Can Macs Get Ransomware? How to Remove Them & Protect Your MacOS?

Mac computers may also be infected with ransomware! Many people think that Macs are not affected by malware, but that is not the case. Ransomware can also attack macOS. This article will explain what ransomware is, how Macs are infected with ransomware, and how to deal with and prevent after infection.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents you from accessing your own files. Hackers may encrypt or delete your data and ask you to pay a ransom to restore access. Cybercriminals may also threaten to disclose your personal data. However, even if you pay the ransom, not all hackers will return your data.

Everyone may be at risk for Mac ransomware, but if you are a public figure, executive or work for a well-known company, the risk is even higher.

Can ransomware attack macOS?

Unfortunately, ransomware can attack macOS. While some of the more compelling ransomware attacks target Windows computers, Macs are still at risk.

Types of Mac ransomware

Ransomware on Mac can be divided into several categories:

• Encrypted ransomware: Encrypt your files before you pay the ransom.
• Locking ransomware: Lock your computer before you pay the ransom.
• Erased malware: Threats will delete your files and erase your computer unless you pay the ransom.
• Blacking ransomware (or Doxware): Encrypt or lock your system, and malicious individuals can also threaten to disclose your personal data.

Example of ransomware that can infect macOS

Ransomware on Mac has a long history, dating back to the FBI fraud case in 2013.

Some Mac ransomware examples:

• LockBit, a new threat
• FBI fraud case affects Safari users
• KeRanger, affected thousands of people in 2016
• Patcher, requesting to pay the ransom in Bitcoin, but the file is not decrypted
• ThiefQuest, spread through pirated files, but failed in the end

What damage will ransomware cause to MacBook users?

Ransomware can attack your MacBook's macOS, causing huge damage.

Damage may include:

• If your Mac is encrypted or erased, data will be lost
• Economic losses due to payment of ransom or data loss or business loss
• If personal or confidential data is leaked to the public, it will cause reputational damage
• If your organization is a target and cannot work, it can cause business problems

Some ransomware attacks target healthcare systems, causing problems for patients and employees. Other attacks have harmed local governments or public services or disclosed a large amount of personal information.

How does ransomware infect your Mac?

Obviously, no one intentionally downloads ransomware on Mac. However, your Mac may be infected with ransomware in several ways.

Ransomware on Mac usually infects your computer when you download pirated software. If you use BT to download illegal software, you are at risk of downloading malware. Alternatively, you might click on malicious pop-up ads or open an email attachment and install ransomware.

What should I do if your Mac is attacked by ransomware?

If your Mac is infected with ransomware, you need to take action. The following tips and tips explain what to do if your Mac is affected by ransomware. If someone extorts you, please contact your local law enforcement.

1. Quarantine your macOS to prevent further spread

Disconnect the Mac from the Internet. This can avoid spreading ransomware to other devices on the network or further propagation through BT.

How to disconnect Mac from the Internet:

• If you are using an Ethernet cable, unplug it from your laptop.
• If you want to disconnect all devices from the Internet, turn off your router.
• If you want to disable Wi-Fi on your Mac, click the Wi-Fi symbol on the menu bar and switch the Wi-Fi switch.

2. Use anti-malware software to detect threats

As part of your cybersecurity program, you should regularly check for malware with antivirus software—even if you don't suspect ransomware exists on your Mac.

MacKeeper's anti-virus software is designed for Mac. It has been notarized by Apple, blocking 99.7% of known threats.

How to use MacKeeper's anti-virus software:

1. Open MacKeeper and select Anti-Virus.
2. Click to start scanning.

3. Delete ransomware and related files

If you follow the instructions in the previous step, MacKeeper's anti-virus software will find any ransomware on your Mac. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove any threats.

After deleting the ransomware, you must also delete any remaining malware applications or files. MacKeeper can also help you do this.

How to use MacKeeper to delete unwanted applications:

1. Open MacKeeper and select Smart Uninstaller.
2. Click to start scanning.
3. After the scan is complete, view a list of applications, widgets, plugins, browser extensions, and residual files. If you see anything suspicious, select it and select Delete the selected content .

4. Erase your Mac and reinstall macOS

Ransomware can seriously affect your Mac, so you may need to wipe your Mac and reinstall your macOS to make sure it is clean.

This step is optional. You may be sure that you have removed ransomware from your Mac, so you don't need to follow these instructions.

How to erase your Mac:

1. Go to Apple menu> System settings.
2. Under General , select Transfer or reset .
3. Select Wipe all content and settings . Follow the on-screen instructions to allow the erase assistant to erase your Mac.

Before reinstalling macOS, you need to know whether your MacBook uses Apple silicon chip or Intel processor. If your Mac is in this list on Apple, follow the instructions for a Mac using a silicon chip. Otherwise, follow the instructions of the Intel processor.

How to reinstall macOS (if you have Apple silicon chip):

1. When your Mac is turned off, press and hold the power button until you see the option .
2. Click the option , and then click to continue .
3. Select your user account and enter your password when prompted .
Select the
4. Reinstall macOS option.
Tap
5. Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.

How to reinstall macOS (if you have an Intel processor):

1. Open your Mac and immediately hold down one of the following key combinations:
   • Command R: Install the latest version of current macOS.
   • Option Command R: Install the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
   • Shift Option Command R: Install the macOS version that comes with your Mac, or the oldest version that is still available.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked to connect to the Internet or enter a password.
3. Select Reinstall macOS.
4. Tap Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.

How does Apple protect MacBooks from ransomware attacks?

Your Mac may be infected with ransomware, but Apple offers a range of built-in protections to reduce the threat. All Macs have anti-malware defense (XProtect), security features that only allow running trusted software (Gatekeeper), and a process of auditing and notarizing code to ensure that the ransomware fails (Apple notarization).

In addition, Apple will release security patches in each macOS update. Apple responded quickly to previous ransomware attacks and released security patches as soon as possible.

How to protect your Mac from ransomware attacks?

As you can see, ransomware can seriously affect Mac and its users. Therefore, it is very important to avoid infection with ransomware.

1. Understand the signs of equipment infection

There are many signs of hacking on your MacBook, including:

• Anti-virus Alert
• Settings or preference changes
• New apps, toolbars, or widgets on your Mac that you do not install
• New user account you did not set up
• Performance issues, such as slow running or abnormally hot--though there may be other reasons for this. Please refer to our article and ask why your MacBook is so hot?

If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately.

2. Use reliable software

Some ransomware is spread through pirated software. If you use BT or download it from other dangerous sources, your MacBook's security may be affected.

Instead, install trusted software from a legal source. Use the App Store and the developer's website.

3. Protect your Internet connection

Some hackers may access your MacBook through your network.

Avoid using public WiFi hotspots and ensure access to websites with secure https:// prefix.

You can further protect yourself by using a VPN. MacKeeper's VPN Private Connect can help.

How to use VPN Private Connect for MacKeeper:

1. Open MacKeeper and select Private Connect.
2. Select to open .

4. Use anti-virus software

Every Mac user should install reliable anti-virus software. The combination of real-time anti-virus monitoring and regular scanning can remind you of ransomware or other malware before letting your Mac show any symptoms.

When you are looking for anti-virus software, you need a software with the following features:

• Real-time anti-virus monitoring to remind you immediately when a virus is detected
• Complete system scans to check the Mac regularly for malware.
• Custom scanning allows you to scan individual files or folders as needed.

Luckily, MacKeeper's anti-virus software offers all these features. MacKeeper even monitors data breaches, so if you know your personal data has been breached, you can take action immediately.

5. Regular backup

Regular backups do not block ransomware on your Mac, but it means you are unlikely to lose your data.

You can back up your data in the following ways:

• Use cloud-based services.
• Use a small USB storage stick.
• Use an external hard drive.

6. Update your devices and applications

Apple will release new security patches in each macOS update. The same goes for most application developers.

How to update your MacBook:

1. Go to Apple menu> System settings.
2. Under General , select Software Update.
3. Make sure automatically updated is turned on. If there are any updates available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install them.

Manually updating all applications can be time consuming. However, MacKeeper's update tracker can help - it searches for updates and allows you to update all apps in one click.

How to update the application using MacKeeper's update tracker:

1. Open MacKeeper and select from the sidebar to update tracker. Click to scan for updates.
2. Select the update you want to install and click Update.

7. Use additional authentication

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) provides an additional layer of security for your MacBook.

How to enable 2FA on Mac:

1. Go to Apple menu> System settings.
2. Click your Apple ID and select Login and Security.
3. Select Two-factor authentication and follow the instructions to add the phone number.

Conclusion

Ransomware on Mac can be costly and dangerous—not only for your computer, but also for your business, financial, and personal life. If you notice it on your Mac, you should try to delete it right away.

Mac has good built-in security features, and it was rare to encounter malware on Apple computers in the past. But today, Macs are at risk of all kinds of malware, including ransomware. If you have a MacBook or other Mac computer, you should learn how to detect viruses on your Mac system, as well as information about removing malware from your Mac.

Luckily, MacKeeper's anti-virus softwareScan and malware removal features can detect and remove 99.7% of known threats. If you are worried about ransomware on your Mac, MacKeeper's anti-virus software can help.

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