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Hi,
I launched my Mac Studio (macOS 13.2.1) today, and a banner on the rights popped up with the message: You have a virus! First time I ever see this.
I know there are app's such as Clean My Mac, but I do't want to install those on my Mac.
Any suggestions as to how to fix this or remove it? Thank you!
Mac Studio
You can manage Safari notifications from its settings (from the Menu Bar: Safari > Settings... > Websites).
Choose Notifications from the lefthand sidebar. You will see any active notifications and can select them and click the Remove button to disable them.
Please note: Pop-up windows and website content resembling pop-ups/notifications are not the same as what is listed in the above settings. These instructions only apply to system notifications sent from Websites through Safari.
You can ignore "fake" notifications with on the page (and probably remain from using the site) and you can manage pop-up windows directly under the notification settings mentioned above.
By default, Safari blocks pop-ups. You can learn more here: Allow or block pop-ups in Safari on Mac - Apple Support
Do you have a screenshot you can provide? It would be helpful to know what the pop-up is. For example, whether it's a system notification or a Web browser pop-up (i.e. Safari, Chrome).
If it's coming from a Web browser, you can likely safely ignore it. Personally, I generally don't recommend third-party firewall/malware tools as they tend to have their own issues.
If the issue is a system notification, pop-up, or app, you'll want to isolate what it is and remove the offending app—and its related scripts and files—from your device.
Like Bob said, it is likely not a virus (they're fairly unlikely and don't usually announce themselves).
Bob, I think you're right, but how do I get rid of it? If I reinstall 13.2.1, will that get rid of it? Thanks
It's not on your Mac. It is on the website you visited. There is nothing to get rid of.
If you allowed a website to send you notifications, disable that as described.
If you are getting notifications like that from a website, don't go there again.
No problem. If it continues to happen, post a screenshot (command + shift + 5) and we can look into it more.
Thx wesgir. Here's what I see.
You do not have a virus. That is a scam popup message trying to get you to buy a third party app like CleanMyMac or other useless anti virus app. Ignore the message.
Bob, I think you're right, but how do I get rid of it? If I reinstall 13.2.1, will that get rid of it? Thanks
Try malwarebytes to remove it or any notification enabled website on your browser.
I have Malwarebytes, but it says I don't have any viruses. I use Safari. What is a notification enabled website on your browser? Thanks
The pop up banner usually occurs every so often. How do I get it to pop up and I can tell you what it is? Thanks
What extensions do you have in safari?
Remove the one that's pretending to be Settings. Settings (and other apps) does not send notifications from Safari. This likely uses that icon to spoof an error.
I have 1Password for Safari.
Ok I'll try that. Thx
Thank you everyone for your help. I appreciate it.
I think there's a virus on my Mac...
