I'm using a 2024 MacBook Air and repeatedly see the message "Our systems detected unusual traffic" when searching. It happens in regular browsing as well as incognito, guest mode, and Firefox. I've cleared browser history, removed unnecessary extensions, reset settings, checked Activity Monitor for suspicious background apps, and deleted Malwarebytes after previously installing it. A power outage also interrupted my Wi‑Fi and rebooted my systems, but the warning keeps appearing. What could be causing this, and how can I stop it?
3 Answers
If this only happens with Google searches, changing browsers probably won’t help because the request is being flagged at the network level. Check macOS network settings and browser extensions for proxy or filtering software, and make sure no VPN, security app, or DNS service is sending automated requests. You can also test from a phone’s cellular hotspot; if the warning disappears there, your usual Wi‑Fi or public IP is the likely cause.
You don’t need to assume the Mac is infected based on this message alone. Repeated searches, privacy tools, VPNs, shared networks, or an IP previously abused by someone else can all trigger it. Run a reputable malware scan if you want reassurance, but the practical fix is usually removing the VPN or relay, testing another network, and asking the ISP to investigate or refresh the connection if the issue affects every device.
That warning is usually about the network connection or public IP address, not your browser history. Google may be rate-limiting an IP shared by your ISP, apartment building, school, workplace, or a VPN/proxy service. A power outage does not guarantee that your public IP changed. Try another search engine temporarily, disable any VPN or iCloud Private Relay, restart the router, and wait a while before trying again. If it continues across multiple devices on the same connection, contact your ISP.
I’ve been using incognito and guest mode for years without this happening, so I wasn’t sure what changed. I’ll compare it with a cellular hotspot and check for proxy or privacy-relay settings.