When we cover dozens of stories each year about Mac related security issues and malware discovered in the wild, it’s hard to imagine that the misconception that “Macs don’t get viruses” still exists. Although there is some truth to it. Macs are much more resilient to what are commonly classified as “viruses” and in general malware is much more rare for Mac users versus Windows. But that doesn’t mean Mac users don’t need to protect themselves from malware threats. And it’s not just malware, there are a long list of other threats that Mac users should be aware of and protecting themselves against.
While you should never run two antivirus programs at the same time, having two on your system can be beneficial. Most antivirus software (e.g. McAffee, Norton) try to track down viruses on the web. May 07, 2020 The obvious conclusion seems to be that you should install antivirus software on your Mac (we’ve rounded up the best options for you).
The security experts at long-time Mac software developer Malwarebytes are often the source of security stories we cover throughout the year on 9to5Mac. We’ve come to trust its team for the many discoveries and coverage of malware and security related issues for Mac users. That’s why it’s easy to give a recommendation on the Malwarebytes software as a go-to option for protecting your Mac. Here’s how it works:
Hands-on with Malwarebytes
Best Free Antivirus For Mac
Once you install the Malwarebytes for Mac app, it’s mostly a one-click process.
As you’ll see in the video above, the app has a super streamlined and easy to understand design that walks you through the entire task of scanning for malware and, in the event something is discovered, quarantining and properly and safely dealing with the threat.
Within you have options to either turn on real-time protection to have the app actively scanning for incoming threats, or to perform a scan manually on your system.
If it detects something, Malwarebytes will prompt you to confirm “quarantining” the threat. Along the left-hand side of the app is the menu where you’ll find “Quarantine.” In here you’ll be able to view all of the potential threats that the app finds to either review and further research them and/or ultimately delete them from your system permanently.
Malwarebytes actually protects your Mac against much more than just malware. Adware and junk software often referred to as PUPs, or potentially unwanted programs, have been an increasing problem for Mac users. The experts at Malwarebytes have documented many of these, with a few examples including bundling junk software in fake Adobe Flash Player installers, using scare tactics to convince the user that they need to purchase to fix a “serious problem,” posting fake user reviews, and making false claims about their capabilities (e.g., claiming to be anti-virus software but failing to detect Mac malware).
When the app detects a threat, you can easily clear out quarantined files to remove them from your Mac by clicking the “Clear Quarantine” button right from within the “Quarantine” area in Malwarebytes.
If you choose to turn on real-time protection rather than performing manual scans, you will automatically get a notification when Malwarebytes detects and quarantines a threat or has an update to protect against the latest security discoveries (as pictured below):
It truly couldn’t be any easier to keep your Mac protected from these threats and have peace of mind. Malwarebytes makes it extremely easy for anyone, unlike so many other security apps with clunky and intrusive user interfaces, and does so in an incredibly lightweight package about the size of three digital music files.
If you are looking for super easy to use and trustworthy security software to protect your Mac, you can download and use Malwarebytes for Mac for free.
Best Free Antivirus Software
The free version will let you scan and clean up your Mac, while a premium version will let you turn on real-time protection to proactively protect against incoming viruses, spyware, malware and ransomware attacks starting at $39.99/year for one device.
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Best answer: Though Windows malware doesn't affect Mac devices, it's easy to unknowingly send these threats to PC-using colleagues, family members, and friends. During our testing, we used live malware and saw that the protections that come with Mac devices don't always stop them. Several threats are disguised to look like legitimate Mac programs and often sneak in through email messages and network connections. Luckily, a good antivirus program can stop them while keeping your Mac safe.
- Staff pick: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac ($60 at Bitdefender)
- Tech support recommended: Malwarebytes ($40 at Malwarebytes)
- Free Mac antivirus: Avast Essential Security for Mac (Free at Avast)
If you start to notice weird advertisements popping up in strange places on popular websites like YouTube, you might be infected. These ads tend to feature adult content or claim that a virus has been detected on your device and will often appear in places that you don't normally see ads.
You may also discover that your personal email or social networking sites are sending out messages that you didn't write. If this happens, you should immediately change your password to stop any more messages being sent from your account.
If your Mac just isn't responding the way it should, you might have malware planted into your system somewhere. If it takes much longer for your Mac to wake up than it used to, there may be something lurking in the shadows.
You won't always know if you have a virus. Technology has improved for the bad guys just as much as it has improved for the good guys. There are viruses out there that are smart enough to know how to hide deep in your system and work constantly to keep you from noticing it, all while performing malicious attacks. And once you're infected, it super easy for other devices connected to your network to become infected, too.
While you may think you don't need antivirus protection on your Mac, it's more important than ever now that Apple has grown so popular. Even if you use a limited, free version of a program, you'll be doing yourself a favor.
How can I protect my Mac right now?
The Mac operating system includes a number of security tools that help keep adware and malware off your computer, including default restrictions on opening apps from unidentified developers. If you stick to only downloading apps from the Mac App Store and are good about staying away from seedy websites, you can keep your computer secure from most virus issues.
In fact, Apple's security tools are why you'll hear many old-school Mac users say that you don't need anti-virus protection. The Mac is locked down well right out of the box.
However, there is more to protecting yourself than just avoiding bad apps and websites. You never know when you are going to pick something up that could create havoc on your Mac or on somebody else's PC. That's why, for added protection, you should think about getting antivirus software.
Staff pick
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Protection against Mac and Windows malware
Bitdefender runs in the background, deleting and eliminating Mac and Windows malware as it shows up. This protects both your Mac and friends' PCs from becoming infected. Bitdefender stops most threats before they download and includes phishing filters and a VPN.
Tech support recommended
Malwarebytes
Tech support's go-to
Malwarebytes is recommended by tech support at Apple, which downloads this program to user's devices when contacted about performance issues. This software searches out malware and other exploiting viruses and blocks websites that are known to distribute malicious content.
Free Mac antivirus
Avast Essential Security for Mac
Free basic protection
Avast's Essential monitors your email messages for any phishing schemes, malicious links or downloads that could lead to a malware attack or identity theft. It also watches your network connection and stops hackers and snoops as they try to sneak in.
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