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Virus/Malware program recommendations? [MERGED]
- Thread starter vjicecool
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What is the best Anti virus / Malware Protection software for silicon Macs, and Macs in general? – is there a clear winner?
Not looking for free (unless it is considered very good-the best), happy to pay, just don't know which to choose, and if it's needed?
Have been running Macs for 35 years and not once bought any software. I think I might have tried Norton way back when it was a free trial or included with some software..
Any advice appreciated
Not looking for free (unless it is considered very good-the best), happy to pay, just don't know which to choose, and if it's needed?
Have been running Macs for 35 years and not once bought any software. I think I might have tried Norton way back when it was a free trial or included with some software..
Any advice appreciated
There are countless similar threads for this topic.
Nevertheless, a couple of months ago Apple introduced its XProtect Remediator malware protection tool.
It‘s more advanced and updated more frequently than any built-in solution before.
It should be enough unless you depend on detecting Windows based malware.
Personally, I only use Adguard DNS (free) in my router. It blocks ads for all devices in the network and also known trackers and malicious domains.
eclecticlight.co
www.macrumors.com
Nevertheless, a couple of months ago Apple introduced its XProtect Remediator malware protection tool.
It‘s more advanced and updated more frequently than any built-in solution before.
It should be enough unless you depend on detecting Windows based malware.
Personally, I only use Adguard DNS (free) in my router. It blocks ads for all devices in the network and also known trackers and malicious domains.
macOS now scans for malware whenever it gets a chance
How macOS now has anti-malware scanners checking your Mac automatically many times each day for the most frequent malware.
eclecticlight.co
Apple Has Made Major Updates to macOS Malware Protection in 2022
Apple has made notable updates to macOS malware tools over the course of the last six months, according to updates tracked by Howard Oakley at...
www.macrumors.com
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I just run MalwareBytes scans on my Macs and Windows systems about twice a year.
I use Intego. It doesn't seem to slow me down and it has a nice firewall built-in.
First, if you want to do a quick check for malware, the free version of Malwarebytes is a good utility.
Next, I think what you do on an ongoing basis depends on how you use your computer. Some things that would lead me to install an anti-virus package include:
- Sending or receiving files with Windows users
- Regular downloading of file types that often are virus vectors, such as .pdf, .jpg, .doc, and .xls .
- Any business use of your machine
- Frequent use of public Wi-Fi networks
I've used Sophos for many years. While I can't recall it ever finding a virus, the web address filtering function has saved me from potentially dangerous URL typos and search engine clicks many times.
If you're dead set against installing anti-virus software, you can at least run downloads you think are risky through VirusTotal, assuming you have good upstream bandwidth.
www.virustotal.com
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Here are some suggestions for managing privacy and security on your computer:
Level 1 (foundation)
- Anti-virus (I use Sophos)
- Anti-malware (I use Malwarebytes)
- Firefox browser with ad blocking and Javascript blocking add-ons (I use AdBlock Plus and NoScript) for general web browsing. I keep Safari relatively stock and only use it with a very small number of trusted websites.
Level 2 (good to have if you don't mind the convenience vs. security tradeoffs)
- Little Snitch (monitor outgoing Internet connections, essentially a reverse firewall)
- RansomWhere (anti-ransomware monitor)
- SilentKnight (utility for easily checking Apple's own security measures in macOS for updates)
Another action you can take is to set up a non-Admin user account for daily use. Then you only need to log-in as an Administrator when you are actively doing troubleshooting, installations, or maintenance tasks (see: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...n-administrator-account.2327558/post-30700893).
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Have a look at https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/security-protection-on-mac-how.2308465/post-30660294 and https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...curity-suite-for-macosx.2310577/post-30375113 for more info on X-Protect and MRT, Apple's built-n macOS security software.
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Finally, my Mac security strategy is centered around risk management, not predictions of bad actors' behavior. I prefer spending some time up front–and money if justified–to minimize the possibility of having to deal with the fallout of an attacker putting viruses or malware on my computer. I view anti-virus and anti-malware software as a form of insurance. Yes, it sucks that I need it but I feel that having it lets me sleep better than not having it.
Also, we are all human and we make mistakes, especially when we are in a rush, distracted, or tired. Relying on constant vigilance as sole protection requires perfection. I don't think any of us can reach that standard very often, especially with something that is constantly changing and morphing.
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I've tested a few for my personal laptop as I do interact a lot with windows users, and connect to a corporate environment. My favourite was BitDefender; all picked up the fake viruses I left on the hard drive, but BitDefender also picked it up inside email where I didn't access the attachment nor had saved it. Can't notice any adverse effects on my m1 mbp...
Thanks=. Just looked it up. It's a subscription payment model
as opposed to one-off payment. What sort of plan do you have (how many devices?)I went for Total Security which provides cover for 5 devices. To me it is good value, but also essential as without protection I wouldn't be able to use my own device on our corporate network and then would have to use WindowsThanks=. Just looked it up. It's a subscription payment model
I went for Total Security which provides cover for 5 devices. To me it is good value, but also essential as without protection I wouldn't be able to use my own device on our corporate network and then would have to use Windows
How much did it cost you, and was it a first year intro offer, how much for 2nd year etc ?
I am looking for recommendations for antiviruses on Macbook Pros with M1 processors. I am on Ventura and am looking for a new antivirus and was wondering what people's experiences have been like so far? I know there are other threads but they are usually hijacked by "don't need antivirus" or are outdated now.
I normally get a family plan as have a few Windows and Android devices in the household.
I have tried Norton but it is did drain battery a little bit and kept giving lots of Norton spam. I tried bitdefender which drained my battery with energy impact of over 200. I am currently using MalwareBytes to scan every so often.
Please no comments about "no you don't need an antivirus on your Mac as Macs don't get viruses" I am not here to open that discussion. I want an antivirus on here and don't need that opinion
I normally get a family plan as have a few Windows and Android devices in the household.
I have tried Norton but it is did drain battery a little bit and kept giving lots of Norton spam. I tried bitdefender which drained my battery with energy impact of over 200. I am currently using MalwareBytes to scan every so often.
Please no comments about "no you don't need an antivirus on your Mac as Macs don't get viruses" I am not here to open that discussion. I want an antivirus on here and don't need that opinion
I use and like Malwarebytes, though I use the paid for active scanning. I use it on my PC's as well...
I use ClamXAV, it's subscription based now but I've been using it since PPC days.
I tried out a few. Norton and Sophos slowed things down some, so I ended up with Bitdefender. It seems to work without me even knowing it's there most of the time, so I'm pretty happy with it so far.
@reallycantcode
There's a temporary, fully functioning trial. After this (or earlier) you can decline and keep the scan on demand component. This way you check with its resource handling on your system.
Sophos Home: Rated 100% effective by SE Labs. Recommended by MacWorld AND PCmag.com. You rule all machines in your home from one computer. Updates automatically, you can schedule disk scans. Etc., etc. Check it: < https://home.sophos.com/en-us#features > or search on "sophos home".
Bitdefender works very well, don't even notice its there and running. And has picked up some gifts from Windows users already
- macOS built in AV measures for real time protection
- KnockKnock for the ocassional on-demand system scan
- www.virustotal.com for scanning new files, links, or sites for their security
- KnockKnock for the ocassional on-demand system scan
- www.virustotal.com for scanning new files, links, or sites for their security