The Mac has enjoyed a reputation for security for years, and you sometimes hear that it’s completely immune to malware such as viruses, Trojans, or ransomware. Actually, that’s not entirely true, or at least much less so than before. If indeed there was a period in which almost no viruses were developed for macOS, this is no longer the case and in recent years we have seen the appearance of a lot of malware targeting the system, and sometimes quite harmful as ransomware, sometimes hidden in legitimate applications.
Despite the integration of increasingly restrictive security mechanisms (scanning of installed software, blocking of unsigned applications, etc.), it may therefore be useful to add an antivirus on Mac, which will offer notable protection against latest threats, as well as allowing it to block Windows viruses and malware that may be present on an external drive or USB key, while Macs and PCs often co-exist in homes.
Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender is one of the most awarded security software and is usually at the top of the rankings of independent laboratories, or at least on the podium. The Bitdefender Total Security security suite integrates protection for all platforms: Windows, Android, iOS and macOS with a downloadable application for the system, and offering essential antivirus functionalities. On Mac, Bitdefender can detect malware targeting macOS and block it before it does any damage with Bitdefender Shield. The antivirus has Bitdefender Safe Files, a feature that monitors the most common folders, with the possibility of adding your own files. If an untrusted application detects a change, it is blocked. Targeted protection uses Time Machine backups to restore files in case of infection. The engine is also capable of detecting Windows threats to prevent their spread. With an antiphishing module and a web browser extension, it is possible to surf serenely safe from fraudulent sites, online scams or sites infected with malware. Cloud protection keeps you up to date with the latest threat detection, including zero-day attacks.
vast one
Avast One is an all-in-one solution offered by the publisher Avast, which includes in a single software a powerful antivirus awarded by independent laboratories, with protection against ransomware and fraudulent sites, a VPN and several tools to protect the confidentiality of your data and your Internet browsing. The strength of Avast One lies in the simplicity of its interface: everything is accessible from the start screen and the suite has been designed to be used even by someone who is not computer literate, thanks to its easy-to-manage modules while offering complete protection. . Avast One offers dedicated protection against all web threats targeting macOS, including ransomware. The suite monitors folders containing documents or images to block modifications. Emails are also scanned for malicious attachments or online scams. Avast One includes a full and unlimited VPN in its paid version, with the possibility to choose your geolocation, hide your IP address and protect your connection automatically when ‘using a public Wi-Fi’. Network Fi. Finally, the offer includes privacy protection modules: anti-tracking, advice to adjust the privacy settings of social networks and monitoring of the dark web in search of leaks of your identifiers.
Internet Security for Mac from Intego
Unlike other security software vendors, Intego has originally developed its antivirus specifically for Mac since 1997. Therefore, Intego Mac Internet Security is a security suite that takes full advantage of the particularities of macOS, with a very simple interface and visual, and protection modules specially designed for Mac. However, the Intego Virus Barrier antivirus is also capable of detecting the main threats directed at Windows, to disinfect disks or USB keys that would circulate between Mac and PC. VirusBarrier’s real-time protection works 24/7, with updates downloaded continuously to help detect the latest threats to your system. Intego Mac Internet Security also includes NetBarrier Firewall. It offers a very simple to manage interface to monitor your incoming and outgoing network connection and easily block unauthorized applications. Various profiles can be created depending on the type of network used: home, professional or public. The firewall can automatically detect applications that try to reveal confidential data or integrate the computer into a network of “PC zombies”.
Avira Premium
Like Avast One, the Avira security suite comes in two versions. Avira Free Security, as the name suggests, is completely free. The antivirus offers basic protection against threats targeting macOS and Windows. A free VPN is also provided. This is limited to 500MB/month and allows you to automatically connect to the fastest server. A password manager and optimization tools are included. The paid Avira Prime suite takes antivirus protection one step further with real-time protection that blocks all malware and online threats. Avira Browser Safety Safe Web Browser helps block websites compromised by infections, block browser-targeting devices, and remove intrusive ads. The VPN in Avira Prime is unlimited and allows you to choose your geolocation and browse anonymously Avira Prime also includes cleaning tools: performance optimization and removal of unnecessary files that slow down the Mac, automatic and clean uninstallation of software, or even manage applications when to start macOS to speed up system startup.
norton 360
The Norton 360 offering was one of the first to offer an all-in-one suite and the solution includes a fairly comprehensive Mac version, although certain features such as online backup or intelligent firewall are still reserved for the PC version. The best malware protection on the market, with real-time threat detection, constant online updates to stay on top of the latest attacks, and protection against the most damaging malware like ransomware. As is increasingly the case, Norton 360 includes an unlimited VPN that allows you to choose your geolocation and hide your IP address, and browse confidentially, without data limits. The Deluxe and Advanced versions of Norton 360 offer advanced data protection tools, such as Dark Web Monitoring, which monitors the leakage of your personal data, or School mode, which allows you to manage a child’s Internet use during work hours. . Of course, Norton has always designed its affordable solution for the general public and the interface offers simple and clear access to the main functions, without requiring any special administration to be well protected by antivirus.
Is antivirus required for Mac and macOS?
On Mac, it is not essential to use an antivirus. Web threats are obviously present in macOS, and the increasingly popular Mac is becoming more attractive to cybercriminals. On the other hand, macOS already integrates by default security principles that limit risks. Only apps from the Mac App Store or with an Apple-signed certificate can run without permission. Apps are regularly scanned for malicious code, and not just when they’re first installed.
On the other hand, an antivirus allows you to be more reactive in the face of emerging threats thanks to continuously updated databases and real-time protection that immediately blocks suspicious behavior. Plus, in homes or businesses where Macs and PCs often coexist, a Mac antivirus can also scan for Windows viruses and malware without risk to the system. If you circulate an infected disk or key, your Mac can detect and delete these files.
Should you take a free or paid antivirus on Mac and macOS?
The difference between free antivirus and paid antivirus is almost always in functionality. A free antivirus offers essential protection against web threats, often already of good quality, but can be limited in certain aspects. Similarly, if a VPN is present, it is usually throttled.
If you want full features and protection without restrictions and without incentives to upgrade to the paid version, it is obviously preferable to go for a premium solution that will also have the advantage of including most of the time protection for many types of devices: Mac, PC, smartphone, tablet…
How to choose your antivirus for Mac and macOS?
Choosing your antivirus for Mac requires taking into account several criteria, starting with the price. There are several free version antivirus such as Avast or Avira. If this basic protection is enough for you, you don’t need to spend more.
On the other hand, if you want more complete functions, you must first know what you are looking for: protection against threats, monitoring of data leaks, protection against targeted advertising, VPN… Not all antiviruses offer the same functions.
Finally, pay attention to the number of devices covered by the subscription, the type (Mac, PC, iPhone, Android smartphone, etc.) and above all the duration of the subscription commitment.
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Source: BFM TV
