The features described in this article are restricted by the App Store guidelines. This means they are available only in versions of CleanMyMac X obtained from other marketplaces.
Read more about different versions of CleanMyMac X.
The real-time malware monitor checks newly installed software and notifies you if it acts weirdly or has dangerous components. You can find the monitor in the Protection instrument of CleanMyMac X Menu.
Malware attack
Normally, the Protection instrument just informs that the monitor is on, but it can also suggest updating the database or running a full scan, and if there’s a threat, you get an alert:

Plus, you get a notification from CleanMyMac that prompts you to check and neutralize the issue. In this case, click Review to open CleanMyMac X and deal with the threat.
Background scanning
Since the monitor focuses on only the apps you install, CleanMyMac also runs background malware scans periodically. It checks the entire system for various hidden threats and notifies you if anything is found. Even if you disable the monitor or CleanMyMac Menu, it’ll still be running.
Keep the background scanning enabled to establish the highest protection level.
Disabling the monitor and the background scan
The real-time monitor ensures the safety of new installations while using only a tiny bit of the system resources. However, you can turn it off in CleanMyMac X Preferences whenever you want:
- Open the CleanMyMac X menu, then click the gear icon in the lower-right corner, and choose Preferences.
Alternatively, open CleanMyMac X and choose CleanMyMac X > Preferences (this menu is in the upper-left corner of your screen).
- Switch to the Protection tab and deselect the “Enable Malware monitor” checkbox.
If you want to disable the background scans, you’ll also need to visit the Protection tab of CleanMyMac Preferences and deselect the checkbox next to the “Background scan.”
Keep your Mac safe and contact our Customer Care Team if you need some help with the malware monitor.