Virus Warnings on my Mac with macOS High Sierra

I have mac os high sierra 10.13.6 - very slow and warnings of virus attack - what should I be doing to protect my system?


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Posted on Feb 25, 2024 5:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 25, 2024 6:43 PM

Virus warning on the Mac are typically scam notifications from websites. A website cannot scan your Mac, therefor cannot find viruses on your Mac.

Please see: Turn off notifications for an app or website on Mac - Apple Support


Keep your software updated and macOS is capable of keeping itself secure. There is no need to run any anti-virus, cleaners, optimizers or VPN apps. These apps often cause more problems and headache than they prevent because they conflict with the macOS’ built in securities. If you have this type of app installed, you should uninstall it according to the developer's instructions, and use best practices when using your Mac.


If you want to keep your Mac secure, follow this guidance:

• Keep your macOS and other software up to date.

• Don’t click links in email.

• Don’t download apps from unknown websites.

• Don’t disable your Mac’s built in security.


For more info, please see these support documents:

Effective Defenses Against Malware - Apple Community

Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts…and other scams - Apple Support




2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 25, 2024 6:43 PM in response to Nancy Siow

Virus warning on the Mac are typically scam notifications from websites. A website cannot scan your Mac, therefor cannot find viruses on your Mac.

Please see: Turn off notifications for an app or website on Mac - Apple Support


Keep your software updated and macOS is capable of keeping itself secure. There is no need to run any anti-virus, cleaners, optimizers or VPN apps. These apps often cause more problems and headache than they prevent because they conflict with the macOS’ built in securities. If you have this type of app installed, you should uninstall it according to the developer's instructions, and use best practices when using your Mac.


If you want to keep your Mac secure, follow this guidance:

• Keep your macOS and other software up to date.

• Don’t click links in email.

• Don’t download apps from unknown websites.

• Don’t disable your Mac’s built in security.


For more info, please see these support documents:

Effective Defenses Against Malware - Apple Community

Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts…and other scams - Apple Support




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Virus Warnings on my Mac with macOS High Sierra

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