MacOS virus detected message in my mac

Hello unexpected01,

An image of this would be nice! No, Apple does not send these messages!! This is usually some website or app popup trying to trick you into clicking it. The best thing to do is force quit out of the app you believe is causing it.

I would suggest looking at Privacy & Security within the Settings app and going through Safety Check. Revoke access to people and apps that are utilizing privileges you believe they shouldn't have. Changing your Apple ID password and device passcodes might also be smart.

A little more advance, but Activity Monitor can be used to track unknown and unwanted applications - Activity Monitor User Guide for Mac - Apple Support. It is advised to go through this. The Network tab is usually the most interesting. Kill any process you do not recognize.

Do not install any anti virus, desktop cleaner, etc. software. Your MacBook has some pretty strong features to protect you and your data. Go through the sections of Privacy & Security within the Settings app and revoke access to apps. I would be careful with:

1. Files and Folders
2. Microphone
3. Screen Recording
4. Camera
5. Full Disk Access

Please see the very informative user tip below. 

Stop unwanted Notifications - Apple Community

It's happening to me, too. It seems to appear (upper right corner) about every 5 minutes. It's where I normally get notifications. It appears and goes away in maybe 5 seconds so it's too fast for a screen shot. But if you click on it, it takes you to a webpage to sell a virus protection program.

No worries! No such thing as a stupid question. 🙂

Apple will never send you anything like this. But I would advise searching the system and going through your Privacy & Security settings to verify nothing strange is there. Staying up to date is also a really good way of staying secure (currently macOS 13.4.1).

Thank you!!! I was going to give up and get a new MacBook. You save me a lot.

You are quite welcome.