How do you run a virus check on on an iMac (Late 2013) version running macOS Catalina 10.15.7? That is the latest software update that my iMac will take. One of the companies I work with is requiring me to run a virus check. Does Mac have one built in or do I need to purchase one. After all these years, I've never been required to run one before. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Earlier Mac models
First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac. This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.
There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs. There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.
Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear. They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware. Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.
There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it. The free version is more than adequate for most users.
Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.
Malwarebytes looks for malware and if it's there will, under your control, identify it and isolate or delete it. The free version in the link above is sufficient for most users.
First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac. This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.
There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs. There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.
Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear. They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware. Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.
There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it. The free version is more than adequate for most users.
Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.
Malwarebytes looks for malware and if it's there will, under your control, identify it and isolate or delete it. The free version in the link above is sufficient for most users.
Built-in. macOS runs with anti-malware built-in, just as does Windows with Defender anti-virus.
Hint: You should consider enabling the Status Bar in your Safari browser. View menu > Show Status Bar
Now when you hover the mouse cursor over any web link, a small status bar will display at the bottom left corner of the browser window and show you where that link will take you before you click it. Good info to know, especially if you have to use an older browser that may not have all the security benefits of newer ones.
Thanks Niel for the quick response. Before I click the link you sent me, please tell me what product this will run?
I was running a different browser. With your suggestion, I switched over to Safari and enabled the Status Bar. Thanks!!
I ran the older version of Malwarebytes you recommend and it worked. Thankfully it found nothing harmful on my computer. Thanks for your time and help Niel!!!
Virus check on iMac Late 2013 version running macOS Catalina
