Security Software For Mac Computers
One supposed advantage of Apple Mac computers over their Microsoft Windows-based competitors is the Macs' renowned immunity to viruses and other malware spread by cyber-criminals. But in fact Macs are not immune to such threats and users would benefit from using the same sort of anti-virus software commonly installed on Windows PCs. Early this year, more than half a million Macs were infected by a virus named Flashback-Botnet––a small infestation compared to the total Mac population, to be sure, but a warning shot to all Mac users nonetheless.
Finding and choosing the best Mac-oriented anti-virus program can be difficult, though, especially for novices.
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So AV-Comparatives, an Austrian non-profit organization that specializes in testing anti-virus software, has done the work for you––last month testing the latest versions of seven Mac anti-virus apps on 2011 and 2012 sample computers.
The goal was to see if the software would detect 477 instances of malware belonging to the Flashback and FakeAlert families, and also to test for false-positive returns on 'the machine of a real-life Mac power user' with approximately 500 gigabytes of data on his machine, AV-Comparatives says in its report released this month.
Here are the key findings:
- The best three Mac anti-virus programs, which earned scores of 100 percent and shared the first-place ranking, are avast! Free Antivirus for Mac 7.0, AVIRA Free Mac Security 1.0 and ZeoBit MacKeeper 2012 ($40).
- Kaspersky Security for Mac 13.0.2.458 ($40) ranked second with a score of 98.5 percent.
- ESET Cyber Security Pro 5.0 ranked third with a score of 96.9 percent.
- F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac B11291.C105 ($40) ranked fourth with a score of 90.6 percent.
- eScan Anti-Virus for Mac 5.5-5 ($30) rounded out the rankings in fifth place with a score of 83.4 percent.
None of the apps returned a false-positive result, AV-Comparatives says, adding, 'The products we have tested here all do their jobs adequately.'
All earn the organization's Approved Award.
Nevertheless, AV-Comparatives also notes, most of these Mac anti-virus apps are not as comprehensive as similar programs designed for Windows computers, and some offer only very basic protection.
Read the full report on AV-Comparatives.
Best answer: Though Windows malware doesn't affect Mac devices, it's easy to unknowingly send these threats to PC-using colleagues, family members, and friends. During our testing, we used live malware and saw that the protections that come with Mac devices don't always stop them. Several threats are disguised to look like legitimate Mac programs and often sneak in through email messages and network connections. Luckily, a good antivirus program can stop them while keeping your Mac safe.
- Staff pick: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac ($60 at Bitdefender)
- Tech support recommended: Malwarebytes ($40 at Malwarebytes)
- Free Mac antivirus: Avast Essential Security for Mac (Free at Avast)
If you start to notice weird advertisements popping up in strange places on popular websites like YouTube, you might be infected. These ads tend to feature adult content or claim that a virus has been detected on your device and will often appear in places that you don't normally see ads.
You may also discover that your personal email or social networking sites are sending out messages that you didn't write. If this happens, you should immediately change your password to stop any more messages being sent from your account.
If your Mac just isn't responding the way it should, you might have malware planted into your system somewhere. If it takes much longer for your Mac to wake up than it used to, there may be something lurking in the shadows.
You won't always know if you have a virus. Technology has improved for the bad guys just as much as it has improved for the good guys. There are viruses out there that are smart enough to know how to hide deep in your system and work constantly to keep you from noticing it, all while performing malicious attacks. And once you're infected, it super easy for other devices connected to your network to become infected, too.
While you may think you don't need antivirus protection on your Mac, it's more important than ever now that Apple has grown so popular. Even if you use a limited, free version of a program, you'll be doing yourself a favor.
How can I protect my Mac right now?
The Mac operating system includes a number of security tools that help keep adware and malware off your computer, including default restrictions on opening apps from unidentified developers. If you stick to only downloading apps from the Mac App Store and are good about staying away from seedy websites, you can keep your computer secure from most virus issues.
In fact, Apple's security tools are why you'll hear many old-school Mac users say that you don't need anti-virus protection. The Mac is locked down well right out of the box.
However, there is more to protecting yourself than just avoiding bad apps and websites. You never know when you are going to pick something up that could create havoc on your Mac or on somebody else's PC. That's why, for added protection, you should think about getting antivirus software.
Staff pick
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Protection against Mac and Windows malware
Bitdefender runs in the background, deleting and eliminating Mac and Windows malware as it shows up. This protects both your Mac and friends' PCs from becoming infected. Bitdefender stops most threats before they download and includes phishing filters and a VPN.
Tech support recommended
Malwarebytes
Tech support's go-to
Tp link deco setup. Malwarebytes is recommended by tech support at Apple, which downloads this program to user's devices when contacted about performance issues. This software searches out malware and other exploiting viruses and blocks websites that are known to distribute malicious content.
Free Mac antivirus
Free Mac Security Software
Avast Essential Security for Mac
Free basic protection
Avast's Essential monitors your email messages for any phishing schemes, malicious links or downloads that could lead to a malware attack or identity theft. It also watches your network connection and stops hackers and snoops as they try to sneak in.
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Security Software For Mac Computer
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