Getting an antivirus is a critical step toward securing your computer. Even so, it feels like Apple users have been left in the cold. With most malware targeting Windows, Mac seems to get served. Top 10 Best Free Mac Antivirus Software 2018 Compare the world’s leading virus protection for Mac Macs need antivirus protection just like windows computers.
- Best Antivirus Providers For Mac (2018)
- Best Antivirus And Malware For Mac 2018
- Do Macs Need Antivirus Software
- Best Antivirus For Mac
- Best Virus Software For Mac
Even Macs need security.
While Apple Mac viruses and malware may not make the news as much as their Windows brethren, they exist, and their numbers are on the rise.
Just like with Windows PCs however, there are any number of options out there to choose from. What is a good mac computer for college students in 2018. But what is the best Mac antivirus available?
Don’t panic, we’ve done the hard work and the research and come up with three of the best, so you don’t need to.
But Macs don’t get viruses, right?
Mac operating systems are of course built with inherently better security than the Microsoft option, but the myth that Macs don’t get viruses is just that, a myth. Recent research by Malwarebytes showed that despite a smaller userbase than PCs, malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing attempts, collectively increased by 270 percent in 2017, alone.
Free versus paid for
So basically when it comes to security and peace of mind for your Apple Mac, you have two options; either free or paid for.
Free anti-virus software’s main advantage is just that, it’s free. And that can be a very enticing offer. On the plus side, you get security software that is free, and in many respects is just as good as it’s paid for siblings, at least when it comes to basic security.
On the downside, it does tend to come with advertising, and free versions are also quite often time-limited. There’s also the fact that with free antivirus, there’s a manual element involved. Generally, it’s up to you to remember to run a scan, and you don’t get all the comprehensive protection and added benefits that come with the premium options.
If you are on an extremely limited budget, then a free antivirus is a better option than none at all. But, and it’s a pretty big but, the price for complete security and peace of mind, could cost you a lot less than you think.
Paid virus protection systems often include useful extras such as backup and recovery tools, useful if your Mac crashes, but they also invariably come with Mac unique performance enhancement utilities that ensure that your Mac runs as efficiently and optimally as well. There is also the advantage of high quality customer support and technical back-up, often lacking in free software versions.
One more thing before we go any further:
In real terms all of the below choices have scored very highly in independent 3rd party testing. In terms of protection and detecting threats, the difference between all of them in stopping malware dead is literally non-existent, or at least around the same difference as splitting hairs under a microscope. That means we’re not going to go into microscopic detail about all of it. But suffice to say, they are all:
- Very good antivirus products
- They will keep your Mac safe
- They are all very good at what they do
- They will all give you peace of mind.
Basically, just because you’re on a Mac doesn’t mean you aren’t spoiled for choice. So with that said, here’s what we consider to be……
The best antivirus for Mac as of July, 2018.
Antivirus Product | |||
Rating | |||
Best For | |||
Price | |||
Trial Period | |||
Virus & Malware Detection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Ransomware Protection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Parental Web Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Devices covered | |||
24/7 Customer Support | ✅ | ✅ | ? |
Sophos Home Premium
Best Value and Ease of Use for Home and Non-Commercial Use
Sophos Home Premium is a hecking good antivirus for Mac
✅ Great value
✅ Easy to use
✅ 24/7 email and chat support
✅ Easy to use
✅ 24/7 email and chat support
???? Free version is limited
Sophos Home Premium is a highly recommended and well respected security option for Mac. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Sophos, initially at least, is that it’s free; kind of.
Basically, when you install Sophos you get the full premium version free for 30 days. After that 30-day period, while you’ll get to keep some of the features like real time anti-virus and parental web filtering…some of the premium options will no longer be available.
But that said, Sophos Home Premium does have it all going on, including some features you’d normally only find in separately bought software.
Now, yes, the free version does rate very highly, and is effective. It will keep viruses and malware off your Mac, but the premium version is worth considering. As well as excellent virus protection it also comes with ransomware monitoring, real-time cloud-based configuration protection, and a very modest but generous 10 licenses from only one subscription. Now, while that does bely the fact that this is anti-virus for domestic use, that’s not something to sniff at. Premium also offers that 24/7 email and chat support, which is nice.
Pricing – See latest offers
- A year’s subscription will set you back $40, or £32.
Norton Security Premium for Mac
Anti-Virus option for Mac you’re most likely to have heard of and can trust.
Norton Secure Premier is another strong contender for best Mac antivirus
✅ Quick and easy installation
✅ Great value when on sale
✅ 24/7 email and chat support
✅ Great value when on sale
✅ 24/7 email and chat support
???? Most expensive option (when not on sale)
Norton is one of those names in the anti-virus market that has been around forever. It’s the kind of product that was targeting and killing viruses before the internet was really a thing. The company is also still going strong. The chances are also that if you’ve worked in an office at any point in the last 30 years, you’ll have seen Norton somewhere at the bottom of your desktop screen.
Norton Security Premium for Mac could be considered the gold standard for malware protection on Mac. Installation is quick, painless and straightforward. The interface is crisp clean and engenders trust. Don’t worry about the two Safari plugins it kind of insists you install at the same time: Safe Web keeps you safe from the dark side of the Web, and Identity Safe is one of the best password managers around. Both are the kind of software you would expect to see being packaged up and sold as separate products, so to see them here is nice.
Best Antivirus Providers For Mac (2018)
As well as this Norton is mostly unobtrusive, and always on protection does come as default always-on. It does scan quicker than Sophos did, but has pretty much the same hit rate when it comes to malware scanning.
A subscription to Norton also Includes 25 GB of secure PC cloud backup, providing additional protection against ransomware, and has great protection for keeping your kids safe on the internet as well. One subscription also gives you the same option to protect up to 10 PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices with a single subscription, which is nice, because most households tend to have more than one device.
Pricing – See latest offers
- Usually a year’s subscription would cost you £79.99, but at the time of writing has a 50% offer making it £39.99
Kaspersky Internet Security.
Easiest on system resources and the best one for conspiracy theorists who don’t want anyone tracking them, and just want an antivirus solution without all the bells and whistles…
The Kaspersky Labs option is all about efficiency. Nice , if you like that sort of thing
✅ Low system impact
✅ Stops browser activity tracking
✅ Advanced features
✅ Stops browser activity tracking
✅ Advanced features
???? Expensive to cover multiple devices
Kaspersky is another one of those names synonymous with Antivirus protection. Don’t be put off by the fact the company is currently having issues with the US government. That’s all mostly to do with politics, and the fact the company is Russian. Seriously, don’t worry about it, it’s fine.
Kaspersky’s major offering above the other two above, is that it has the lowest impact on system resources, and if we had to split atoms, higher malware-detection rates than the other two, if only by micro-millimeters. As you would expect, it has parental controls and also a really nice feature that locks down webcams. (This is a good thing! Don’t believe us, read this article here.)
Kaspersky is also brilliant at stopping websites from tracking browsing activity.
Kaspersky Internet Security can be somewhat troublesome to install if you don’t have much software installation experience. You need to make sure you have the version that works with your version of MacOS, and that’s somewhat disappointing. Both Sophos and Norton do this for you, and in 2018, you’d expect Kaspersky would have automated the process. That said, once you’re past that hurdle, installation and using Kaspersky is a straightforward affair.
As with the others above, it offers protection to keep your financial transaction safe, and helps keep your private life private. Malware detection rates are again very high.
The biggest downside to Kaspersky is its pricing structure – the more devices you want to protect, the more expensive it becomes. When you consider that both Norton and Sophos cover up to 10 devices for one flat rate, it is disappointing.
Pricing – See latest offers
- A 1 year license for 1 device will set you back £39.99.
Conclusions
All three of the above, Sophos, Norton, and Kaspersky are all excellent antivirus packages. Any one of them will keep you and your family safe online. Support for all of them is also excellent. But that said, if we had to choose, we would go with Sophos. Sophos just seems to be the perfect overall package.
And it’s not like you are limited to just these three. Antivirus and malware protection are as much a personal choice as anythng else. So if none of the above tickle your fancy or you’re after something a little bit different, why not check out all the antivirus solutions on FileHippo.com.
Antivirus software is crucial, as without Mac antivirus, your computer may be exposed to harmful viruses and malware. Before purchasing any antivirus software it’s important to compare different antivirus solution and make sure you’re getting the best value for money.
![Software Software](/uploads/1/3/3/2/133297038/453113638.jpg)
Do Mac Computers Get Viruses?
Mac users constitute approximately 12% of all operating systems users, this equates to around 300 million people. As such, Mac users are susceptible to malware and viruses and it’s extremely important to protect your computer against harmful and vicious threats which can damage your software and steal confidential data.
It’s generally assumed that macOS operating software powering Mac computers is more secure than Windows and therefore Mac and iphone users needn’t purchase antivirus for Mac, however, this is a myth. The truth is, macOS isn’t immune to malware and it actually is vulnerable to viruses such as Thunderbolt 2 (“dongle” infecting malware) and DMA recovery. In addition, hackers have developed Malware which is actually tailored to macOS, and Apple has certain security issues regarding digital signature software.
In September, Apple released its 14th software update, called High Sierra. Just days after the launch, a former NSA Agent, Patrick Wardle, posted a video explaining how to hack the new software using password exfiltration. This is a vicious form of malware which can retrieve all the password information stored in the Mac’s Keychain. In doing so, Patrick Wardle exposed just how susceptible Macs are to viruses and this demonstration reinforced the need for Mac users to invest in adequate antivirus software.
What Security Risks Does Mac Antivirus Protect You Against?
Mac Antivirus can protect your Mac from all different types of cyber threats and viruses. Cyber hackers use a variety of methods to infiltrate your computer and steal information or damage your network. Some of the more popular methods include:
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a very common form of cyber attack. It’s a type of malicious software which can retrieve all your personal data and lock it away in a place that the original owner cannot access. Cyber criminal who use Ransomware will threaten to publish the data or destroy it unless a ransom is paid. Ransomware scams are a growing menace, in 2015 the FBI estimated that over $18m was stolen by thieves using it.
- KeRanger: KeRanger, also known as OSX.KeRanger.A is a ransomware trojan horse which specifically targets Mac computers. Until it was discovered in March 2016, the malware affected more than 7,000 Mac users. KeRanger remotely damages several files on the user’s computer, and when they try to fix the affected files, the KeRanger virus is activated and it encrypts files on the victim’s computer. These files can only be decrypted by paying a ransom to the cyber criminal.
Get the Best Mac Antivirus Software in 2019
There are several things to consider before purchasing antivirus for Mac, or even downloading free antivirus for Mac. First and foremost, check which types of malware the software protects against, for example, does it defend against Adware, Spyware, Ransomware? https://yellowsheet731.weebly.com/best-4k-monitor-for-mac-2018.html. If not, you should probably avoid installing it. Also, it’s useful to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value for money. It’s also important to check how much space it takes up and if it affects computer performance. Other important features include: firewall protection, real-time protection, and protection against phishing scams.
#1 Norton
Norton is a very highly rated antivirus system, which provides total protection for Macs and other operating systems. Some its features include defense against spyware, malware, and viruses, as well as premium family safety solutions to protect your children.
Pricing:
Standard package – $39.99
Deluxe package – $49.99
Premium package – $59.99
Deluxe package – $49.99
Premium package – $59.99
Read our full Norton Antivirus review and Sign up with Norton Antivirus here.
#2 Panda
Panda is another excellent piece of anti-malware software which can safeguard your Mac against all manner of cyber attacks. The software can also encrypt your wi-fi network and treat and clean infected computers.
Pricing:
Basic package – $19.99
Advanced package – $37.49
Complete package – $52.49
Advanced package – $37.49
Complete package – $52.49
Read our full Panda Antivirus review and Sign up with Panda Antivirus here.
#3 Scanguard
Scanguard is a highly reputable Mac antivirus solution, it’s software includes full protection against malware, trojans, and harmful viruses. In addition, Scanguard can fully secure your private data with a two-way firewall protection. With Scanguard you can also track your children’s online activity and usage with the parental control platform.
Pricing: $49.00 for the 12 month protection package (comes with a 30-day money back guarantee).
Read our full Scangaurd Antivirus review and Sign up with Scanguard Antivirus here.
Best Antivirus And Malware For Mac 2018
#4 Bullguard
Bullguard antivirus software uses next gen anti-malware to proactively protect your Mac against malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing. The software includes a home network scanner which protects smart homes.
Pricing:
Antivirus – $23.96
Internet Security – $23.98
Premium Protection – $529.98
Internet Security – $23.98
Premium Protection – $529.98
All packages come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Read our full Bullguard review and Sign up with Bullguard Antivirus here.
#5 PC Protect
PC Protect is a fast and simple way to protect your Mac. The Mac antivirus software includes real-time protection, a firewall to defend against phishing attacks, a smart scan to detect malicious files, and a system boost which helps optimise your Mac’s performance.
Pricing: $49.00 for the 12 month protection package (comes with a 30-day money back guarantee).
![Mac Mac](https://techsviewer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Best-Antivirus-for-Mac-2018-810x456.png)
Do Macs Need Antivirus Software
Read our full PC Protect Antivirus review and Sign up with PC Protect here.
Best Antivirus For Mac
Get the Best Mac Antivirus Today
Best Virus Software For Mac
Having the best antivirus software is absolutely essential. It’s vital for any Mac user to keep their computer fully secure and protected, otherwise they are vulnerable to vicious cyber attacks and digital theft. Your personal data, including credit card and bank details, as well as passwords and sensitive information is usually stored on your device and if it fell into the wrong hands the result could be catastrophic. Research which antivirus software is best for you and make sure your computer is sufficiently protected.