some background traffic is completely normal, such as iCloud syncing or apps updating, but it usually comes from apps you recognize.
To check what’s happening, open Activity Monitor and click the Network tab. Sort the list by Data Sent or Data Received to see which apps are using the most internet data. If something unfamiliar is near the top while you’re not actively using it, this could be a sign of malware.
Modified security settings you didn’t change
Malware sometimes tries to weaken defenses by turning off protective features, adding device profiles, or pushing you to allow system extensions. A “modified settings” warning should be treated seriously if nobody on your team or household made changes.
To check, open System Settings > Privacy & Security and review any recent security messages or newly allowed apps. Look for a Profiles section as well (it may appear within Privacy & Security). If you see a profile you don’t recognize, investigate it further or remove it. Unknown profiles can quietly change how your Mac connects to the internet or how your browser behaves.
Compromised files (missing, changed, encrypted, or duplicated)
A malware infection can damage files in quiet ways: documents won’t open, filenames change, or you see strange duplicates. Ransomware is the extreme case, but even adware can mess with browser data and cached files.
Unexpected page redirects
Redirects can come from ad-heavy sites, but repeated redirects on trusted websites can mean a hijacked browser setting, a rogue extension, or a malicious proxy.
If you detect several of the above signs on your Mac, it’s important to take action right away. This involves disconnecting from the internet, backing up important files, changing passwords, and running a good anti-malware program. But if that seems too overwhelming, we’re always here to help. Our Mac experts can remotely diagnose and fix any issues you may be experiencing with your Mac. Contact us now to protect your systems and data.
When a Mac suddenly feels slow, crashes more than usual, or starts showing strange pop-ups, something is off. Sometimes, it’s a normal software issue, but malware can cause the same kind of chaos. Below are the most common signs to watch for, plus simple ways to verify what’s really happening.
macOS comes with strong built-in protections, and that’s a big reason people trust Macs. Still, secure by default doesn’t mean invincible. Malware exists for Macs, and it often slips in through fake updates, sketchy downloads, or sneaky browser add-ons. Here’s how to spot the warning signs before the problem grows.
Choosing between open-source and proprietary Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems requires careful consideration of several key factors: cost, support, flexibility, and ease of use. To determine which model is the right fit for your business, this article examines the pros and cons of each option.
When selecting a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system, businesses often face a key decision: should they go with open-source or proprietary systems? This article breaks down the real-world pros and cons of each option so you can confidently choose the right fit for your organization.
Choosing a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system is more than a simple equipment upgrade; it’s an investment in your team’s daily communication. One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to select an open-source platform or a proprietary solution. While both options enable voice communication over the internet, they operate in very different ways.
Not all storage slowdowns are caused by old hardware. Discover how organizing scattered data through defragmentation can improve speed, reliability, and overall system performance.
Over time, your hard drive can become cluttered and inefficient. This article explains how defragmentation improves file access, boosts responsiveness, and helps extend your computer’s lifespan.
If your Windows PC feels slower than it used to, fragmented files could be part of the problem. Learn how disk defragmentation works, when it’s necessary, and how it can help restore performance and stability.
Tired of managing endless passwords across your business apps?