Mac computers are not invincible to digital filth. While Windows PCs are often the target of media attention to attract the most malicious malware, Macs aren’t invincible either. We’ve looked over and tested the most effective antivirus protection for mac to keep your Apple computer safe.
Our top picks have high malware detection and are packed with essential security features such as security against ransomware, phishing protections camera and microphone protections, etc. They also consume less system resources, and deliver top performance. Some, like McAfee and Trend Micro, have even been rated as best in independent lab tests.
Apple’s security software, Gatekeeper, is pretty adept at preventing the majority of malware, but it could be manipulated by clever hacks designed to exploit flaws that are not present in the Mac OS itself but in third-party software running on the top of it. This is where standalone virus scanners come in.
Comodo offers a no-cost antivirus program with an easy-to use interface. It can scan any file that your system has access to. Quick scans can be completed in minutes, while a full scan of the system could take up to two hours. You can program the scans to run at convenient times, so that your Mac does not become clogged up.
Since 2006, Malwarebytes has eliminated all Windows threats. It’s not a surprise that the Mac version is equally effective. The program’s installation is about the size of three digital music files which makes it a small add-on to your system. It doesn’t have real-time protection which means it’s not able to stop an attack when it occurs. However, a complete analysis of your system takes a couple of hours, and the minimalist design ensures that it won’t interfere with other software.