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Company listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. Except as expressly set forth in our, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. Why You Need Antivirus for Mac “I don’t need virus protection – I’m a Mac user!” I hear you cry.
AVG AntiVirus for Mac helps keep your Mac free of viruses and running smoothly. Through its intuitive interface, this app lets you manage your security settings and run scans at any time to ensure complete protection. Bitdefender Virus Scanner finds Mac malware as well as Windows viruses with ease.
Uh-oh this is a common misconception - and a very dangerous one at that. Where does this myth come from? Well, back in the day, it was largely true. You could indeed own a Mac and not have to worry about getting viruses.
Because almost everyone owned Microsoft products, hackers and cybercriminals concentrated on developing malware that would exploit specific vulnerabilities in these operating systems. Lucky old Mac users simply weren’t big enough fish to fry. That’s just not the case anymore. Today and other Apple devices, tablets and mobile devices.
Macs are now enormously popular – and that makes them a target for viruses and other forms of malware. While Apple is very security-conscious and its operating systems tend to be harder to infiltrate than Windows ones, they are certainly not immune. What You Need to Stay Protected To avoid getting caught out, it’s important to invest in a comprehensive antivirus package or internet security suite to keep your MacBook or Mac OS X device malware-free. This virus protection should be designed to tick along in the background, allowing both for manual and real-time scans, while keeping your computer safe from all the usual suspects: viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other forms of malware. Ideally, you should choose a system that also provides plenty of privacy and security features such as two-way firewalls, social media protection and, if you have kids, plenty of parental controls. Range of Options When it comes to the specifics, there are a range of options for internet security for Mac. Just like their Windows-centered counterparts, these vary in price and quality.
To start with, there are the free options available. While there are fewer decent free antivirus tools available for Mac than for windows, you can get antivirus Mac free. Then there are the much better paid and premium services, which you can typically purchase by annual subscription and download directly from the vendor’s website to your Mac.
The best Mac antivirus software provides superb protection for any type of computer and can be managed from a central dashboard. Again, bear in mind that not all internet security companies provide antivirus for Mac, though. Don’t Take the Risk! Although Mac devices are still relatively new to viruses, they are proliferating fast and it’s essential to ensure you’re thoroughly protected. What’s more, if you shop, stream video or bank online, especially using public Wi-Fi, you are vulnerable to hacks and identity theft no matter what device you use.
To get the most out of your Mac antivirus software, run scans at least once per week, especially if you frequently browse the web. Even better, keep the program’s shields running in the background at all times so that your computer is thoroughly protected. The best Mac antivirus programs can do this without slowing you down. In fact, some even offer performance-enhancing tools to keep your machine running in top-top condition.
If you have more devices to cover and want to expand beyond Windows only.
Mac malware is proliferating at quite a steady rate on the Internet because malware creators are finding ways to target Mac computers, laptops, and iOS devices all the time. It is true that underground hackers target Windows users much more because the main goal is to make money quickly and effectively, which is much easier on an operating system that has over 1 billion users worldwide. However, cyber criminals are finding ways to target Mac users seeing that its users are also growing in number. And the (CVE) suggest that the Mac OS is becoming more and more insecure and vulnerable to online viruses, ransomware, and malware attacks. The CVE took 50 products in 2016 and measured the 'Distinct' Vulnerabilities and Mac OS X came in at number 10, while Windows was at number 14. In saying all this, let's hone into why Mac is also in danger and how it differs from Windows: Why is Mac OS X Presumed to be More Secure?
There are two reasons why people assume that Mac is more secure than its Windows brethren:. The Mac user behavior is different from that of a Windows user. Users are less inclined to install third-party drivers and software because the Mac is better equipped out-of-the-box.
This, in turn, makes Mac OS X more difficult to exploit, because when the OS is more organized and has less third-party software, there are simply less loopholes. There are more Windows PCs than Macs in the world. Cyber criminals focus on the easier target because malware is all about making money, so hackers who create and spread infections do not want to work harder than they have to. They choose the most vulnerable system, which are Windows PCs, to carry out most of their attacks. Why Mac OS X Needs Antivirus Protection? The Mac world is full of active malware, and one of the biggest threats is Mac users' complacency and security behavior, or lack thereof. These are some reasons to consider getting the best antivirus for Mac, and quickly!.
Mac devices can act as vectors to spread malware to Windows computers through USB drives, instant messages, and emails, even if the Mac OS X software is immune to the malware. A virus scanning software that works on both PCs and Mac will help ensure that outgoing files, emails, and messages are not infected with malicious files.
Windows is also becoming more secure with Windows 8 and 10, and at the same time Mac users make up 20-30% of the market share in wealthy western countries. It might not sound like a lot, but the average Mac user may be wealthier than a PC user and therefore look like a more attractive target to hackers for ransomware, phishing, and other malware attacks. The percentage could keep growing which means that the threat gets larger, and hence a third-party antivirus will become a worthwhile investment. Remember that the end user is always the weakest link and a security software can save you from making bad moves like installing apps that pretend to offer something but turn out to be spyware or viruses.
Mac users can also fall victim to these kind of schemes. This list will continue to grow, and as the list expands, so does the need to invest in the top security software for Mac. Types of Mac Malware When Mac malware is strong enough to penetrate the system, the effects are pretty astounding and can wreak havoc on thousands of devices. From 2012, there have been some nasty malware attacks highlighting the importance to invest in a product that will act as the best antivirus for Mac devices. In 2012, a Java-exploit Trojan, Flashback, hacked 700,000 Macs. Apple responded to this by improving the Mac OS in order to update Java and remove Flashback malware upon discovery, and it continues to work with Internet security providers to restrain the Flashback command and control center. In 2013, OS X developers were hit in a targeted attack at Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and Apple itself.
In 2014, a botnet called Mac.BackDoor.iWorm hijacked 17,000 Macs. The creator exploited the search feature on reddit in order to post updated server lists for the malware to access freely online. In 2015, XcodeGhost hit hundreds of OS X and iOS apps. Russian malware researchers at Dr. Web also found a new version of a backdoor Trojan for Mac OS X - Mac.BackDoor.OpinionSpy.3 - which descends from a malware genealogy active since 2010 known for its sophisticated methods to spawn variants to cause more damage. In 2016, dum-dum-da.the first Mac encrypting ransomware appeared on the scenes to make things even worse. As we can see, cyber criminals are developing Mac malware to include Mac OS X under their awful clutch, and so we all need to be prepared!
What To Look For in The Best Antivirus for Mac When you choose the best antivirus for Mac there are several key features you need to take into account in order to narrow down the search before you make a choice that's tailored to your needs. These are some of the things I look into when I pick the top antivirus and internet security software for Mac: Third-Party Test Results Our team has designed an innovative and that calculates over 10,000 aggregated test performed on antivirus vendors. I suggest you use this tool to see how the other independent antivirus test labs rate antivirus providers according to criteria similar to that for testing Windows antivirus products. Labs like AV-Test test for the detection and performance capabilities of Mac applications. This tool, along with our, tests, and articles, will guide you in your quest for the best antivirus for Mac.
It's extremely easy to use. You can play around with the settings; I would suggest setting the operating system to Mac, select the Home option, and set the years to the last 2-3 years for the most relevant results. Detection I mentioned that one of the criterion the independent labs check for is the antivirus software's malware detection rate. Let's get into a bit more detail about detection rates and what you need to understand when you pick the best antivirus for Mac.
Detection determines how well a software can recognize and block Mac viruses with a real-time scanner. To test a software, one would take hundreds of different files containing viruses from one folder to another to check how Mac antivirus protection solutions fare against the malware. Seeing that most viruses currently target Windows PCs, lots of the time Windows malware attempts to flow through the Mac system in order to infect Windows-using friends. This is why it's important to protect yourself regardless of your OS; if you aren't infected, you can surely be a vector to spread nasty malware to others. Performance Another essential element a software lab monitors is the performance of a product. This assesses how big of an impact each antivirus has on a computer's resources and how much lag the software creates.
If an antivirus software uses up a lot of resources and causes noticeable delays during day-to-day activities such as opening programs and apps, it means it isn't very efficient. Tools Anti-Malware Tools Besides for detecting viruses and performance, antivirus software usually includes additional anti-malware tools and resources to help detect and remove malware. Malware doesn't only result from accessing infected websites; a system can also get infected through email attachments and USB devices.
The best antivirus for Mac will automatically scan both of these entry points to neutralize the threats without disrupting the functioning of the computer. Anti-phishing is therefore just as important as anti-malware tools! Other essential features present in most of the best antivirus for Mac products are anti-spyware and an anti-spam mechanism.
Gamer Mode If you watch movies and videos or play games on your computer and other devices, it is important to pick a software with gamer mode. It suspends certain functions such as pop-up reminders and scheduled scans until the user is finished watching something or playing a program. Without gamer mode, a scan or reminder can disconnect you from your program or cause additional lag time on the system performance. Mobile Device Coverage I also look at whether the antivirus provider protects against malware on mobile devices. A lot of the time Mac users need to purchase a separate application to protect a phone or a tablet, so it's a bonus if this is included in the home packages. Backup Utility Users will find this safety feature very convenient.
Everyone should back up their data! With attacks that encrypt your data, you don't want to land up in the predicament of having to pay a cyber criminal in order to retrieve your information. Rather back-up to avoid losing important files and document.
We have lots of suggestions about back-up and safe online behavior. Licenses Lastly, the amount of licenses that are included in the yearly subscription package is another important factor to take into consideration when choosing an antivirus software. Some vendors offer only one license for a single computer, laptop, or mobile device, while others limit a user to desktops and laptops. This requires one to purchase a separate license for phone and tablet protection. Check for the number of licenses you will receive at the lowest cost for each antivirus solution. You can decide which features are good for you, but the software you choose NEEDS to have good malware detection and anti-phishing capabilities without bogging down the computer.
If the product has additional features that coincide with what you need, that is great, but make sure you know how the provider intends to support you! For other important features one would find built into the best mac security software packages,. Help & Support Mac antivirus software is fairly straightforward to install and navigate; much like antivirus for Windows. However, there can be times when good tech support is necessary, especially if a new malware threat attacks your computer.
The Mac antivirus vendors that get extra credit are those that provide 24/7 phone support besides for email and forums. Live chat is also an important feature I look for because it is super quick to get hold of a service provider if you are on a computer.
Correspondence by email should take less than 24 hours in order to be considered top-notch customer support. Forums are the least important when evaluating the standard of support provided, however, it doesn't hurt to have excellent forums, tutorials, and Q&As to consult if needed. Internet Security Features I recommend these features to users who have children or use several networks on a daily basis. Firewall and Browser Malware on your Mac is one thing, but the Internet poses many more threats! You can get hit by browser-based attacks or from a phishing site, so you will need extra protection when you're online.
Most Mac antivirus applications protect your web activity by either scanning the web traffic or with a URL adviser, which rates URLs in search engine results and lets you know if it's okay to click. However, firewalls take it a step further by monitoring the flow of data to and from a computer. OS X comes with a built-in firewall which is perhaps why most Mac antivirus products don't include one.
Parental Control Lots of Mac security applications include filters and settings which allow parents to limit their children's time online. These features are usually not included in free products which is what sets the best Mac internet security software apart from basic antivirus products. Another important feature is social networking filters that scan social media platform settings so as not to expose too much personal information without a user knowing. Both parents and kids can benefit from this feature. Top Mac Security Tips There are many Mac security tips to secure your data, thanks to the tools in the System Preferences and Safari, as well as third party applications. But I have spelled out the main tips for you in short, so that you can protect yourself without having to think too much about it.
There are two places where threats to your data are most likely to emerge:. Through a network like the Internet. From someone with direct access to your Mac Therefore it's best to practice these tips to safeguard your system: Stay Up To Date: Users need to keep their Macs up to date with the latest software. Apple offers incremental updates to help pinpoint potential threats and to address the vulnerabilities in the system as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Users who opt for automatic updates can install them when notifications arise, while manual install requires one to install the updates in the Updates panel on the right-hand side of the main App Store window. Turn on the Firewall: Turning on the built-in firewall in the recent versions of Mac OS X can help secure network traffic by monitoring it. If you want to turn it out, navigate to System Preferences and select Security & Privacy. Then click the Firewall tab situated at the top of the window to click on Turn on Firewall, followed by the Firewall Options button to specify the connection you wish to block and add the application to the list. Encrypt your Data: Mac OS X already secures important files for users, however, one can provide extra security and another layer of protection to the entire drive by setting up FileVault's full disk - XTS-AES 128 encryption.
This will prevent unwanted users from seeing and copying private files by setting a master password for the machine or device. The user can specify which user accounts have the permission to unlock the encrypted drive.
To turn on FileVault, go to the FireVault button and note the recovery key; you can also allow Apple to store the password and restart the computer when prompted. Best Antivirus for Mac I have summed up the best antivirus for Mac and the top security software for Mac using the test results tool and extensive research. I have recommended the best packages for particular antivirus providers, which means sometimes the higher-tiered internet security product is worth it because of price and additional features compared to the basic antivirus product. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Bitdefender is hands down the best antivirus for Mac! Whether you set the calculator all the way back to 2009 or look at the past couple of years, you will see that comes out on top as the best home antivirus product for Mac software.
With very fast scans and a negligible impact on system performance during passive use and active scans, you cannot go wrong with Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. This software offers perfect malware detection with a 100% detection rate. The on-demand scan is easy to start with an easily accessible streamlined interface where you can find the scanner in the center. What's more, all the essential features I mentioned above are included in the package such as gamer mode, email and USB scanners, and three licenses that you can use interchangeably with your Mac computers and laptops.
Bitdefender seems to be the top choice of all independent antivirus labs! With coverage of up to 5 devices for a 1-year license, this package is your best bet for ultimate antivirus and Internet Security measures. Enjoy added features like PC Tune-Up and protection for several operating systems such as Android OS and MAC OS, above a beyond all the antivirus engine features that come with the basic products. The price difference is ever so slight, but the value for your money is worlds apart when compared to Bitdefender's basic product bundles. Don't miss out one of the best antivirus products on the market today!
ESET Cyber Security for Mac also offer a 100% malware threat detection rate and scores high in speed performance tests. You can save up to 25% if you opt for a two-year license, and there are several options for multiple Mac devices that will save you money. If you would like to test the waters, there is a 30-day trial period. ESET Cyber Security for Mac is another top choice if you already like the Windows products and everything the vendor has to offer in terms of interface, user-experience, and help & support.
To save your battery and remain safeguarded from electronic threats, Bitdefender Mobile Security is a fantastic choice for Android users. Bitdefender has combined smart anti-theft capabilities with cloud-based malware detection to ensure an easy-going user experience on all ends. This software does not hinder the battery life whatsoever; in fact, it saves battery with its zero-impact technology. Other features to expect are the App Lock, Privacy Advisor, WearOn, Web Security, and an On-Demand and On-Install Scan. Enjoy your Android like you have never before with Bitdefender for Android. Expires Tomorrow Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac When it comes to threat detection and system impact, Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac isn't at the top of its game for Mac like it is for Windows. The malware detection rate is still very high, and there is a slightly greater impact on the system performance if you compare it to the likes of Bitdefender and ESET, but not by much.
What makes one of the top options is its robust security features including parental control, webcam lockdown, and a mechanism which stops websites from tracking a user's browser activity. There is also spyware, email and USB scanning, gamer mode, safer banking software, and ransomware protection.
However, another downside is that the product covers only one device, and you need to purchase a higher-tiered product for mobile device protection. Bitdefender stands by its motto that 'everything connected needs to be protected' with its one-of-a-kind Internet Security solution that combines software, cloud, and hardware to protect your home network. Bitdefender Box takes network vulnerability protection to A-class level with its ability to scan every single network-connected device in your home network. This feature also alerts users about vulnerabilities and the steps needed to secure the network from other attempted attacks in the future. Don't overlook this excellent add-on feature. GravityZone Business Security offers superior protection for businesses without slowing down employees' PC systems. This package is fitted with top-notch security features such as: web filtering, firewall, user control.
Intrusion detection, and device control to ensure the best coverage and comprehensive protection. Business clients will feel at ease with the intuitive web-based control center dashboard for real-time control, which Bitdefender can host or if clients prefer, can be hosted within their own organizations. GravityZone is certainly the top-notch business solution for all essential business needs. Note: A lot of essential attributes will be missing from free products, so it's something to take into consideration. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac This is probably the best free antivirus for Mac because of its malware detection rate, a relatively minor system performance impact, and an easy-to-use interface. The parental control is very good with remote scans that can block websites by category. The software also keeps a log of when users try to access banned sites.
All you have to do is download the product for free and give some personal details to use it. Is a great option for those who prefer free antivirus products. AVG AntiVirus for Mac manages to detect 100% of threats, but the downside is that it has a larger impact on the system performance. FYI: Avast recently purchased AVG, but both of the antivirus vendors will continue to release separate antivirus products. Besides the perfect malware detection rate and that the software is free, there isn't much that really draws me to this product.
Avast Free Mac Security detects as much malware as Sophos, Norton, and Kaspersky, but it lacks in the security feature department! There is also a dip in the system performance when you run full scans, which is why I can't recommend it over Sophos. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac In 2016 things were looking up for Avira when it won in the Mac antivirus category, however, it regressed when its competitors beat it in malware detection.
Also fell behind for it system performance. In short, the software will definitely keep your Mac safe, but at the expense of your system's speed. Conclusion It is important to know that there is no perfect security software. The best antivirus for Mac and other operating systems will reduce risks but not entirely eliminate them.
Hackers are continually trying to outwit antivirus software in the perpetual rat race of the antivirus world. There is no place to hide anymore, and now is the time to act and protect your systems with the best antivirus for Mac OS X. If you have any questions or something you feel you can add to this article, don't hesitate to us; we'd love to hear!