Best Video Software for the Mac How To Run MacOS High Sierra or Another OS on Your Mac Best Graphic Design Software the Mac Stay Safe with Best Free Password Managers. Nov 28, 2018 - Some might consider identifying the best Mac antivirus software in. The excellent AV-TEST regularly puts anti-virus programs through their paces, and their most recent tests took place in June 2018 on macOS High Sierra.
OP, this question comes up quite frequently, and if you are really interested, you can do a search and find lots of threads around here (some are quite long) about this, and it can make for interesting reading. You will find a wide range of opinions from those who say it is essential to those who say no way would they ever use it. Some will swear there are viruses for macOS (there aren't).
Others will point out you can transmit Windows viruses (you can). Still others will talk about Bootcamp and Windows viruses (separate issue/partition). IMO AV is not needed (that could change in the future), and can actually cause more problems than it prevents, depending on what you use. What IS needed is common sense, safe computing practices regarding sites visited and downloads and wise use of your admin password. There are no viruses in the wild for macOS, but you can still encounter trojans (requiring your interaction/admin password) and some browser type malware (url hijacking, adware). Running free Malwarebytes occasionally will most likely rid you of browser type malware and adware if you find you are having strange behavior. Other than that, just enjoy your Mac.
I would only run a malware scan from time to time, with a non-intrusive app that doesn't need a special installer. Simply don't install apps from unsafe places. App Store is the safest.
Sometimes apps can be hacked, but keep up to date with the app developers and you'll be safe. Don't buy into pop ups in safari that says Flash Player needs to be updated, etc. My brother actually got duped and installed malware.
Sometimes apps that supposedly keeps your system clean will act as malware. Mackeeper is such software. It really is scamware that is heavily promoted on the web. Wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!! So I see most of you don't believe in AVs. Anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them ), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective?
I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what). Wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!! So I see most of you don't believe in AVs. Anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them ), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective? I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what).
Wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!! So I see most of you don't believe in AVs. Anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them ), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective?
I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what). Click to expand.It's not about 'believing in antivirus' apps.
You automatically assume that you need one, because your frame of reference is Windows, where true viruses exist and where most malware exists. For Windows, malware is common. For macOS, it isn't. The average Mac user never encounters any form of malware during normal practice.
The likelihood increases dramatically if you are visiting shady sites or installing pirated software. You simply don't need an antivirus app to keep your Mac safe, especially if you practice the safe computing tips already shared. Safe computing alone will protect your Mac better than any antivirus app. Click to expand.There's no guarantee for future events, but no true virus has ever existed in the wild that affects macOS, so it's not currently possible for a Mac to get a virus, since none exist. That could, of course, change in the future.
All macOS malware (which is so limited that most Mac users have never seen any) can be completely avoided by practicing safe computing. With relatively few exceptions, those that think they need an antivirus app to protect a Mac have been drinking the Kool-Aid being served by the companies promoting their antivirus apps. It's all very well to say 'practice safe surfing' (much like 'practice safe sex' or 'just say no to drugs' - and we've seen how that goes) or the tired old Macolyte chant 'Macs don't get viruses', but stuff happens.
As Macs have gone more mainstream, they have become something of a target, and a lot of Apple's updates to the OS have involved patching security issues - just like Apple and their fans used to make fun of Microsoft for. As well, if you exchange files and folders across computers and networks, do you really want to pass along an issue from someone else's computer to someone else's via your computer - that may not be affected, and so, you're unaware? There are free, lightweight AV programs for Mac that cause little pain at all, so why wouldn't you install one?
If it makes you feel better and maybe makes you a better virtual neighbour, go for it. There's an excellent resource for AV products - constant testing and reviews - out there worth checking out And yes, while you're at it, products like Malwarebytes are probably a worthwhile addition, too. Click to expand.Insurance is all about risk.
I am not aware of ANY virus for macOS, ever. Sure there's malware, but no virii. Why purchase risk-based insurance protection when the risk is incredibly near zero? The negative impact on a computer from running this type of software will negatively impact the performance of your system. For something that has a near-zero probability of actually affecting you. As I've already stated in this thread, it's fairly simple to minimize risk and impact from ANY malware:.
Delete Flash. Surf smart. Don't open files from unknown/unverified sources. Skip the porn.
Dear Members, i am using MacBook Air with MAC OS SIERRA 10.12.3, when i use google chrome, frequently when a new webpage is opened, small popup is shown as blocked, when tried to allow the popups, it redirects to a pwwysydh virus site. I uninstalled chrome and now use strictly safari which i feel is more protected. Coming to the point, 1. Could you please suggest a good anti virus removal tool for MAC, is there anything like that or does MAC needs a virus removal tool. Is it a good practice to remove cache from MAC (/Library/Caches) weekly once. Apple Footer.
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