Do Macs get viruses? Do I need antivirus on a Mac?
Yes, Macs can get malware, though they're well protected. Most Mac malware doesn't spread by itself. It's a program you're tricked into opening, like a fake update or a look-alike app. Every Mac has built-in protection called XProtect, so most people don't need to buy antivirus.
Malware is any software made to harm you or steal from you. A virus is one kind. Criminals target Macs more now because many more people use them, including at work, and some owners still believe the myth that Macs are immune. Info-stealers that grab saved passwords and browser cookies are a common threat today.
XProtect runs quietly in the background and blocks known malware when you open an app. Gatekeeper checks downloads before they open, and Apple scans apps from outside the App Store through notarization. What these can't stop is brand new malware, you clicking past a warning, or you typing a password into a fake site. Real macOS updates only come from Software Update.
- Keep macOS up to date in System Settings, General, Software Update
- Get apps from the App Store or the maker's own website
- Ignore pop-ups saying your Mac or Flash Player needs updating
- Treat every Mac warning as a stop sign, and click Move to Trash
- Never paste a command from a website or stranger into Terminal
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Yes, Macs Get Malware
From the Mac Malware: Myth vs Reality course. Why Macs are targets now, how fake updates work, and what XProtect does.