Apple has frequently said that Macs don’t get infected by viruses. This is true, but not because macOS is inherently better than Windows. While the operating system does have some protections that can make viruses less powerful, that doesn’t mean macOS is airtight. And while Macs are rarely targeted by viruses, it pays to be careful. Reputable malware scanning software or antivirus software is a good addition to any secure system.

Do Macs Needs Antivirus Software?

Macs aren’t immune to viruses, but they also aren’t typically targeted by attackers. The platform simply doesn’t have a large enough user base to make it worth the time for attackers to custom-build specific attack packages for the operation system’s unique features. The Unix-based macOS operating system is fundamentally different from Windows in a number of ways, meaning that any attacker hoping to infect Macs would need to create custom code tailored specifically to the operating system. Furthermore, macOS runs in a sand-boxed environment, making it more difficult for errant programs to take control of your system.

For the most part, “antivirus” and “anti-malware” mean the same thing. They both refer to software designed to detect, protect against, and remove malicious software. Contrary to what the name might suggest, antivirus software protects against more than viruses–it just uses a slightly antiquated name to describe what it does. Oct 30, 2017  And the other one is that the number of those dangerous for Mac viruses is so small you don’t even need to install any antivirus software. Well, it is not true. The number of malware grows constantly and modern antivirus programs are designed to fight not a particular virus, but the entire family it belongs to.

Since Macs still represent only a sliver of market share, an enterprising hacker would get more bang for their buck by focusing on the most popular operating systems. Like spam and phishing attacks, virus distribution relies on the law of large numbers. Without a specific target, attackers will get the greatest benefit by distributing compatible malicious code to as many computers as possible. This increases the likelihood that they’ll encounter a vulnerable system, improving the odds that their attack will succeed.

While any computer can benefit from the protection of well-made and updated antivirus software, it’s not an essential operating requirement for Macs. This has lead to a couple of insufferably smug ads from Apple on the topic, which is sort of ironic. If the Mac was more popular, the machines would likely need more robust antivirus protection.

Do Mac Viruses Exist?

Mac viruses definitely exist. Back in 2014 a hacker used the iWorm malware to create a nearly 20,000-member botnet. The Flashback vulnerability in Java of 2012 affected more than 500,000 Macs, so many that Apple was forced to issue a security update to OS X Lion and patch the vulnerability. More recently, the KeRanger encryption malware was distributed inside a popular BitTorrent client for macOS. And according to antivirus vendor Malwarebytes, Mac malware has increased by 230% over 2016. Macs certainly can get viruses, and Mac-specific viruses do exist. They’re just less common than the Windows equivalent.

Are Macs Vulnerable to Other Attacks?

The thing with viruses is that they’re probably the least popular form of computer attack vector these days. Far more common are things like phishing attacks to crack email accounts and siphon password resets. And while Macs don’t require antivirus software, they’re still vulnerable to these attack vectors. This includes email-based phishing attacks or browser-based cross-site scripting or man-in-the-middle attacks. And potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like Mac Defender are voluntarily installed by the user but include malicious features and can’t be easily removed. Even if they’re unlikely to get viruses, Mac users must still practice safe browsing habits.

What Antivirus Software Should I Get?

For security-conscious users, there are several reliable options for macOS antivirus software. It’s not mandatory, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Bitdefender: this antivirus software stands at the top of AV Test’s antivirus rankings, blocking 100% of threats in those tests. It also has little impact on your system, so you won’t see slowdowns while scanning or during real-time protection. It’s also not cheap, clocking in at $40 for a license.

ClamAV: Windows or Linux users might be familiar with this open-source, multi-platform suite for detecting viruses and malware. It’s long-lived, well-respected software, and it has a great Mac version. This is definitely the choice of system managers, programmers and power users.

Sophos Home: This free consumer version of the Sophos enterprise security software works in Windows and macOS. In addition to detecting viruses and malware, it also protects against web-based attacks in real time. It’s a stepped-down version of enterprise software, so it might not run perfectly on a home environment.

Malewarebytes: Another much-loved malware detection tool for Windows, Malwarebytes also offers a Mac version. It’s fast, with a focus on real-time protection rather than scheduled scans. It sports a great reputation for removing PUPs, but it won’t scan macOS for Windows viruses. This makes it less of an antivirus program and more of an anti-annoyance program, and it’s great for home or individual users.

Avast: Avast’s free software detects viruses and malware. It also proactively protects against web-based threats like unsafe websites and email attachments. Unfortunately, it’s also known for imposing a heavy load on system resources to offer these real-time features. You’ll probably want to avoid this one, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s so widespread.

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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

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 Software

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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Do I Need Malware Protection For My Mac

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