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How to Scan Mac for Malware

Method 1 of 2:

Using Malwarebytes

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    Open a web browser. Download Malwarebytes for Mac, a free anti-malware app recommended by security experts.[1]
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    Navigate to https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac-download/. The application will download automatically.
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    Double-click the file that begins with 'MBAM-Mac.' The entire file name should look like MBAM-Mac-1.2.5.dmg, though the number will vary based on the current software version.
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    Drag the Malwarebytes icon to the Applications folder.
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    Click the 'File' menu.
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    Click 'Eject Anti-Malware for Mac.'
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    Open the Applications folder.
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    Double-click 'Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.'
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    Click Open. The app should open. If you see a message that says it can't be opened because it wasn't downloaded from the app store:[2]
    1. Open System Preferences.
    2. Select 'Security & Privacy'.
    3. Click Open Anyway.
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    Type your admin username and password.
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    Click Install Helper. This will install the tool that removes any malware discovered by Malwarebytes. When the tool is finished installing, you'll arrive at the main Malwarebytes Anti-Malware screen.
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    Click Scan. The scan is fast, so don't be alarmed if the results (or lack thereof) show up after only a few seconds.
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    Evaluate the results.
    1. If the system has no malware, you will see a message that says no threats were found.
    2. If threats were found, a list will appear in a pop-up window.
    3. Unless otherwise noted, you should remove all threats found by the application.
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    Place a checkmark next to each threat you want to remove.
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    Click Remove Selected Items. Your Mac is now free of malware.
Method 2 of 2:

Using ClamXav

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    Open a web browser. ClamXav has a fully-functional free trial version you can download to scan your Mac for malware. The software has been around for a long time and comes widely recommended by experts.[3]
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    Navigate to https://www.clamxav.com/download.html.
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    Click DOWNLOAD beneath 'Get Free Trial.'
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    Save the file when prompted. It will save to your computer with a name like 'ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip.'
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    Double-click 'ClamXav_2.10_xxx.zip".
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    Double-click 'ClamXav.app'. This will start the installation of ClamXav.
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    Accept the license agreement.
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    Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
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    Click Update Now. This not only downloads the latest definition files, but will also initiate a quick scan of your Mac. Let this scan complete and then go ahead with this method to do a deeper scan.
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    Click 'All My Files.' This is one of the options in the Source List in the left panel.
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    Click the 'Start Scan' icon. The deep scan will begin. When the scan is complete, all threats will be displayed in the top right panel, called the Infection List.
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    Evaluate the results. ClamXav color-codes the results based on recommended actions, such as 'quarantining' (isolating it to its own folder so it causes no harm) or deleting the file. Here's what the colors mean:
    1. Blue: If you don't recognize the file, quarantine it to avoid passing it on to others.
    2. Orange: You should definitely quarantine the file.
    3. Red: You should definitely delete this file.
    4. Green: The file has been neutralized. No action is necessary.
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    Click a threat to select it.
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    Click 'Quarantine File' or 'Delete File' as recommended.
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