Latest news with #viruses
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Do Macs Get Viruses? How to Scan for a Mac Virus
Remember those old I'm a Mac, I'm a PC ads? In one, the Mac looks on, concerned, while the PC keeps sneezing from a virus it's caught, eventually crashing backward onto the ground. For a while, Macs did seem mostly immune to computer viruses. But when Apple's market share ballooned, with it came a new fan club: hackers. Yes, MacOS comes with XProtect, Gatekeeper and other tools, and most Mac owners get by just fine with these plus a dash of skepticism. Still, security firms keep spotting fresh malware strains, and some of the old tricks (like phishing and social engineering) still work. So while your Mac isn't helpless, it's not untouchable either. Read more: Best Antivirus for Mac for 2025 Can Macs get viruses? Yes, Macs can get viruses, and they always could. The idea that they can't comes from a time when most malware was aimed at Windows users. But when Macs grew in popularity, they caught hackers' attention. Apple does include some built-in tools to help keep things safe. XProtect checks downloaded files for known malware. The Malware Removal Tool tries to clean up anything that slips through. And Gatekeeper stops you from opening apps that haven't been approved. These features run quietly in the background, and most Mac users don't even notice them. They're not foolproof, though. They rely on Apple's list of known threats, which doesn't always update as fast as threats evolve, so newer types of malware can still sneak in. If you're curious, you can take a look at XProtect's malware database by opening this folder on your Mac: /Library/Apple/System/Library/CoreServices/ Screenshot by Marshall Gunnell/CNET That's where Apple keeps files like and which list known malware signatures. The GateKeeper database is It's not exactly beginner-friendly reading, but it's all there if you want to poke around. Do Mac viruses differ from Windows viruses? Not as much as you might think. Macs and Windows machines can both be hit with the usual stuff, like ransomware, spyware and phishing scams. The main difference is how the bad stuff gets in. On Macs, it's often a Trojan virus hiding in a fake app or phony software update. Adware is another common one. It clutters your screen with pop-ups or messes with your browser. And then there are supply chain attacks, where hackers sneak malware into legit apps before you download them. Most malware doesn't care what system you're running. A lot of it is built to work on anything, so using a Mac won't shield you from it. Signs that your Mac might have a virus Macs usually run smoothly, so if something feels off, it's probably not a fluke. Keep an eye out for some of these issues that could indicate your Mac has a virus: It's running noticeably slower than usual, even with just a few apps open. The fan is constantly going, and your Mac's running hotter than usual. Pop-ups start showing up even when you're not browsing. Your browser's homepage or search engine has changed without you doing anything. You're redirected to random sites. You notice apps or files you didn't install. Storage space drops suddenly, or your battery drains way faster than it used to. Your Mac crashes or freezes more than normal. Just because you experience one of these things doesn't necessarily mean your Mac is infected with a virus, but if the problem persists or several happen at once, it's probably time to check for malware. How to scan for Mac viruses If anything listed above sounds familiar or if something else is off with your Mac, check for viruses. There are a few ways to do this, some built-in and some not. You can start with Activity Monitor, which shows you what's running on your Mac. Here's how: Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities. Look through the list of processes for anything that seems weird or is using a lot of CPU or memory. If something stands out that you don't recognize, Google the name. It might be harmless, or it might be malware. Screenshot by Marshall Gunnell/CNET XProtect and the Malware Removal Tool are already running in the background, blocking known threats and cleaning up anything suspicious when your system restarts. You won't see them working, but they're there. That said, if you want a full scan, it's a good idea to run a third-party antivirus app. There are plenty out there that are Mac-friendly. Do I need to get rid of Mac viruses? Yes, even if things seem mostly fine. Some viruses or malware hang out quietly in the background, logging what you do or slowing things down. Others can steal personal info, mess with your files, or make your Mac act weird in ways that are hard to trace. If you ignore it, you're giving it time to do more damage. You could end up losing data or exposing your passwords. Or, if you get rid of your Mac, you could accidentally pass the problem along to someone else. Even if the symptoms are minor, it's not worth the risk. If you think your Mac might have a virus, it's best to deal with it as soon as possible. Best ways to get rid of Mac viruses Here are some simple steps to clean things up if you think your Mac might be infected: Delete any apps you don't recognize. Open your Applications folder and look for anything unfamiliar. If you see something you didn't install, drag it to the Trash and then empty the Trash. Check what's running at startup. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. If there's something weird launching when your Mac boots up, remove it. Reset your browser. If your homepage changed on its own or you're getting pop-ups, reset your browser settings and remove any sketchy extensions. Run a virus scan. Use a trusted antivirus app to scan your system and remove anything suspicious. Reinstall MacOS (if it's really bad). As a last resort, back up your files and do a clean reinstall of MacOS. It'll wipe everything and give you a fresh start. Try the basic stuff first. Most issues don't need a full reset to fix. Do MacBooks need virus protection? Apple builds some solid security into macOS. We've already mentioned XProtect and Gatekeeper. Safari also helps by warning you about shady websites and stopping trackers. If you keep your system updated, you're already in decent shape. That said, Macs are very popular, which means hackers are paying attention. Malware can still get in through sketchy downloads, phishing emails and bad browser extensions. And if you're using public Wi-Fi a lot or installing stuff from outside the App Store, you're opening the door a little wider. So, do you need a third-party antivirus? Maybe not if you're super careful, but a good antivirus adds an extra layer of protection that's nice to have.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Why does everyone get sick so often in winter?
Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from This week, Dr Zac Turner explores why so many people get sick in the winter. QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, Every winter like clockwork, my sharehouse becomes a snotty, coughing mess. I always assumed it was just because me and my flatties are inside more, but I read something about viruses surviving longer in colder temperatures. Is that true? And does the lack of sun during winter actually mess with our immune systems? – Matt, 29, Ballarat VIC ANSWER: Thanks for the question, Matt – and condolences to your household's sinuses. Winter really does bring with it a revolving door of colds, flus and respiratory infections. It's not your imagination. And while yes, spending more time indoors definitely helps viruses spread, the science of why we get sicker in winter runs a bit deeper – and chillier – than that. Let's start with the temperature. Many common viruses, including rhinoviruses (the ones behind most colds) and influenza, actually survive longer and replicate more effectively in colder, drier conditions. One study from the Journal of Virology found that some viruses become more stable and infectious in lower temperatures because the cold preserves the viral envelope – essentially giving them a longer shelf life while they search for their next victim (you). Add in the fact that we're all breathing the same stale air indoors, and it's a perfect storm: less ventilation, more close contact, and viruses that are thriving in the cold. Now, let's talk about vitamin D. This isn't some wellness influencer's pet obsession – it's genuinely important for your immune function. Vitamin D helps regulate immune responses, and deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections, particularly respiratory ones. In winter, shorter daylight hours and less skin exposure to UVB rays means your body produces less vitamin D naturally. In fact, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows nearly one in four Aussies have insufficient vitamin D during the colder months – especially in southern regions like Victoria and Tasmania. So yes, Matt: cold temperatures, indoor living, and low vitamin D levels all team up to make winter a bit of a microbial minefield. What can you do about it? • Maximise ventilation: Even cracking a window makes a difference. Let your house breathe. Get outside during daylight hours: A lunchtime walk could help top up your vitamin D – just 10–15 minutes of sun exposure to arms and face can help. • Eat immune-supporting foods: Fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms and fortified milks are great sources of vitamin D. And yes, supplements are helpful if you're deficient – but check with your GP before starting. • Practice good hygiene: Wash hands, cover coughs, and maybe don't share that water bottle with your sniffling housemate. A few smart habits can help make your winter less snotty – and keep your immune system in fighting form until the sun comes back. Stay warm, Dr Zac Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Experts reveal simple ways to help avoid the summer cold
Colds and other viruses circulate year-round, making it possible to fall ill even during summer. Staying hydrated is crucial in warmer weather to replenish fluids lost through increased sweating. Frequent handwashing, especially when travelling, helps prevent the spread of viruses and infections. Ensuring adequate sleep is vital for immune system health, as it aids in the production of protective proteins. Avoid touching your face and be mindful of air conditioning use, as excessive AC can create a dry environment conducive to viruses.
CNET
20-07-2025
- CNET
Why My Mobile Hotspot May Be Better Than My Home Internet
Mobile hotspots are incredibly handy when you're in a pinch-whether your home Wi-Fi is down during a storm or you're traveling and need a quick way to connect. But could a mobile hotspot actually replace your home internet altogether? It's a fair question, especially with rising monthly bills from traditional providers and the growing reliability of cellular networks. While it seems like a simple enough solution to bypass internet throttling from your provider or save money, as someone who writes about broadband daily, I wasn't easily convinced. Instead of relying solely on other sources, I decided to test it for myself. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home for three days. First off, what is a hotspot? Let's clear this up: A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types: public, private and mobile hotspots -- with mobile hotspots generally being the most secure. Let's take a closer look. Public hotspot Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet, but usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you're handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures and use a VPN. Private hotspot On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it. Locating local internet providers Mobile hotspot The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay? I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot. Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks until I found and connected to my phone's hotspot. For context, my mobile provider is AT&T, and I have the 60GB Unlimited data plan. Right away, the first thing that leaped out at me while using my hotspot was the drastic drop in speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah -- that's a no from me. When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads. Ookla/Screenshot by CNET Speed is usually not a deal-breaker for me, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means joining video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads over the three days of using my hotspot. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit. CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages people to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot. "The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance." Mobile hotspot use and battery life Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term. A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not) Trisha Jandoc/CNET My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now? I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan, and as you can imagine, I was confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? At least the "unlimited" part of the plan meant I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data. Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity to your provider's nearest cellular tower, or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home. How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps. Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly. Reset your phone's network settings Trisha Jandoc/CNET If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider. I called AT&T's tech support number and explained my issue. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was unfounded -- that was not why I was having problems. The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users. iPhone To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.) Android To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset. If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home. Pros Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet. Cons Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload . Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go. Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected. However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option. Mobile hotspot at home FAQs What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi? The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly. Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home? Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.
CBC
14-07-2025
- Science
- CBC
Potato-virus robot being honed for a 2nd summer, to do a job fewer humans are applying for on P.E.I.
A robot that's being designed to check potato plants for viruses is back for a second summer, and its creators at UPEI say the new version is faster and even works at night. The AgriScout can replace humans who walk through the fields looking for disease, who have been hard to hire in recent years. CBC's Nancy Russell takes us to a potato field to find out more.
