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)

Aug 22, 2019  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. We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites. For settings and more information about cookies, view our Cookie Policy. By clicking “I accept” on this banner or using our site, you consent to the use of cookies.

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

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

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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Access this screen from: Status

When you open Avast Security, your Mac's protection status appears. The status This Mac is protected indicates that all shields and protection components are enabled, and Avast is actively protecting your Mac. If critical issues need your attention, Avast may display an alert status and prompt you to resolve any issues.

General

Avast Security actively scans your Mac for malware and other threats, and prompts you if an action is required. By default, Avast automatically updates virus definitions and notifies you if a program update is required.

Should I Use Avast Software On My Mac Windows 7

If you change the default settings, ensure your Mac's security by keeping Avast up to date. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General, and click Update Now.

You can select from the following scan options:

• Smart Scan: scans the most vulnerable areas of your Mac for malware.
• Deep Scan: an in-depth scan of your system that checks your storage drives and memory for malware.
• Targeted Scan: scans specific files or folders you select when you initiate the scan.
• USB/DVD Scan: scans any removable storage devices that are currently connected to your Mac.
• Custom Scan: allows you to set scan parameters and a schedule for scanning your Mac regularly and automatically.

Features

The Core Shields screen allows you to manage real-time security shields:

• File Shield: the main layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans programs and files on your Mac for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved.
• Web Shield: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your Mac.
• Email Shield: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans your incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses.
• Real Site: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Premium Security. It protects against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking by blocking fake websites to ensure you get to the actual website you want to visit.

Should I Use Avast Software On My Mac Computer

Virus Chest is an isolated space where you can safely store potentially dangerous files or send them to the Avast Threat Labs for analysis. Files in Virus Chest cannot run or access your system and data, so any malicious code contained within a file is unable to harm your Mac.
Read more...

Wi-Fi Inspector is an active protection component which continuously monitors your network and connected devices for threats. Wi-Fi Inspector is enabled by default.

Note: Some aspects of Wi-Fi Inspector are only available in Avast Premium Security.
Read more...

Ransomware Shield secures your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature automatically secures your Pictures and Documents folders and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your protected folders.

Note: Ransomware Shield is a premium feature and is only available in Avast Premium Security.
Read more...

Settings and Troubleshooting

To access and manage Avast Security settings, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings. The following settings are available:

• General: manage program updates, show the Avast Security icon in your menu bar, or join our beta program.
• Subscription: view your current subscription information or activate a subscription for Avast Premium Security.
• Privacy: share threat information with Avast, and allow your usage data to be shared with 3rd parties for analytics purposes.
• Core Shields: manage settings and add exceptions for each of the Core Shields.
• Scans: manage settings and add exceptions for each of the predefined Scans.
• Wi-Fi Inspector: manage automatic scanning and alerts, scan all devices connected to your Wi-Fi, and view a record of visited networks.
• Ransomware Shield: specify apps that are allowed to change or delete files in your protected folders, and managed protected file types.

Avast Account is a portal where you can manage all Avast subscriptions that are registered to your email address. These subscriptions can be for any Avast product across all of your devices.

Should I Use Avast

To connect Avast Security with your Avast Account, follow these steps:

1. Click ☰ Menu on the main screen of Avast Security, then select Log in to Avast account.
2. Enter your account credentials (email and password). Alternatively, click Facebook or Google to use these credentials instead.
3. Click Log In.

If you do not have an Avast Account, you can create one by going to ☰ Menu ▸ Create Account. Read more...

Should I Use Avast Software On My Mac Free

If you see the status This Mac is not fully protected, try the following solutions:

• Ensure all Core Shields are enabled. Read more...
• Ensure Avast Security is up to date: go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General, and click Update Now.

If you see the status You are in passive mode, you need to manually allow Avast Software extensions on your Mac. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

Can You Use Avast On A Mac

To uninstall Avast Security, follow these steps:

Should I Use Avast Software On My Mac Download

1. Open Avast Security and ensure the window is active.
2. Click Avast in the menu bar on the top-left of your screen, then select Uninstall Avast Security.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. If prompted, use your Touch ID or enter your Administrator password and click OK to grant permission for the uninstallation.
5. Click Quit.

Avast Security is removed from your Mac.