There are many benefits to having antivirus on your Mac. You might be asking yourself: do I need an antivirus software for my Mac? We’ve tested the Best Antivirus for Mac and found that one of the best reasons is that it can protect you from malware, which may attack your computer through a website or email attachment. It also has some other features such as scanning and removing viruses and spyware, blocking websites with harmful content and helping you update apps
If you have a Mac, it is advisable to protect your files against malware by installing an antivirus. However, if you don’t know much about antivirus, this might seem daunting and you could end up making the wrong choice. This article will help you understand the role of Mac antiviruses and how to choose one.
Let’s cut to the chase: This is the Winner of our Test
Norton 360 Deluxe [formerly called Norton Security Deluxe] is an excellent choice! The Norton 360 Deluxe suite is the most comprehensive Mac antivirus out there right now. Besides the basic protection against malware and ransomware you get a VPN, a password manager, parental control for your kids, cloud based storage for backups, protection against spyware and unauthorized access to your webcam and a firewall via which you can monitor what of your personal data gets sent where. No other antivirus software for Mac covers more devices at this price-point with such a holistic security approach. Norton 360 Deluxe protects 5 devices including your Mac, Windows PC, Tablet and smartphone (Android and iOS).
Mac users have long been debating whether or not their precious Apple device needs an Antivirus Software or not. Today we will answer that question.
What is an Antivirus?
Antivirus software is a program that protects your computer by preventing, detecting and removing viruses. Most of this producs are managed on a real time protection that prevents any new viruses from getting into your computer.
How viruses affect your Mac:
The best antivirus software for mac can actually protect you from viruses and other malware that might attack your computer through a website or email attachment. It also has some other features such as scanning and removing viruses and spyware, blocking websites with harmful content, helping you update apps, etc.
How does antivirus software works on your Mac?
An antivirus works on your Mac by scanning files, email attachments and websites for viruses. If it finds any, the best mac antivirus will protect you from these threats by blocking them in real time or removing them if they’re already inside of your computer.
Can you trust free antiviruses?
No, free antiviruses are not best because they may have a limited protection and it’s hard to know what the quality of them. having good security for mac is not cheap, a lot of antivirus companies pay to keep real time protection databases in order to protect your mac.
Why should you pay for an Antivirus?
It will keep your Mac safe from any new viruses, malware or other threats that might come up in the future by providing regular updates and real-time protection, there are plenty of options in terms of anti malware. However, only few really cover all the features needed in an antivirus.
Why Apple Computers need an Antivirus Software?
Mac computers used to be secure for a really long time. Started with the Mac OS 7 all the way to the Mac OSX. But with the introduction of the internet and the various data and information sharing websites at the beginning of the 2000s, the Mac OS also become vulnerable. The security holes that were introduced made it possible for the virus writers to target Mac OS devices and cause serious damage.
Protecting your Mac with an Antivirus Software is essential
Once they start infecting your Mac computer, these viruses will be able to gain physical access to the user data and infect your system. It is important to avoid such attacks in order to not put your data and computer at risk. You should also be aware of the fact that these viruses can infect and open doors to other viruses, making it harder for antivirus software to get rid of them.
An Antivirus for Mac also protects your privacy online
The biggest threats of online privacy are from online trackers and adware. These scammers can easily get access to your social profile, Facebook messages, and your browsing history. That is why it is essential to protect yourself with the best antivirus for Mac devices.
Today when it comes to protecting your privacy online, internet users need an antivirus tool. Let us find out what are the best antivirus software for Mac
Do Macs really need an Antivirus?
Although some people think that Apple computers do not need an antivirus, it is advisable to protect your Mac. Nowadays, there have been instances of Mac malware with severe cases being reported by some users who have fallen victim. Originally, Macs were thought more secure than Windows computers because of two reasons:
- Technically, Macs rely on the Unix-based operating system which makes them sandboxed. Therefore, Apple Macs have a series of fire doors which prevent the malware from accessing the Mac
- There are fewer Mac devices/units compared to their Windows PCs counterparts. Therefore, there are fewer hackers and malware developers who are targeting Mac PCs
However, even though Macs are hard to hack, they are growing in popularity and cybercriminals are getting smarter. This means, if you have a Mac, you should seriously consider investing in a reliable antivirus. A reliable Mac antivirus will not only save you from compromising your data but keep malicious third parties away from accessing your device.
How to choose a Mac Antivirus
To choose a reliable Mac antivirus, you should consider the following:
Type of malware protection
Do you want the on-demand protection and always-on protection feature? The on-demand protection examines one file after the other when you undertake a scan or during scheduled scans. A good antivirus should conduct these scans fast to prevent possible damage or spreading of the malware to important files on your computer. On the other hand, the always-on protection feature protects the user when he/she is not scanning the Mac PC. This feature removes malware from downloaded files, emails or on the disk through quarantine or deletion. Although not all antivirus programs show a notification when they scan, most of the antivirus apps will notify you.
Additional tools
besides detecting and removing malware, some antiviruses have additional tools that boost the removal or detection of various malware e.g. ransom-ware protection. Ransomware is a unique malware that corrupts the data on your laptop. Once your computer is infected, all the files are encrypted and you are asked for a fee (ransom) to decrypt the files. To guarantee protection against malware, you need to have additional modules like ransomware protection as part of your malware program.
Virtual private network (VPV) add-ons
if you use your computer to access the internet especially in public places that provide free WI-FI, you should consider an antivirus that has a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your internet connection providing protection against cybercriminals or unauthorized third parties accessing your computer or files.
Web protection – if others use your computer or laptop, you need to have web protection from your antivirus via extensions or browser plugging. Web protection stops any user from accessing dodgy websites or sites which can corrupt your data. Additionally, since you are protecting against data corruption, web protection prevents the user from handing over personal or sensitive information.
Price
nowadays, most antivirus programs are sold as yearly subscriptions although they might have different prices. Some antivirus programs have the option of buying several years’ subscriptions at a better discount. While looking for an antivirus, price is a factor because most people try to save money. However, remember, the priciest antivirus program does not mean it’s effective and vice versa. But as a general rule, what you pay is what you get.
Type of subscriptions
with many antivirus programs, you can use the subscription you have bought on more than one device like on a Microsoft Windows Computer. Therefore, if you have more than one computer, check the types of subscriptions to determine the best value for your money. This may also come in handy if you want to protect your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Because often a subscription covers mobile devices as well.
The process of getting the right Mac antivirus for your computer is not easy because it requires you to take a lot of time researching and gathering vital information. Luckily you can access all the information you need on the internet. So take your time to research and understand the different types available, types of subscriptions, prices and whether they are effective. You can visit the developers sites who offer these antiviruses to read reviews from other Mac users to determine if the antivirus is reliable and worth purchasing.
There are numerous Mac antivirus programs that can help you protect your computer. So naturally, choosing the best of all is not easy. As a result, we have gathered vital information to help you choose the best Mac antivirus in the market.
Here is the Best Antivirus for Mac OS
Looking for an all around package? Norton 360 Deluxe [formerly called Norton Security Deluxe] is an excellent choice!
The Norton 360 Deluxe suite is the most comprehensive Mac antivirus out there right now. Besides the basic protection against malware and ransomware you get a VPN, a password manager, parental control for your kids, cloud based storage for backups, protection against spyware and unauthorized access to your webcam and a firewall via which you can monitor what of your personal data gets sent where. No other antivirus software for Mac covers more devices at this price-point with such a holistic security approach. Norton 360 Deluxe protects 5 devices including your Mac, Windows PC, Tablet and smartphone (Android and iOS).
Norton 360 Deluxe is the best Antivirus for Mac OS
Norton 360 Deluxe is one of the fastest antivirus software in the industry currently. The virus detection and removal of it is ultrafast as compared to other products. It has an advance firewall and an operating signup by the user. The user will be informed about the update training that Norton 360 provide. It also has a secure firewall, and the operating system is updated automatically.
Norton 360 Deluxe can protect all your devices as it is a multi device protection. It is available for almost all the commonly Mac devices. The most important thing is for the single license you can protect up to 10 devices. It gives you 100% on-demand virus scan. This product is safe to use and there are no errors. It gives you protection from web, emails and other digital dangers As we know the safety of the internet it is the safety of physical product protection.
Norton 360 Deluxe can easily be installed in as less amount of time. It shows you the real-time protection, malware scans and also give you security analysis report. As we know it is always best to have a service from Norton. They are all time available to you at any time.
Best Mac Antivirus
To be able to find the best antivirus for mac we have made a deep research on the field, considering all the needed features and requirements from a daily user.
Norton Security Standard:
Norton Security is best Mac antivirus software because it’s lightweight and easy to manage. It has all the features needed in an antivirus such as protection from viruses, spyware or any other malicious content which may attack your computer through a website or email attachment. Remember if you are unsure about this product you can always get a free trial so you can decide for yourself if it suits you.
Internet security for mac:
Norton offers internet security for mac which is best Mac antivirus. It protects you from any new viruses, malware or other threats that might come up in the future by providing regular updates and real time protection.
Parental controls features:
Norton internet security for mac best Mac antivirus has parental control features to help you manage your children’s time on the web and what they can see. It has really advanced features such as time limits, content filters and website blocking.
Real time updates:
Norton internet security best mac antivirus delivers real-time updates to keep you safe from any new viruses, malware or other threats that might come up in the future.
Ransomware protection:
Norton best mac antivirus software can help protect you from ransomware with a feature that will secure your data and restore it in case of an attack.
Other Mac antivirus that might interest you
Here are some other Antiviruses we’ve tested that compete with Norton 360 Deluxe
BitDefender Antivirus for Mac
Bitdefender antivirus for Mac is an irresistible, phishing-proof browser designed for online shopping security. Download and install Bitdefender antivirus for Mac to protect your Mac, your online life and your identity.
Bitdefender antivirus for Mac costs $39.99 and it offers numerous benefits which include blocking ad trackers in browsers, a VPN, protecting files and backups from ransomware and an autopilot mode. It got very good ratings and a great score in the antiphishing test. However, to access all the VPN features, you need to have a separate subscription. Bitdefender is one of the Mac antivirus programs that you can rely on at all times. With the autopilot mode, you just need to enable the antivirus and your computer will be protected against malware at all times.
Bitdefender antivirus for Mac uses a very advanced scanning engine that does not slow down the system. Unlike some other antivirus, there is no false positive, the Mac runs at all times without stopping.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
With $39.99, you can get Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac. This antivirus program has the Kaspersky Safe Kids feature for parental control, offers privacy and network protection, great testing scores and it offers useful bonus tools. However, the webcam protection and Safe Money features are limited when compared to the Kaspersky antivirus version for windows. Furthermore, you need an additional subscription to access Safe Kids and VPN features. Kaspersky for Mac is a reliable antivirus program for your Mac because it offers great privacy features, protection against malware and attacks and if you are willing to have an additional subscription, you can determine what your kids search or access on the internet. It also protects your online privacy. The best part is, it is competitively priced and offers several useful bonuses such as passwords security and a password manager. On the other hand, the antivirus does not provide constant security updates, offers limited support and services and it might be difficult to use.
Kaspersky for Mac OS is a reliable tool that offers robust protection against malware, viruses and data breaches. This antivirus tool is a great asset for the computer’s security system and it can prevent the system from being infected by advanced threats. Kaspersky has the top performance ranks for protecting against malware and other threats, for false malware detection rates, and for protecting the confidential data.
However, it falls behind when it comes to Advanced Protection against zero-day attacks, for protection against attacks in the Web browsers and for protection against sensitive data loss.
Here’s the other AV’s we tested:
- Webroot Secure Anywhere has the lowest passing score in the independent lab test, the Mac antivirus program has numerous pros that include good phishing protection, great detection of Windows malware, a fast full scan, and the ability to mark dangerous links in search results. For $39.99, Webroot Secure Anywhere is the fastest Mac antivirus program and it provides an efficient phishing protection. Ergo, the antivirus program is reliable and effective.
- F-Secure Safe has great scores from two labs, provides a quick full scan and has a simple platform for parental control. However, with the price being $69.99, F-Secure Safe is one of the most expensive Mac antiviruses in the market. Nevertheless, since the antivirus program offers multi-device parental control and has high testing marks, you can get the value for your money in the long run.
- McAfee Antivirus Plus’ subscription covers unlimited Android, macOS, Windows and iOS devices. The antivirus has a simple personal firewall, a virus protection pledge, and great antiphishing test scores. However, there are no test results from an independent lab that’s why it’s hard to determine the effectiveness of this antivirus. Still, $19.99 is an affordable cost to protect all your devices against malware and ransomware.
- For $39.99, Sophos Home Premium will provide webcam protection, ransomware protection, remote management, parental control, and decent phishing protection. But, unlike the Windows edition, Sophos Home Premium lacks keylogger and exploit protection, download reputation check and other advanced features. It is important to understand that this antivirus program offers malware and ransomware protection at a low price although it lacks advanced features when compared to the Windows edition.
- Certified by two antivirus testing labs, Trend Micro Antivirus offers great features for only $39.95. With this antivirus, you will get a fast full scan, perfect phishing score, webcam privacy, parental control, ransomware protection, and social network privacy scan. Nevertheless, webcam privacy lacks details and parental control works only for content filtering. Since the antivirus program comes with numerous bonus features, Trend Micro antivirus is a good choice.
- For $59.99 only, you can get ransomware protection, phishing protection for Firefox and Chrome and Wi-Fi intruder detection from Avast Security Pro antivirus. The only cons include the fact that Avast does not have numerous premium edition features, the password manager has basic features only and if you are using Safari, the antivirus program offers poor phishing protection. Avast Security Pro is expensive compared to other antivirus programs but if you are looking to protect your Mac against malware, ransomware and detect Wi-Fi intruders, it is decent enough.
- ClanXav has a straightforward interface that can help you scan malware on-demand, access or schedule depending on your preference. However, even though ClanXav is lab certified for Mac malware protection, it does not filter malicious or fraudulent websites. For $29.95, ClanXav is a good antivirus although it does not go past the basics.
- For $39.99, ESET Cyber Security detects and protects your Mac against malware, offers elaborate scanning options and provides online cybersecurity training. But, the antivirus scans malware slowly, has poor anti-phishing results and is not certified by independent labs. The antivirus offers comprehensive malware protection although it does not have a current certification from independent labs. You can still invest in the antivirus program to protect your MacOS against malware and ransomware.
- To get an extremely fast malware scan for $39.99, you should consider getting Malware Bytes for Mac. The antivirus has a very good reputation among tech experts although it does not protect against fraudulent or malicious websites. Also, the antivirus does not detect Windows malware thus making it a gamble if you come across such malware. With tech experts recommending Malware Bytes, you won’t go wrong choosing it to protect your Mac.
Best features for antivirus for mac:
If you are looking for the best mac antivirus, there are certain things you need to know. Not all antivirus for mac work the same way, we will explain the main features Norton offers which is the most complete mac antivirus on the market.
What is password manager?
Norton password manager is a software that stores all of your passwords securely. It is an online security tool which allows you to have different passwords for every site or account, and then automatically logs you in when it detects the website’s login page. Password managers create strong and unique passwords for the user, minimizes risks of being hacked by keyloggers, phishing attacks etc., and ensures that information remains private.
Is it important to have parental controls features?
Parental controls are a feature that is found on many antivirus programs. These can restrict young children from seeing inappropriate content, and sometimes the limits will allow for activities like browsing social media sites or playing games to be blocked as well. It’s important to have these restrictions in place because there are so many dangers associated with unprotected internet use. Norton offers a very advanced parental control included on their antivirus license. Bes part about this antivirus is that it comes with password manager parental controls.
Why we do not recommend free antivirus for Mac
We feel like we’ve all been told by our parents not to accept things for free, and I feel that this is a good rule. Why would you want to risk your data on the chance of something going wrong? There are so many risks when it comes to computer security, but most people don’t think about them when they click on a download button.
The risks we have found most often are that the free anti-virus is not as good for your computer, or that it could conflict with other programs you’ve already got running. You might also find out after installing the program that there is nothing to stop it from entering and infecting your computer.
Common practices among free antiviruses:
Free antivirus can also be a way for bad people to earn money from your mistakes, or even just mess with you. If the free anti-virus is only available on one site and you click through to install it, then they have access to all of your information that is input into the page. Those sites are sometimes phishing sites, set up to steal your identity.
We are not trying to scare you away from downloading a free antivirus program for macs. We just want people to know what they’re getting into before they go through the process so that it is less likely of an issue later on. Many times it’s better if you can just invest in a paid version of the same anti-virus program.
Everyday threasts Mac users face:
We are now living in a world where social media is one of the most popular and important ways we communicate. But with that popularity comes risk, as cybercriminals see this ubiquitous communication channel as an opportunity to prey on unsuspecting victims who don’t know about all the risks lurking out there.
Social Media:
There has been a spike in malware that targets popular media platforms. These can include scams, phishing campaigns and malware that tries to steal your account credentials or trick you into assisting in a larger cyberattack on other users. Cybercriminals are going where the people are, so it’s important for consumers and businesses alike not only know about these risks but also take preventative measures like installing Norton 360 deluxe software and using secure passwords.
Dark web viruses:
The dark web is a collection of websites that require you to use an identity-masking service, such as Tor, and often have criminal or illicit content. This makes them much more dangerous than traditional sites because they are not indexed by search engines like Google. Further compounding the issue is the fact that all transactions on these sites take place anonymously.
A new virus on the dark web is targeting Mac users and stealing data to create what are called “ransomware” packages, which ask for money from victims in exchange for unlocking their devices or files. This hack specifically targets macs because they require more time and steps than other operating systems to complete a transaction including encrypting the device or file before it is unlocked.
The ransom money includes a bitcoin payment, which can not be traced and monitored by law enforcement officials. This means even if you do not engage with the dark web you still might be subjected to some attack by these criminal organizations.
Phising:
Phishing is a type of online fraud and refers to the attempt made by an individual or group to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details etc. This can be done in many ways including sending you fake messages that look like they come from well-known brands with links which may lead to malware downloads.
Phishers send these emails or malicious websites to gain access to people’s bank accounts or digital devices on which they store personal information. Antivirus can detect phishing sites before they take your personal information and protect you from data breaches. Phising protection is importat before getting one.
Are there any differences to windows malware?
Yes, there are many differences to how malware works on a Mac vs. Windows. One major difference is that the best antivirus software for mac would not be able to detect threats like “rootkits” which can allow an attacker access to your computer without you noticing, so it’s best if you always have protection in place.
Mac antivirus works in a totally different way . It doesn’t scan your file system or memory, but instead checks what you do on the computer. The best antivirus software for mac will monitor where you are browsing to ensure that no malicious sites try to steal data from your browser and when it sees an unauthorized action then quarantine it automatically.
How does it work on Windows?
Windows and Mac have different types of antivirus software. Windows come with the Security Center, which is a basic security suite that comes on most computers. If you want more advanced features for your computer like real-time protection from malware or ransomware protection (which prevents malicious files from being able to encrypt data), then you’ll need other software.
One popular antivirus suite for Windows is McAfee, which offers a range of features that will help protect your PC from many different threats and hazards. If you’re on Mac, then there are fewer choices when it comes to security software because Apple has stricter guidelines about what can go in the App Store. On this specific case we highly recommend using Norton as it offers a greater protection for your Mac.
Is Norton the best antivirus software for mac?
Norton is currently one of the best antivirus software for mac available on the market. It offers a good range of features and has excellent detection rates against malware, phishing attacks, viruses and other threats.
Norton has a good antivirus for Mac, it protects your computer from the latest viruses and malware. It also doesn’t slow down your system like other aggressive antiviruses do. The powerful protection with Norton makes it one of the best anti-virus on market as well as home to more than 25 million people who are backing up their data.
- Norton is the only antivirus that has Mac version
- It is easy to use and lightweight unlike other more aggressive browsers
- Protects against viruses, malware and ransomware
- It gets updated every day
- Offers great customer Service
If you are noticing that Norton is not for you, don’t worry because this antivirus gives you the opportunity to transfer your license to another device as soon as it expires. The antivirus for Mac and other devices is available in two versions: Standard and Premium. The standard version protects against viruses, malware and ransomware while the premium version also offers protection for identity theft.
What other options are out there?
Certainly it would be bias to only talk about Norton, as an independent news source we have also taken into account other products. We will list them below so you also take a look if Norton has not convinced you:
- Bitdefender antivirus for mac
- Kaspersky Internet security
- Sophos home premium
- Avast premium security
- Trend micro antivirus
- Mac internet security x9
- Intego Mac internet security
These are the most popular options apart from Norton. However, we want to point out that most of these antivirus products only focus on one specific purpose and many times it leave behind extra features such as phishing protection, password manager, ransomware protection and so on.
Are there any free options?
Yes, but we do not recommend them as many of them do not offer real protections and could not prevent potentially unwanted hazards that paid antiviruses can detect. We have gathered some of the best free antivirus products out there:
- Avira free antivirus
- Avg antivirus
- Trend micro free
As we have already said these security tools are not really safe and will not prevent any security and privacy leak from your Mac. If you are looking for real malware protection we highly recommend getting Norton or any of the paid versions.
Why do you need real antivirus protection?
I think everyone is aware of the risk that come with having a computer nowadays. It’s not just about getting hacked into, it’s also about your own activities which can be pretty dangerous for you and your computer as well.
There are many ways to protect yourself from these risks such as using Norton Antivirus Software by Symantec or the Norton Security Suite. It is often a good idea to have both on your computer, and there are many other ways that you can protect yourself too such as by keeping the software up-to-date with automatic updates or getting a VPN service for when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks like at coffee shops.
How does a VPN can help you?
A VPN is a network of computers that are connected to each other over the internet. When you connect your computer or device to this network, it’s important not only for privacy but also security reasons. A VPN encrypts all data coming and going from your devices so nobody else can read them. This means even if someone tries to intercept any data, it will be unreadable to them.
A VPN can also help you by preventing your ISP from seeing what sites you’re visiting because they only see the connection as coming and going between the VPN server and your device. This means even if a site is blocked in your region on public Wifi, for example Facebook or YouTube, then you can use a VPN to bypass the block and visit it.
Using public networks:
A VPN is also useful if you’re using public Wifi because they often have unsecured networks that are open for anyone on the street to join, or sometimes even their passwords will be written down in a place where someone could easily find them so other people can log in. This means you could be connecting to the same network as someone else, allowing them to intercept your data and steal it.
All of these features we just talked about are available on Norton, when you get a license of these increible software you also get access to the most safe VPN on the market.
Best prices in the market
An antivirus can be seen as a pricy purchase for many. In fact it is not the cheapest software for your computer, but it also means that you can get good protection on your computer that will prevent you from bad experiences.
Norton offers best malware detection at the best price in the market. This highly developed software already includes all the needed features to have the best security for mac. You can also try other mac antivirus at a cheaper price but you will find out most of them lack a lot of protection.
Get the best malware protection today
Almost everyone has a computer these days and they are all vulnerable to malware attacks. It’s important not only for privacy but also security reasons that you have the best antivirus protection on your device, whether it be Mac or PC. Norton is one of the best options out there because their software includes everything you need at an affordable price. If you’re looking for real malware protection we can’t recommend enough getting Norton, links on our site or you can click the button below.
It is very important to protect your Mac against malware and ransomware especially if you frequently browse the internet. Your needs, budget, and preference should determine the Mac antivirus you choose. Remember, if you have kids or you wish to know who intrudes your Wi-Fi, you should look for a Mac antivirus that will suit those needs. Finally, it is important to consider the reviews and ratings from other users before making the final decision.
