The majority of antivirus experts say that Apple’s security software is not foolproof, despite the fact that it’s generally good. XProtect does not identify as many types of potential malware as third-party antivirus software, and gaps in its library of malicious programs can leave users vulnerable. This is partly because the software relies heavily on Apple’s identification and tagging of malware, and since Apple doesn’t specialize in security, it doesn’t monitor as many threats as third-party products.
Malwarebytes reports that the number of serious malware attacks identified on Macs increased 61 percent from 2019 to 2020, while less malicious adware rates declined, a worrying trend that suggests installing dedicated antivirus software is a wise move. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the antivirus you choose works on a Mac, which is why we tested the software we listed as the best antivirus software for Macs.
Where Can I Find the Latest Mac Viruses?
Macs are facing an increasing number of threats. Below are a few to keep an eye out for:
- ThiefQuest: Your files are stolen, passwords are searched for, and even your keystrokes are logged in order to steal personal information, including financial information. This is unfortunately very difficult to detect.
- GravityRAT: The malicious software has been targeting PCs for years, but now it has found a way to get into Macs by using stolen developer signatures that bypass the built-in protections of Macs. Screenshots can be taken and audio can be recorded.
- XCSSET: Despite being aimed at Mac developers, regular users can also download it when it’s hidden inside an open-source app. This program manages the user’s browser and accesses financial information.
- OSX/Shlayer: It appears in search results disguised as a Flash player and prompts the user to install it, bypassing Macs’ built-in security. The program installs a hidden application that allows its creators to install other malware or adware on the computer. As many as one in ten Macs have this program installed.
Antivirus for Mac – What to Look for
Identifying the best antivirus software for your Mac can be a challenge. Here are a Antivirus reviews for Mac you should look for:
- Scanning for file downloads automatically
- Virus and malware scans on a regular basis
- Continually updated threat library
- Adware detection
If your computer gets infected by malware, you may be able to repair it or restore the changes
This Mac app is highly rated
Mac antivirus for free vs. Paid
It can be hard to sell paid antivirus software when there are so many free alternatives available. However, the best antivirus software for Mac is paid (our favorite is Avast), and we think it’s well worth the small monthly fee to ensure your Mac is fully protected against threats. We reviewed Avast to find out why we believe it’s the best choice.
Antivirus Testing for Macs
When reviewing antivirus software for Macs, we test it against five different types of viruses and malware to see if it detects dangerous downloads. We also examine how well the program identifies what is already on the computer by running scans. AV-Labs, an industry leader in antivirus software testing, also provides extensive data that we combine with our own research to gain a further understanding of how well our program can identify malware.
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