Is Microsoft AutoUpdate on Mac a Virus?

Usually, Mac users do not notice the activities performed by the Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) application. It is supposed to run in the background silently and ensure that the currently installed copy of Microsoft Office and all of its components are up-to-date. This functionality could be of vital importance, as new updates and patches often bring security fixes for known vulnerabilities or bugs.

However, some Mac users may encounter strange alert pop-ups seemingly generated by the Microsoft AutoUpdate application. One such notice states 'Required Data Notice' and asks users to share additional technical data with Microsoft for the company to further improve its services in the macOS environment.

Look for Inconsistencies

While the Microsoft AutoUpdate application is legitimate, this doesn't stop malware threats from impersonating it and carrying out their nefarious activities on the Mac. To spot such fake alerts look for discrepancies between the presented message and the ones from the official Microsoft products. Check out the font of the text, as well as the way the interactive buttons are displayed.

Other suspicious signs include the Mac waking up every time that a supposed notification from Microsoft AutoUpdate appears. Such behavior is extremely abnormal and should be investigated promptly. The same also relates to unusually high usage of the system's resources. Malware threats often hijack the CPU or GPU resulting in crashes, freezes, overall system instability, and Mac heating up beyond its normal temperature. Some users report receiving a Microsoft AutoUpdate notification even though they do not have any Microsoft products installed on their Macs currently.

Upon noticing anything out of the ordinary, consider performing a thorough scan of the system with a professional security solution. As soon as you take action, the better as the potential malware threat will have less time to cause any damage.