There is no denying that Macs are less prone to being infected with viruses and malware than PCs. In fact, due to the built-in tools that the macOS come with, many users are convinced that they need no further protection against wrongdoers. Unfortunately, this is the exact reason why criminals have started targeting Apple users with highly sophisticated malware that can easily get through the basic defenses of any Mac. However, with Mac security software on board, any computer can be turned into an impenetrable fortress, giving you enough protection online and offline.
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‘But what exactly is a Mac security solution?’ you may ask. It’s a question that needs further explanation, as these apps are a bit more than just basic antiviruses. So, by clarifying the most common questions surrounding Mac security solutions, picking the software that fits your individual needs will be hassle-free.
Best Mac Security Software of 2020
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1. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9
It’s one thing that Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 covers everything that a security bundle should, but it also managed to do so by providing a pleasant interface for all of its five apps, too. However, it’s actually the additional tools that make Intego a must-have. For instance, the parental control tool is equipped with everything needed to protect children from online harm, including the appropriately named AntiPredator feature. The Mac optimizer, on the other hand, is actually three solutions in one, providing an effective way of keeping the computer in top shape.
The core programs equally as useful, too. In fact, the antivirus stands out because of the effectiveness of its real-time scans, while the firewall is so simple to use that even the least tech-savvy users will understand it in seconds. The addition of the data backup tool, which gives an extra layer of protection for your data, is just the icing on the cake.
The price of Intego’s bundle is just as impressive since it can be used on a single Mac for as low as $59.99 per year. However, by purchasing more licenses over a longer period of time, it’s possible to save up to 70% of the original price.
2. Airo
A lighter antivirus software, Airo‘s stylish design and easy setup wows users with a spotless first impression. The software’s aim is clear from the beginning: Airo will scan and protect your Mac from any attacks as swiftly as possible. Besides its scanning features, Airo offers a few extras. You can use its Google Chrome extension to detect malware in your web downloads and rest at ease with the software’s automatic updates which keep its database informed of the latest viruses and ransomware.
What Airo lacks in extra features, however, it more than makes up for in speed and ease of use. Its “quick scan” is true to its name and takes exactly one minute to complete. The software’s deeper scan is also incredibly unobtrusive, seamlessly running in the background without affecting your computer’s overall performance.
While you may find more competitive prices out there, Airo’s certainly won’t break the bank. The most affordable way to get it is with the Single Suite which covers one Mac at $49.99 per year, which comes out to a little over $4 per month. You can also choose between two upgrade options (Pro and Family Suite) to cover more Macs for a higher premium.
3. Avast Security for Mac
Although Avast is mostly known for releasing PC products, its Mac security solutions are worth trying too. Granted, the antivirus software isn’t as feature packed as its Windows counterpart – mostly due to the lack of quick and comprehensive scans – but it does at least have everything that a decent antivirus solution should. In fact, Avast even included the scheduling of scans into the mix alongside network scans and an antiransomware tool.
As for other solutions included in the package, the selection is pretty limited as Mac users can only download SecureLine VPN, Avast Cleanup Pro, Avast Passwords, and two browser add-ons. However, it’s worth noting that only the password manager and its extensions are available as free upgrades. For the VPN and the Mac optimizer, additional fees need to be paid. Speaking of which, to have unlimited access to the antivirus – which includes Wi-Fi scanning and the antiransomware shield – there is a charge of $59.99 a year or $53.33 per year should you opt for a longer subscription period.
If you don’t need any extras, however, or just want to try things out first, then there is an option to choose between the limited, free forever version, a 60-day risk-free trial, and even make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Choose the Right Mac Security Software
Features
Since Mac security solutions exist in many shapes and forms, picking the right software isn’t as easy as it seems. That’s why it’s best to think about what you and others (if necessary) truly need and choose accordingly. Free antiviruses, for instance, are perfect for the basic protection of individuals, and often they can be upgraded at any time. On the other hand, paid solutions are always equipped with more specialized features and are usually offered as part of an internet security software bundle, so they can truly provide a solution for all kinds of cyber security threats.
Compatibility and Usage
When it comes to compatibility, the situation is quite simple. Mac security solutions are often adapted from their Windows counterparts, meaning that if you want protection for a PC as well, then you can simply download the sister product of a Mac antivirus.
With usage, however, things get a bit complicated, because not all people have the same needs and the same system. In that regard, opting for the most complete internet security suite could solve the issue. These bundles not only contain all the security apps that a particular company has to offer, but they also come with multiple licenses and can be installed on all supported devices.
Research and Trial
One of the best ways to decide whether any given solution is ideal for you is to check out the opinion of internet security experts. Visiting AV-TEST’s website gives good insight into how well Mac security programs perform in different situations, but for the whole picture it’s best to read up on the software in detailed reviews like the very ones we provide. For a truly first-hand experience, however, downloading the free version of the software or testing the full software for a limited time will give you the very best insight.
Best Mac Security Software Free
Beyond Virus Protection for Mac
Even though installing an antivirus on a Mac is a good start, cyber security threats are so versatile that a single, specialized internet security app is far from enough. Thankfully, internet security companies have realized this, which is why even the most basic Mac antivirus apps have extra features that go beyond just busting malware. For instance, many of them are capable of monitoring your internet activities either on their own or via a browser add-on, but they can also protect your most important files should you be the target of a ransomware attack.
However, not even a beefed-up antivirus can battle against certain other cyber threats like cryptojacking, password sniffing, or online predators. And this is the exact reason why a Mac security solution shouldn’t just be a single app but rather multiple programs, each tailored to deal with a specific internet security issue. Although being forced to install a standalone solution for each security problem seems bothersome, this way your Mac truly becomes an impenetrable fortress. Besides, software bundles give you the freedom to select which internet security apps you need or even substitute the bundle’s in-built solutions with other third-party choices.
Free Security Software for Mac
Since being safe online is no laughing matter, there are various internet security solutions that are available free of charge. Granted, these free apps are always limited in one way or another, but since they all possess the core features of paid counterparts, they are perfect for the average user that hopes to be protected on at least one device. Antiviruses and password managers in particular always have free versions – with an option to upgrade – but depending on the chosen solution there may be additional features to enjoy without paying, whether that’s a basic VPN, a manual software updater, and so on.
That doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself only to free, basic programs all the time, though. In fact, the vast majority of Mac security software providers allow users to test their solutions without limitations for a short period of time either via a trial or a money-back guarantee. This often means that all apps included in the bundle have to be downloaded one by one and there may still be instances where certain functionalities aren’t available, but this at least way it’s possible to get a clearer picture of exactly what you can expect from the paid version.
Mac Internet Security 101
How It WorksBuilt-in ToolsWhy Mac Security Software
How Mac Security Software Works
Using a Mac security app is a breeze because they often focus on creating a user interface that is simple for anyone to use, but also because the core features like on-demand scans, the scan scheduler, and the real-time monitoring tools often require very little input. If you have prior experience with a Windows-based antivirus solution, then you’ll get the hang of a Mac antivirus even more quickly.
It’s worth adding, though, that since Macs need to be protected differently, certain features like the real-time behavior shield or the sandbox are missing from Mac antiviruses. This is a normal phenomenon, although it also means that Mac antiviruses are actually weaker than their Windows-based counterparts, requiring users to be more alert when performing tasks like surfing the web or opening a file on a USB drive.
Due to this, installing additional security tools like a web monitoring browser add-on or a VPN is highly recommended. Thankfully these apps are often included as part of internet security bundle and, unlike Mac antivirus solutions, the only difference between them and their Windows versions is a slightly modified UI and the lack of irrelevant features.
Built-in Virus Protection on Mac
Where PC users had to wait until Windows 10 for a worthwhile built-in antivirus, macOS has been long equipped with various tools to effectively protect Macs from cyber attacks. The best-known example of that is XProtect, which checks all files downloaded on the Mac against Apple’s own malware database and alerts users when opening a file that is a known threat.
The other tool for keeping Macs virus-free is Mac Gatekeeper, which only allows apps to be downloaded from the App Store and/or the websites of identified developers. And to make the deal even sweeter, Macs are also capable of encrypting important files and saving passwords via iCloud Keychain.
Although these built-in security tools are quite promising, there is a huge problem with them: they can be easily bypassed. It’s one thing that Apple’s malware database relies heavily on user reports, but against the most sophisticated malware it’s completely useless. And the fact that Gatekeeper can easily be set to allow untrusted apps to be downloaded doesn’t really make macOS’s built-in protective tools much better either…
Why You Need Virus Protection for Your Mac
Even if it’s been proven otherwise countless times, many people still believe that only PCs can be infected with viruses and malware. Unfortunately, that’s a myth; anything capable of connecting to the internet is a potential target for wrongdoers, which is why they must be protected at all cost. What’s even worse is that the built-in antivirus tools of these devices are either too weak to withstand the continuously evolving horde of malware or are simply nonexistent. In other words, it’s better to have some sort of Mac security solution installed on your Mac than relying on built-in software or, even worse, doing absolutely nothing.
Even the simplest Mac antivirus solutions are intelligent enough to recognize new and evolving viruses because they can match any unknown malware against a continuously updated database. What’s even better is that advanced real-time monitoring tools aren’t the only line of defense that comes with antiviruses; they also have customizable on-demand virus scans with which any lurking malware can be easily located, quarantined, and eliminated. Although more specialized third-party antivirus apps require the purchase of a license fee, the market is actually full of free solutions that are powerful enough to provide the necessary level of protection for everyday users.
With MacDefender making Apple’s recent security update useless within hours of its release, it has become obvious that the days of running a Mac without anti-malware security software are over. Even though Apple is making an attempt to deal with this problem, they will need to do more. Until they do, here are some possible Mac Security solutions for you to consider to keep your MacBook and iMac safe.
Free Mac Security Software
AVG LinkScanner for Mac – Free
The primary purpose of this is to defend against things like MacDefender by scanning the pages you visit for malware. This is defensive software designed to avoid infection. It doesn’t scan what is already on your computer, but tries to keep the bad stuff from getting their in the first place. It only works on Intel-based Macs.
Blender software price. iAntiVirus – Free
iAntiVirus from PC Tools offers a free version that handles the basics like protection of most forms of malware and can scan your system. It just offers no company-based tech support. You have to get support in their forums. For company support you will have to pay $29.95 for the premium version.
VirusBarrier Express – Free
One of only two apps in the Mac App Store, VirusBarrier has this free version and a $10 paid version. Their site has two other solutions that start at $50. This is a decent basic program that offers antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall and anti-phishing protection. You can add support for protection against spam, parental controls, backup and data protection (various technologies to help secure your files). We’ve installed the free version and it scanned our system quickly. However, it did nothing to stop a potential infection of MacDefender that we were hit with recently.
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition – Free
Sophos protects against most of the malware you will see from viruses to trojans to worms. It also scans for files with Windows viruses in them. That way you won’t infect your other systems with files on your Mac that you share with a Windows PC. It will find the viruses on your computer and either quarantine or remove the virus. It also says that it works with both Intel and PowerPC Macs.
Paid Mac Security Software
If you don’t mind paying to get a few extra features, here are some paid Antivirus solutions.
Avast Free Antivirus For Mac
avast! Mac Edition – $39.95
This solution will scan your mail, your whole system when you ask it to do so, and any file you access. It has a 30 day trial version. If you run a Mac and a PC you can get a dual platform license for a little more.
Norton Internet Security – $79.99
One of the veterans of Internet security, Norton used to be the best, fell on hard times but has recently come back to improve their software a lot. This full suite of Internet security solutions will handle viruses, phishing scams, and identity protection. It includes their Antivirus and Confidential programs. The latter is designed to help protect your identity. It scan all downloads and your email too.
Security Camera Software Mac Free
ProtectMac – $44.99
ProtectMac is a full-featured antivirus solution designed for the Mac. Most of the rest of these are PC ports. That means the other guys are more familiar with fighting this battle in the trenches, but do they know OS X as well? Based on some poking around with those familiar with Mac security software, this looks like a good first choice for paid software.
It seems ProtectMac has all the bases covered with scanning of your hard drive, network, detection of viruses, worms, trojans and spyware, and it finds not only threats specific to the Mac but Windows threats too just in case you download a file to your Mac and then later unleash it on a Windows system infecting the PC. It also scans as you surf and will look for rogue files on external drives too.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac – $39.95
Kaspersky has long been considered a good PC antivirus tool. On the Mac side it offers scanning of files, email attachments and Internet downloads as they are downloaded or opened. It will also monitor web sites and warn you if you are at a suspicious site. It focuses on prevention but also has back-end support if there is an infection.
This solution only works on Intel systems.
McAfee VirusScan for Mac – $79.99
McAfee promises to secure you when you are surfing, look for malware on your system, and clean it up. The program has firewall security which detects external intrusions form those trying to access your system. It also scans downloads from the Internet or email.
This is not our choice because of the bad history the company has of bogging down systems and cluttering up new PCs with crapware so we recommend you look elsewhere. Plus it is one of the most expensive of the included programs.
BitDefender Antivirus 2011 for Mac – $39.95
BitDefender has features to deal with viruses, spyware, and identity theft. You can scan the whole system on demand or at scheduled times. It will quarantine infected files. Mac users will like that it has a more Mac interface than some of the others. And it seems to work on both Intel and PowerPC Macs.
There is a version for $10 more that not only protects your Mac but also works with Boot Camp installations of Windows.
Safe Internet Practices
Easy editing software for windows free. Free is usually better than paid, but not if free means it doesn’t do the job. Based on our experience with free Windows antivirus and security software, often free is good enough when coupled with the following intelligent practices:
- Never open email attachments from people you don’t know
- Never open email attachments from people you do know until after you confirm they intended to send the attachment to you
- Don’t download pirated software sometimes called WAREZ
- Avoid porn sites
- Avoid online Flash video games
- Only download software from trusted sources
- Never click OK or YES when asked to download anything you didn’t specifically request by clicking a download link
- Turn off the automatic open feature in Safari that opens downloaded files OR
- Use Chrome or some other browser that never automatically executable files without your input
If you do the above, then you are unlikely to get a virus or any malware while using a Mac or even an up to date Windows Machine. But just be safe consider installing one of the above security programs on your Mac.
Recommendation
Since security software is not the kind of thing you can download a bunch of different products and install them all, you have to pick one and try it out first. We suggest that if you want to go with a free program, try out Sophos first. It has a good reputation. If you don’t like it, then try VirusBarrier since it is free in the Mac App Store.
If you think you need a little more and are willing to pay, we think that first step would be to get the trial version of BitDefender because of its good reputation on the PC side and the fact that it seems to be a very Mac-like experience. If it works, great; if not then look at ProtectMac which is also well-respected.
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