Explore protection details

Protecting your Mac from malware requires constant vigilance, and CleanMyMac makes it easy with advanced features like real-time malware monitoring, background scanning, and sonar-style visualization. Learn how CleanMyMac safeguards your device and keeps you informed of potential threats.

Protecting your Mac from malware is like guarding a ship against collisions with other ships, reefs, unknown underwater objects, or even mines. To bring this metaphor to life, the Protection Sonar visualizes threats as they might appear on a real radar.

To access the Sonar, open the Menu and click the Protection monitor.

When there are no threats, the Sonar waves appear green. The Fully Protected status in the top-right corner indicates that CleanMyMac is utilizing all its tools to provide maximum protection.

The dots on the Sonar don't represent threats; they are used to enhance the radar-like appearance of the Sonar.

The waves may turn yellow when the protection status shifts to Partially Protected, signaling potential risk: either the real-time or background malware monitors are turned off.

If both monitors are turned off, the Sonar waves disappear, and you'll be informed that your Mac is unprotected. We recommend keeping both monitors active at all times. To do this, click Turn On in the Monitor and the Background Scan cards below the Sonar.

Red waves and icons on the Sonar indicate detected threats. To address these, click Review & Remove in the threat list below the Sonar to explore and remove malicious items.

The real-time monitor checks newly installed software and alerts you if it behaves suspiciously or contains harmful components. It may also prompt you to update the malware database or run a full system scan. In the event of a detected threat, you'll receive an alert.

Additionally, CleanMyMac will notify you to review and neutralize any detected issues.

The status of the real-time malware monitor is displayed in the Protection monitor and its detailed view.

If the real-time malware monitor is turned off, we recommend turning it on to ensure the highest level of security.

While the real-time monitor focuses on the apps you install, CleanMyMac also periodically performs deeper malware scans in the background for enhanced security. These scans check your entire system and notify you if any hidden threats are found. Even if CleanMyMac is closed or the Menu is off, the Background Scan continues to run according to its schedule.

To check the status of background scanning, open the Menu and click the Protection monitor.

If background scanning is turned off, we suggest turning it on to maintain the highest level of protection.