It used to be enabled in earlier OS X versions but is disabled in the latest macOS versions.īut even then, I still recommend installing AV before using unknown devices simply because you may accidentally click on an infected file on the drive. Unlike Windows, macOS does not have an autorun functionality that kicks in when a new device is connected. If it’s injected into a program, then someone must start the program to activate the malware. If it’s a macro virus on Excel, one needs to open the Excel sheet and allow macros to run. In order for it to contaminate the computer, it must be activated. Bad things happen when someone breaks or opens the container. While a bio virus is in the container, it cannot harm anyone. Now, I am not suggesting that once you plug in an external device to your Mac, the malware will immediately jump from the device to the main disk.Ĭomputer viruses are just like regular biological ones. You want to have an antivirus to be installed before plugging an external device, not after. It is very important to have this step done first. Download And Install Antimalware App For Mac Here’s How To Scan External Drives For Virus On Mac 1. Now, let’s unpack what I suggested above. Do not open any documents or run any programs on the external devices until the virus scan is completed. Do not use Malwarebytes, as it does not have the capability to scan individual disks. There are free antimalware apps, such as Bitdefender or Avast, that can scan a USB drive for viruses on Mac. Scan External Hard Drive For Viruses on Mac He was afraid that he could catch malware on his MacBook by simply inserting a disk. Naturally a very cautious person, my friend first called me and asked whether it’s safe just to plug the flash drive in or is there a better and secure way. His coworker gave him a USB flash drive with a program that needs to be installed on his laptop. My friend, who knows that I run a blog about Macs and especially the security aspect of Apple computers, called me yesterday and told me about the situation in which most Mac users would be one day. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to run an antivirus scan on mac