A guide on the best Mac antivirus available for free with a MacOS operating system on board.
On the usefulness or otherwise of Mac antiviruses one could talk for hours without finding a common vision. Those who choose to switch from a Windows PC to a computer with MacOS as their operating system also do it to have greater security than the malware that affects Microsoft's OS, often causing considerable problems both to the device and to the user himself. Despite the spread of Apple computers on a global scale in recent years, the risk that the MacOS operating system is infected by a malware is remote when compared to the percentage of cases in which a PC with Windows aboard ends up in assistance for the removal of one or more malicious programs.
Airo is a new name in Mac malware protection and focuses on macOS solely. As such it claims to offer the best-looking Mac antimalware apps around, and the folks behind it say it also utilises AI in. AVG Free Antivirus (Free) AVG is a well-known security company and they are offering both free and Paid Antivirus services. The AVG Free Antivirus provides a fully secure environment with all the basic security features. Malwarebytes is one of the best free malware removal tool for Windows, Mac, and Android. The tool is famous for its great anti-malware work and I think no one can beat this tool. Malwarebytes offers both Free and Paid services for their users. It is obvious that the paid service will be better than Free service.
Why then talk about Mac antivirus? The reason is simple: theoretically, no computer is free from the danger of malware. Better prevention than cure, with the prevention entrusted to antimalware software that can detect any potential threat to macOS and eradicate it with extreme ease. For less experienced users we remind that the term malware includes a certain virus. What does it mean? To be clearer, the malware represents the primary category while the virus is the secondary category, as the cat (malware) is to the Persian (virus).
Specifically, the virus is a type of malware created specifically to replicate itself in the computer by infecting other files in the device's internal memory. It is important to note, however, that the virus needs a host program to run. This same requirement minimizes the percentages of running into such malware within an iMac or MacBook, provided that the programs are downloaded from the Mac App Store.
Below we will present a list of the best and free Mac antiviruses, explaining their main features and what they are for. In conclusion, we will explain the other operations to be performed on the Mac in order to remain more calm during its use.
Best and free Mac antivirus
- The best Mac antiviruses
The best Mac antiviruses
In the list of the best Mac antivirus there are very popular software also in Windows, among which we can include Malwarebytes and AVG.
All the programs listed in the next paragraphs allow you to protect your computer for free.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is the reference point among the antimalware programs for macOS. The free version includes manual Mac scanning and the removal of any malware on the computer, just enough to keep quiet while using the Apple device. The paid version ($39.99 per year) allows for real-time scanning and automatic updating to the latest software version.
Who wants to try Malwarebytes for the Mac must connect to the official site and click the Download button located under the section entitled Malwarebytes for Mac. The download of the Malwarebytes-Mac-3.xyzzz.pkg file, where the abbreviation xyzzz stands for the version number (different with each update), will start automatically. Once the download is complete you must double click on the executable file to start the installation wizard, then select the OK button to allow the system to continue installing a program downloaded from the Mac App Store.
We now click in rapid succession on the following keys: Continue, Continue, Continue, Accept, Install, Install software (after entering the administrator password), Install and Close. At this point you can proceed with scanning your Mac to check for malware. To start monitoring the computer, click on the Scan Now button.
If the antivirus finds malicious programs, to remove the threat simply add the check mark in the box next to each malware and select the blue Quarantine Selected button located at the bottom right.
AVG AntiVirus for Mac
AVG AntiVirus for Mac is the version of the famous AVG antimalware designed for devices with the MacOS operating system. Unlike Malwarebytes, AVG allows the user to take advantage of the computer's real-time scan to immediately identify a possible threat even in the free version. Here are the steps to follow to download it to your computer and start scanning.
First you need to connect to the official AVG website, select the Mac category and, in the drop-down menu that opens, click on the AVG AntiVirus for Mac option. In the new screen displayed press the button Download free (the minimum requirement is the version of macOS number 10.10, ie Yosemite). Once the download is complete, open the file and double-click on Install AVG AntiVirus. At this point you need to click on the Continue button three consecutive times, then on the Accept button to confirm that you are aware of the conditions of use. Continue by selecting the Install button, then enter the password of the Mac administrator user and click on the Install software button.
After a few seconds, the initial configuration of the AVG AntiVirus for Mac program will start automatically, during which you will need to register a new AVG account. Once registration is complete, select the item Go to Dashboard to access the main antivirus screen, from where it is sufficient to click on the Scan Mac button to start scanning the computer. If you want to disable the real-time scan of the system you need to click on the ON lever and type the password in use on the Mac.
Sophos
Little known on a commercial level, the Sophos antivirus is one of the most valid alternatives to the software currently available for the defense of iMacs and MacBooks from malware. Features of the free license include real-time scanning of computers, web filtering for minors, web protection for Mac and a number of protected devices equal to three. With the premium version, you can access additional features such as blocking ransomware (malware that prevents access to device files, accompanied by a request for ransom in cash or in cryptocurrency to free the Mac from infection) and live support from Monday to Friday.
To try out the Sophos Mac antivirus, let's connect to the program's official website and click on the Download Free Edition button. On the page that opens, select the item Mac, scroll down and press the Download button immediately in the Sophos Home Free pane. At this point you need to complete the registration of a Sophos account: fill in the fields Name, Last name, Email, Password, add the check mark next to the conditions of use and click on the Create account button. We are now ready to start downloading the installation file and proceed with scanning the Mac.
Click on the Download button and wait for the operation to finish. Now we open the Downloads folder and select the Sophos install folder with a double click, then double click on the Sophos Installer file. In the security warning, press the Open button and then the Continue button. In the next step we will be prompted to enter the Mac administrator password, then select the OK button to complete the installation and close the window by pressing the Close button.
All we have to do now is start the first virus scan with Sophos for Mac. To do this, click on the Sophos icon (white letter S on a black background) located in the menu bar, then select the Scan command and click on the Start Scan button. For a full scan we add the check next to the item Run Full Scan.
How to protect your Mac from viruses
In addition to installing one of the three antiviruses listed above, we recommend that you complete the Mac defense by respecting Apple's golden security rules for MacOS device owners ( you can consult this link in full ). First of all it is advisable to check that Gatekeeper is in operation, so that only the apps coming from the Mac App Store and those with an Apple Developer ID can be used, effectively excluding all unsafe and potentially harmful applications. Open the Apple menu, select the System Preferences tab, then click on the item Security and Privacy and then on the General option. Now we add the check mark next to the item App Store or App Store and developer identified under the section Allow apps downloaded from, then we apply the changes by clicking on the padlock icon and entering the administrator password.
Another key point is the timely download of updates for the new operating system, aimed at improving macOS security. To automatically update the Mac, select the System Preferences item from the Apple menu, choose the Software Update option and then add the check mark next to the Keep Mac automatically updated function. This procedure is valid if you have already updated to the latest version of macOS, ie macOS Mojave.
Those who have an older version of the operating system must open the Mac Store App, click on the Updates item in the toolbar and select the Update button located next to any updates to the OS or Safari and iTunes. For automatic updates you need to open the Apple menu, select the System Preferences item, then click on the App Store section and add the check mark next to the Download updates in the background item.
Finally, let us remember what is perhaps the first rule to follow for the defense of the Mac: download apps only from the Mac App Store, avoiding unofficial applications instead, especially if we have not enabled the Gatekeeper function described above. It is essential to realize that the most important Mac antivirus in circulation today is us and our actions on the web.
There is a popular opinion that Mac systems are inherently more secure than Windows. In fact, most Mac users don't even bother to use an antivirus or anti-malware software. Objectively speaking, that opinion may or may not be true. Mainly because that depends on a variety of factors like the number of Mac users, how they use their system, how computer literate they are, etc. However, over the past few years, the threats to Mac users have been increasing, thanks to quickly spearing malware, ransomware, and adware.
Read: Best Malware Removal Tools For Windows
Avoid MacKeeper
I bet you might have seen ads on websites (mostly porn sites), telling you to clean your Mac with MacKeeper. And while it's legitimate software (as in not a virus), but it's nonetheless useless and a waste of resources. Also, uninstalling MacKeeper isn't easy as well. So, no matter what you do, avoid MacKeeper at any cost.
Instead, it is essential that you use a good anti-malware software so that not only you can be safe but also avoid spreading malware, ransomware, and viruses to other users. Here are some of the best anti-malware software for mac.
Read: How I Removed Malware From my WordPress Site
Best Anti Malware for Mac
1. Malwarebytes
When it comes to dealing with malware and other nasty stuff like rootkits, there is no other software that more popular than Malwarebytes. Other than it being able to remove malware from Mac effectively, the best thing about Malwarebytes is that it plays nice with your other antivirus software if you've already installed any. In fact, most users including me use Malwarebytes as a backup and perform weekly scans just to make sure that the system hasn't been infected or has infected files.
To scan your system all you have to do is install the application, launch it and hit the scan button. As soon as you hit the button, it can do a quick scan for malware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), rootkits, adware, spyware, virus, etc., both in your system memory and hard disk. If it finds any threats, it will automatically quarantine those threats.
For in-depth scanning, select the custom scan option. Do keep in mind that the custom scan can take a couple of hours depending on the amount of data you have on your hard disk.
Download Malwarebytes (free, $40 for pro version)
2. Systweak Anti-Malware
Systweak Anti-Malware is a dedicated malware scanning and removal software for MacOS. Just like Malwarebytes, Systweak Anti-Malware scans for malware, rootkits, viruses, and adware in your hard disk and system memory. Once it finds a threat, it automatically quarantines it. If you know that Systweak Anti-Malware quarantined a false positive, you can restore the file or app with just a single click. For regular, deep, or custom scans, you can create custom schedules.
If you know a file or folder to be safe, you can exclude them from scanning avoiding any possible false positives by adding them to the exclude list. Of course, Systweak Anti-Malware always runs in the background and protects your Mac system from malware and PUPs in real-time. Other features of the software include start-up scan, memory scan, and beginner friendly user interface.
So, if you unsatisfied or looking for a good alternative for Malwarebytes you should try Systweak Anti-Malware.
Download Systweak Anti-Malware ($40)
3. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is another popular software to protect your mac from various threats like malware, virus, trojans, adware, spyware, unwanted software, and much more. The best thing about Bitdefender is that apart from protecting you from regular threats, it can actively scan in multiple layers and protect your system from ransomware. Other than that, Bitdefender can also keep an eye on cross-platform threats so that you don't unintentionally spread malware, virus, or other infected files to your friends, colleagues or family.
Since Bitdefender always runs in the background, it can block any and all threats in real-time. Of course, Bitdefender also scans your system occasionally. If needed, you can create custom schedules with various configurations and scan settings. Bitdefender also has other features like backup protection, safe files, parental controls, secure shopping protection, etc.
Simply put, if you need a full-fledged software that can do much more than blocking and removing malware then give Bitdefender a try.
Download Bitdefender ($50 – $70 according to the version you choose)
4. Avast
Just like Bitdefender, Avast is not just an anti-malware software, it is a anti-virus software that can scan and protect your system from a wide range of threats. In fact, if you've ever searched for a anti-virus software, you should have definitely heard about Avast.
Using Avast you can regularly scan your system and create your own schedules to better protect your system. Along with anti-malware security, Avast can also protect your system from infected emails, unprotect WiFi network, and ransomware. Other features of the software include real-time protection, detailed security reports, browser protection, ability to shield you from dangerous downloads and PUPs, etc.
As good as the software is, while using Avast, you should be ready for a little bit of performance dip, at least, that is my experience while using Avast. Other than that, Avast is a pretty good and reputed software to protect Mac system from online and offline threats.
Adobe reader mac air. Download Avast (free, $70 for pro version)
5. AVG
AVG is yet another popular software that can protect you from malware, viruses, trojans, adware, and other threats. The good thing about AVG is that you can scan your system for threats related to Mac, Windows, and Android so that you don't spread viruses or malware to other systems. Also, thanks to the simple and minimal design, using AVG to scan or create scanning schedules is pretty easy and straightforward. Moreover, unlike Avast, AVG always runs in the background and provides real-time protection for free.
As good as it is, when you try to download AVG from the official site, you will be redirected to the CNET website. So, be careful while installing it on your system as CNET has a habit of bundling adware and other toolbars along with the software you are trying to install.
Best Free Malware For Macbook Pro
If you are looking for all-around protection with real-time threat analysis and blocking then you should go with AVG.
Download AVG (free)
6. Sophos Home
Another popular opinion amongst Mac users which is more than just an Anti-Malware. Sophos Home comes with a bunch of extra features including a live chat support.
Sophos offers features like Anti-virus and ransomware security along with anti-malware protection. The programme also lets you remotely manage your devices. Yes ‘Device(s)', Sophos home can be used in up to 10 devices for the paid version and 3 devices for the free version. Doesn't end here, Sophos Home also lets you put on parental controls so that none of your devices reach the unprotected side of Web.
Download Sophos Home (30 day trial, $27 yearly for premium)
Anti Malware Mac
Wrapping Up: Best Anti Malware for Mac
If you are looking for a dedicated anti-malware software that plays well with other antivirus and firewall software then go with Malwarebytes. As a premium option, you can also try Systweak Anti-Malware. If you are looking for a full-fledged anti-virus software that can extend the protection to viruses, adware, ransomware, and other threats then go with AVG as it provides real-time protection for free. You can also try Bitdefender. How to reduce file size of photo mac.
Free Anti Malware Mac
In general, if you know what you are doing on the Internet and don't download the cracked software or porn, you'll probably don't need an anti-virus and/or anti-malware software. That said, if you don't consider yourself tech savvy or if you are buying a computer for your parents, it's a good idea to have an anti-malware installed.
That's for now. If you think I missed any of your favorite anti-malware software then command below and share it with me. It will also help other Mac users.
Read: Top 10 Free Portable Anti-Malware Software to Have on Your Pen Drive
