If you use a Mac, maybe you’re part of a team of people who won’t trade macOS for anything. One of the reasons for this is the great security of this operating system. But, as not everything is perfect, reinforcing this factor with an antivirus can be a good idea. If it makes sense to you, here’s a list of some of the best antivirus for Mac.
1. AVG AntiVirus
AVG AntiVirus gained fame on Windows, but it also has a macOS version. The free package offers several essential features such as blocking links or suspicious downloads, as well as a function that scans software and files for malware.
Of course, AVG AntiVirus can also stop viruses, spyware and other threats through scans. But some features like blocking phishing sites and protecting personal folders are only available in the paid version.
2. Avast Security
Avast Security also appears as an interesting option for those looking for a free option. Antivirus is able to detect and eliminate viruses and other malware through an intuitive interface.
In addition, the tool allows the installation of a browser extension that alerts you to malicious elements on web pages.
There are other features, such as blocking fake websites (phishing) but only in the premium (paid) version.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is paid, with plans from one to three years. The options also consider the number of devices: up to three. Anyone willing to pay for the tool actually takes a bundle of security features.
It starts with complete protection against viruses and other malware, including ransomware. The antivirus is also able to protect browsing during online shopping or banking transactions to prevent data theft at these times.
Other Bitdefender Antivirus attributes include a basic VPN (with a low megabyte limit) and a browser extension that blocks trackers.
For those who just need a conventional scan, Bitdefender offers the Virus Scanner, which is a free option.
4. Intego
Intego appears as one of the top-rated security solutions for macOS, even though it is paid. The best package for personal use is Intego Internet Security for Mac, which offers VirusBarrier X9 antivirus and NetBarrier X9, which protects Mac from unauthorized access.
On top of VirusBarrier X9 itself, the tool has real-time scanning and quarantine functions for suspicious files. A trusted files mode — a user-defined list of files that do not need to be checked — is also part of the suite.
Here we also find a safe browsing mode that protects the main browsers for macOS, such as Chrome and Safari itself.
5. Sophos Home
Sophos Home also follows a paid subscription model, and for that reason, it offers an extensive package of features. It goes from essentials such as protection against viruses, trojans, ransomware and other malware, to privacy features such as the function that prevents hidden access to the webcam.
In addition, the tool has functions to protect passwords and usernames, and to block malicious pages, for example.
Other features include remote management of protected machines and parental controls (to prevent your children from accessing sites not suitable for children).
6. Total AV
TotalAV is another paid antivirus that has been highly rated. In addition to viruses, the tool fights ransomware, spyware, adware and other types of threats. Of course, real-time scans and protection for web browsing are part of the package.
There are additional features too, like a VPN function, junk file removal tool and phishing protection.
7. Norton AntiVirus
Here is one of the most classic antiviruses on the market. With a reputation that goes back to when it was called Symantec, Norton AntiVirus is also a paid security solution, but, in fact, full of features.
In addition to protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware, the solution offers a firewall, password manager and a basic cloud backup plan.
For those looking for other features, there are more advanced packages. The most complete of them is Norton 360 Premium, which adds VPN, parental controls and licenses for up to ten devices (Macs, PCs, cell phones or tablets).
After all, does Mac really need antivirus?
The answer is “it depends”. macOS security concerns go back to the early days of the operating system when it was based on FreeBSD (and Unix) code.
Today, macOS automatically applies updates and requires apps to ask permission to access certain folders, for example. In addition, the system has its own mechanisms for blocking and removing malware.
But there are those who want to add a layer of security, not least because macOS is not completely immune to viruses, malicious code and other threats. In this case, an antivirus might be worth it.
How do I know if my Mac has been infected?
You can be suspicious of malware if your Mac suddenly behaves strangely. Among them can be opening unsolicited pages in the browser, the appearance of an app you didn’t install and even slowness (although this problem can have other causes).
At such times, a scan with an antivirus can be helpful. Not least because the strange behaviour can be caused by a rootkit, although this is rare. Removing a rootkit is a difficult task, but current security solutions can handle this type of malware.
Are you an iPhone user? See antivirus options for iOS
If you have a Mac, chances are you also have an iPhone. And if you have an iPhone, you might also want to beef up its protection with an antivirus.
Yes, the iPhone is very secure. So, like the Mac, antivirus is not mandatory here, but it can come in as a security booster. You can check out antivirus options for iOS here.
