Can Macs get viruses?

Yes. The idea that Macs are immune to malware is a myth. Mac-specific threats include adware like Genieo, browser hijackers, fake system cleaners, and increasingly sophisticated info stealers that target saved passwords and crypto wallets. We remove all of these.

What is an info stealer and how do I know if I have one?

An info stealer is malware designed to silently harvest your saved passwords, banking credentials, browser cookies, and sometimes cryptocurrency wallet files. You may not notice any symptoms — the machine runs normally while data is being sent to attackers. Common signs: unexpected password resets on your accounts, suspicious login alerts, or antivirus flagging unknown processes.

Can you remove a virus without reinstalling Windows or macOS?

In many cases, yes. We use professional tools to scan and remove malware without wiping your system. However, for severe infections — particularly rootkits or ransomware — a clean OS reinstall is the safest option. We always back up your data before any reinstall.

Can you do virus removal remotely?

Yes. For many infections, remote removal via AnyDesk is effective and convenient. You watch the technician work in real time and can disconnect the session at any moment. For severe infections involving rootkits or hardware-level threats, in-person service is recommended.

What can I do to avoid getting infected again?

After a cleanup, we configure safe browser settings, enable automatic OS updates, set up a reputable antivirus, and walk you through the habits that keep systems clean — like avoiding cracked software, scrutinizing email attachments, and using a password manager.

Virus & Malware Removal in Quebec City

Think your computer has a virus? You're not imagining it. Cyber threats targeting Quebec residents have increased dramatically over the past few years — and they don't discriminate between Mac and Windows users. At Informatique Ste-Foy, our technicians have cleaned thousands of infected machines since 2014, from basic adware to sophisticated ransomware and info stealers.

We offer in-shop service at our Sainte-Foy workshop and remote virus removal via AnyDesk — so you can get help without leaving your home, anywhere in Quebec.

Mac Virus Removal

Mac threats have become more sophisticated over the years. The most common ones we see at our Quebec City workshop include:

Browser hijackers: your homepage and search engine get replaced, ads appear everywhere, and removing the extension doesn't seem to help
Adware (Genieo, MacKeeper variants): persistent pop-ups, redirects, and fake system alerts designed to trick you into paying for fake cleanups
Info stealers (Atomic Stealer, Poseidon): malware that silently extracts saved passwords, browser cookies, and crypto wallet files — often disguised as pirated software or fake software updates
Fake system utilities: programs that claim to optimize your Mac but do nothing useful while consuming resources and sometimes harvesting data

Our Mac cleanup process includes a full scan with multiple tools, manual inspection of launch agents and daemons, browser profile cleanup, and a review of your login items and background processes.

Windows Virus Removal

Windows machines face a wider and more varied threat landscape. The most serious cases we deal with:

Ransomware: your files get encrypted and you're asked to pay for a decryption key. Prevention is critical — recovery without paying is sometimes possible depending on the variant.
Info stealers (RedLine, Vidar, Lumma): lightweight malware delivered through phishing emails, fake software cracks, or malicious ads. Harvests credentials in minutes.
Rootkits: malware that embeds itself deeply in the OS to avoid detection. Requires specialized removal tools or, in severe cases, a full system wipe.
Trojan horses: software that looks legitimate but opens a backdoor for remote control or payload delivery
PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): toolbars, fake optimizers, and browser extensions that come bundled with free software installers

What Our Cleanup Process Looks Like

We don't just run a scan and call it done. Our thorough cleanup process covers:

Full diagnostic scan using multiple professional tools (Malwarebytes, ESET, manual inspection)
Malware removal — files, registry entries, scheduled tasks, browser extensions
Browser hardening: safe search settings, removal of rogue extensions, cookie cleanup, DNS check
OS and software updates: patching known vulnerabilities
Antivirus setup: installing and configuring a reputable solution if you don't already have one
Password change recommendations: if credentials may have been compromised, we walk you through which accounts to prioritize

Book a Diagnostic

Two options depending on your situation:

📅 Book an Appointment 💻 Remote Support

Phone: (418) 255-8998

Warning Signs Your Computer Is Infected

Computer is suddenly much slower than usual, even after restarting
Pop-up ads appear on your desktop or in browsers you haven't opened
Your browser homepage or search engine changed without your input
Unknown programs appear in your startup list or taskbar
You received login alerts for accounts you didn't try to access
Your antivirus was disabled and you can't re-enable it
Files have been renamed with strange extensions you don't recognize
Your computer connects to the internet even when you're not using it

If you recognize any of these signs, don't wait. The longer malware runs undetected, the more damage it can do — especially info stealers that are actively exfiltrating your credentials.

Why Informatique Ste-Foy?

⭐ 4.7/5 — 540 verified Google reviews
✓ Mac & PC virus removal specialists since 2014
✓ Remote or in-shop service — your choice
✓ English service for Quebec City's anglophone community
✓ Transparent process — you understand what was found and removed
✓ 90-day warranty on all cleanups

Virus Removal — Quebec City