Cybersecurity in personal devices is a rising concern, and mitigating the risks of malware is essential to all users of digital devices. When we talk about your phone or laptop becoming infected by malware and viruses, we often suggest a factory reset of your device. But you may be wondering if a factory reset removes a virus. So, let’s delve into this topic.
What happens when you perform a factory reset?
Does a factory reset remove malware? To answer that question, we first need to understand what a factory reset is and what happens when you do one.
A factory reset completely wipes all of the contents of your iPhone or MacBook and puts everything back the way it was when it first rolled out of the factory. In other words, the result is a completely clean device with freshly reinstalled apps. By wiping everything, a factory reset will remove all viruses and malware from the device.
In the past, returning your Mac to fresh-out-of-the-box condition was a long, drawn-out process. But with newer Macs, a factory reset is much quicker and painless.
Can a factory reset get rid of malware from your device?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all viruses and malware from your iPhone or MacBook. It doesn’t matter what type of malware it is — spyware, scareware, adware, trojans, rootkits, etc. A factory reset will get rid of it.
Will a factory reset eliminate hackers from my device?
A factory reset will remove any malware and system changes that a hacker made on your device, essentially reversing their damage. However, the method they used to gain access to your device may remain a threat.
If, for example, a hacker took advantage of a Mac vulnerability or installed a rogue app, then that will be fixed with a factory reset. But if they gained access through a weakness in your network, a factory reset of your device isn’t going to fix the problem. The malware may be removed, but further action will need to be taken to ensure that the incident isn’t repeated.
How to factory reset your Mac to remove a virus
As we just mentioned, the Mac factory resetting process has become much easier on modern Macs. So, if you think it’s the best option to ensure the safety of your device, it may be worth it.
First, make sure you disable Find My and FileVault on the Mac or MacBook. Also ensure that you have the activation codes for any software you want to reinstall after the rest is complete.
A word of caution: If you aren’t sure where the virus or malware came from, you may be better off restoring your Mac from a backup. And be careful about which files you plan to reinstall manually. You don’t want to inadvertently put a virus back onto your freshly reset computer.
To factory reset your Mac, simply do the following:
- Go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase all Contents and Settings.
After you enter your administrator password, the Mac will begin the process of wiping itself. Make a cup of coffee and wait.
Once the process has finished, do not restore from iCloud unless you know for sure when the virus entered your machine and you have a backup dated before that time.
How can you reset your iPhone to remove a virus?
Resetting your iPhone is also a quick and easy process. The same caveats apply — disable Find My, don’t restore it from a backup, and be cautious about what files you choose to reinstall.
To factory reset your iPhone, simply do the following:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset. Do not select Erase all Contents and Settings. (That does not do a full reset of the phone.)
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your iPhone PIN and let the phone do the rest.
What to do if the virus comes back after a factory reset
Once you perform a factory reset on your MacBook, the viruses and malware that were present on your machine will be gone. But what if lightning strikes twice, and you end up with a new virus or malware incident?
Use CleanMyMac
This is where CleanMyMac comes in. Recently redesigned and upgraded, CleanMyMac will provide real-time protection and nuke any malware before it manages to get a foothold on your MacBook.
Just click Scan to get a deep analysis of your system. Any viruses and malware will be found, flagged, and flogged.
Analyze where the viruses and malware are coming from
Getting a virus or malware once could be put down to bad luck. But if it happens a second time, maybe you have an unplugged gap in your defenses.
Here are a few actions to increase your cybersecurity on your Mac:
- Check to see if a macOS update is waiting.
- Update all of your installed apps. Ensure that you know all of the apps and that there are no suspicious programs present.
- Look over your Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities. Is it password-protected, for example? Is the firmware up-to-date?
- Check your other devices. Are all other devices on your network virus-free?
- Is your Mac Firewall turned on?
- Do you have FileVault enabled?
Essential tips for safeguarding your MacBook against viruses
To avoid having to deal with MacBook viruses ever again, here are some tips to help you practice better security.
Never click on links from uncertain sources
If someone who you don’t know — or someone you don’t completely trust — sends you an email link or SMS link, don’t click it. It could lead to a malware-infected website or download a malicious file.
Put a strong password on your Wi-Fi network
Anyone looking to break into your Wi-Fi network is going to have an easy time of it if there’s no password blocking their way. Always put a very strong password on your network so only authorized visitors can get in.
And while we’re on the topic, don’t give your network a name that makes it obvious that it’s yours. If a hacker is specifically looking for you, a network with your name on it is like opening the door and waving them in.
Enable a VPN
It verges on impossible for a hacker to monitor your internet traffic if that traffic is being diverted through an encrypted VPN tunnel. That’s why using ClearVPN is a strong component of ensuring that viruses and malware are a thing of the past.
A VPN will block your real IP address and send everything through an encrypted server, bypassing anyone who may be attempting to eavesdrop on what you’re doing. It’s one of the best cybersecurity investments you’ll ever make.
Put a password on your Mac screen
A hacker doesn’t always need digital access to your Mac. They could simply sit in front of it and introduce malware directly. You only need to turn your back for 5 minutes.
Always make sure your Mac has a password to unlock the screen, and make sure you go to the lock screen before you leave the Mac unattended.
Only install apps from the Apple App Store
Another tried and true method for hackers is tricking you into installing compromised apps.
Anything that is in the Apple App Store for macOS or iOS has been vetted by Apple, examined for malware, and verified. So you can be assured that if you only download from there, you’ll be OK.
Keep your macOS and apps updated
There’s never any guarantee that your Mac will remain vulnerability-free. This is why Apple regularly pushes out updates. The same goes for apps. Developers bring out updates to squash bugs and seal up security holes.
Don’t be lackadaisical about this. Installing updates and patches is a very important part of Mac security. Check for new updates regularly or turn on the Automatic Updates option.
When you want to kill a virus or erase malware, the simplest and fastest solution is to wipe and factory reset your machine. Moonlock’s CleanMyMac will detect and remove viruses and malware itself, but for peace of mind, resetting your device is the next best thing to do.
This is an independent publication, and it has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Mac, MacBook, macOS, iPhone, and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.
