Does a MacBook Need Antivirus Software?

This tutorial explains the security features of Mac and viruses that can affect Mac thereby ultimately answering your concern – Does a MacBook need Antivirus:

For a long time, it was a general assumption that Macs were too good to be affected by viruses. It was true for a while, but no more. There have been malware attacks on Macs that steal personal information.

So, does a MacBook need antivirus? The answer is as complicated as the machine itself.

In this article on Does a MacBook Need Antivirus, we will talk about viruses that can affect Mac and about XProtect, the Mac built-in antivirus. We will also answer the question: Is antivirus necessary for Mac, and if it is, what are your best options?

Does a MacBook Need Antivirus – Detailed Study

Does MacBook Have Built-in Antivirus or Security

Yes. All Macs come loaded with security features. One of them is Apple’s proprietary antivirus software called XProtect since 2009.

It scans all files and applications for malware and viruses with the help of a threat database that Apple updates regularly. If it detects malware, it sends a notification to the user and blocks the download. Then there is the Mac Malware Removal Tool to make sure nothing gets past XProtect.

In simple terms, MacBook has plans in place to limit the damage malware and viruses can cause. It quarantines suspicious-looking files automatically and prevents them from accessing vital system software and damaging the core functions of computers. This is the default feature in Apple products.

Apart from these, Mac also comes with a few other built-in security features like Execute Disable (XD), System Integrity Protection (SIP), and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). These programs run in the background to keep malicious software from damaging Macs and prevent viruses from attacking critical files.

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What is XProtect

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XProtect is Mac’s malware detection tool that works automatically in the background. It doesn’t need user configuration to function. It checks applications against Apple’s list of malicious content when you open a downloaded app.

Apple regularly updates it in the background to make sure you are always protected. The best part is that it doesn’t hamper the speed of your device, unlike third-party software.

If you download and try to open a contaminated file, it will send you an explicit warning that this file will damage your computer. It will also give you a reference to the type of malware it carries. It’s great, but is it enough?

What is Gatekeeper

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Gatekeeper helps macOS in blocking downloaded software that isn’t signed digitally. A digital signature is how Apple approves a developer. When you try to install unsigned software, it sends a message saying the app can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.

In short, it protects you by installing only the apps downloaded from the Mac App Store. You can adjust it to allow software installation from verified developers from the web as well. If you have macOS Catalina, the Gatekeeper will check for malware and other issues every time you run a software.

To allow downloads from verified developers from the web,

• Go to system preferences
• Select Security & Privacy
• Go to Allow Applications Download From
• Choose App Store and Identified Developers

If you know the app you are trying to download is legitimate, you can bypass the gatekeeper’s protection. Here’s how:

• Go to the Finder
• Find the app you were trying to install
• Hold down CTRL and click on the app
• Select Open while still pressing CTRL
• It will mark the app as trusted

However, more and more malicious apps are urging users to do this. So before you decide to bypass Mac’s Gatekeeper, make sure it isn’t malware you are installing.

Ever Heard of Sandboxing on Mac

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When an app is said to have been sandboxed, that means it will only do what it is supposed to do. Apple sandboxed all the software it approves. This isolates the apps from Mac’s critical components of the system, your data, and other apps as well. It prevents them from accessing anything that can help them in damaging your system.

Although sandboxing doesn’t protect you from malware, it limits the damage it can cause. However, even though apps on the Mac App Store are sandboxed, those available on websites are not.

With macOS 10.15 Catalina Apple has made certain changes to take care of issues caused by apps that are not from the App Store. All Mac apps will need permission to access your files, camera, microphone, and keystrokes. Also, macOS is now stored on a separate disk volume. So, all your important system files are separate and harder to access.

Regular Security Updates

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Apple is very prompt with its security updates. It keeps rolling out new updates to patch the vulnerabilities of its previous OS. However, installing these updates requires a system reboot that people keep putting off for the longest possible time.

Yes, believe it or not, although being well aware of installing updated security, people often keep putting it off because they have too much work running. So, restarting means they will have to restart most of the work. People wait for my work to be finished to install updates which rarely happens.

So, you see, why you can’t completely rely on security updates, even though it’s not Apple’s fault.

Password Protection

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Apple has changed the way its users can manage their passwords in macOS Monterey. You can find all your passwords in one place which is also password-protected.

• Go to System Preferences
• Click on Passwords
• Enter your password to unlock all your passwords

Monterey also comes with a new authenticator that enables you to set up authentication codes.

• Click on the password
• Select Enter Setup Key

Now, when you set up two-factor security on your account, the 2FA will automatically save security keys. Also, it will auto-fill the generate the code for you to log in.

Other Security Features on Mac

Yes, we are not done yet. Here are some more security features you will find on your MacBook.

• Recording alert
• Pasteboard alert
• Anti-phishing technology for Safari
• Privacy for photos
• Mail Privacy Protection
• iCloud+ protection
• Safety Check
• FileVault file encryption
• Find My App to find your stolen device

We hope this answers your question – does Mac come with antivirus? Yes, it does with many.

So, Is Antivirus Necessary for Mac

Readers often ask, do I need antivirus for MacBook Air? The answer is yes. Even though Apple offers fairly good security, it’s not foolproof. XProtect alone can not identify all kinds of potential malware. Moreover, its library of malicious programs has gaps that can leave your expensive device exposed.

This is mostly because XProtect depends heavily on Apple’s efficiency in identifying and tagging viruses and malware. However, Apple is not a security company. So, it can not keep a track of all threats as well as a security company would.

Some studies show that serious malware attacks on Macs have gone up by 61% from 2019 to 2020. If you are wondering do I need antivirus for MacBook Pro or Air, yes you do.

Types of Mac Viruses You Should Be Aware Of

Now that you have the answer to the question, does Mac need antivirus, let’s move ahead. Here are a few reasons why do MacBook Pro needs antivirus or any Mac for that reason:

#1) Potentially Unwanted Programs

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Ever heard of Mac Space Reviver, Advanced Mac Cleaner, and Mac Adware Remover? Yes, these are some of the famed examples of potentially unwanted programs that hound users. Don’t ever install dodgy programs if you want your Mac to be safe.

#2) Ransomware

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Mac keeps seeing its fair share of ransomware like ThiefQuest. Malware like these searches for your password and logs your keystrokes to steal your personal information and hijack your files. Ransomware is often very hard to detect.

#3) Adware

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Once adware installs itself on your Mac, your machine will be flooded with pop-ups and advertisements about potentially unwanted programs and software. Mac’s built-in security system has not yet been able to efficiently battle adware and potentially unwanted programs like malware.

#4) Trojan Horse

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Reminds you of the greek mythology of Helen of Troy, doesn’t it? Well, the name was derived from the same trojan horse. Like that trojan horse disguised as a gift with soldiers hidden inside, this malware also remains disguised as software.

Once installed, it will give backdoor access to the hackers on your system. They can then easily steal sensitive information from your system and even lock you out of it.

#5) USB and Thunderbolt Hacks

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There are plenty of stories where a MacBook was infected using a modified USB. There have been incidences of Thunderbolt security flaws as well. You will need a strong third-party antivirus program to battle this kind of threat.

#6) Spyware

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Data today is the most precious asset. Criminals do everything possible to steal your data and earn money from selling them. Spyware is designed just to steal your sensitive data. One of the recent examples is Pegasus spyware which has infected some iPhones.

#7) Phishing

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Although you might consider phishing to be a thing of history, since we are much more educated about it now, it’s not. As we grew careful, criminals grew sophisticated as well. You can never be sure you won’t fall for phishing again, even on a MacBook.

#8) Crypto Miners

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When you hear of cryptocurrency miners, do you think of LoudMiner? If you do, you are right. Criminals have attempted to use Macs for mining Bitcoin. Do you think your Mac is equipped to beat this malware?

Symptoms of Mac Infection

Viruses and malware can be very sneaky. However, there are a few telltale signs that can tell you if your Mac is infected.

1. Strange Programs: If you see new programs or icons that you haven’t seen before or downloaded, It could be an unwanted program infection.
2. Ads and Pop-ups: These are the most common signs of virus and malware infection. So, if you are getting ads and pop-ups when you are online, your Mac is definitely infected.
3. Encrypted Personal files: If you have ransomware on your Mac, you will get messages saying your personal files are encrypted.
4. Unexplained Slowdown: If your Mac becomes painfully slow suddenly, chances are it is infected.
5. Browser Redirection: If your browser keeps taking you to sites without your command, or redirecting your searches through other search engines, your machine might be infected.

Myths About Mac Malware

There was a time when Mac was the king in the PC world. Mostly because it offered state-of-the-art performance and security. However, certain myths and folklore have played a little part in it as well.

Here, we are going to debunk a few of them for you.

#1) Malware Can’t Affect Macs

In the initial days, MacBook was not as popular as PCs, partly because it was new and partly because it was extremely expensive. However, these days, the number of Mac users has gone up, and so have malware attacks.

According to a study by Malwarebytes in 2019, Windows PCs experienced just an average of 4.2 viruses per PC as compared to 9.8 viruses on Mac.

Windows makes up 77% of all desktops worldwide while Mac comprises only 17% as of December 2020. Given this data, the disparity in malware detection comes as a shock. Also, one of the second most detected malware programs in 2019 was Mac malware. So, does a MacBook need antivirus? I would say it does.

#2) Mac’s Software isn’t Vulnerable

Apple has made people believe that Mac’s software isn’t vulnerable like Windows. Although Mac comes with a strong defense system, researchers have found many vulnerabilities in mac’s software design.

#3) Mac’s Password Can Protect the System from Malware

It’s true Mac needs a password for installing software. However, it can’t protect you from malware. A virus or malware doesn’t always need to be installed to infect your system. You can get it from the malicious code of a website or an ad. Moreover, hackers, these days have become better at dressing a malware program as a legitimate one.

Things to Consider for Mac Antivirus

Does Mac come with an antivirus? Yes, it does. However, you will still need a third-party antivirus program. Although finding a fitting anti-virus can be very daunting, you can look for these below-mentioned features to find the best one for your Mac.

1. Automatic scanning for the downloaded files
2. Regular scanning for viruses and malware search
3. A threat library that keeps updating regularly
4. Detection of Adware
5. Ability to repair and reset changes made by malware
6. Top-of-the-class ratings and reviews

Suggested Reading =>>  Top best Antivirus for Mac with features

Should You go for Free or Paid Antivirus for Mac?

Of course, some of the best antiviruses are paid. However, that doesn’t mean free ones aren’t any good. There is some robust antivirus software that is free. Still, it is a matter of choice. It is worth paying a small monthly fee to keep my expensive Mac safe from viruses and malware. You don’t have to think like that.

If you have found a free antivirus, that comes highly recommended, and fulfills all your needs for security and protection, then why not?

List of the Best Antivirus for Mac

Ultimately, it is your decision if your MacBook needs a third-party antivirus or not. However, if you have made up your mind to get one, here’s a list of some of the best antivirus software for Mac we have curated especially for you.

#1) Kaspersky

Kaspersky brought a lot of new features to the table in 2022. Along with antivirus, it also offers anti-phishing, a VPN, private browsing, ad blocking, a password manager, screen time management, and a child locator with parental control.

However, it can be a bit exhausting to install it on a MacBook. Once you have installed Kaspersky, you will receive state-of-the-art protection, usability, and performance.

Pros:

• Best Antivirus
• Affordable and reasonable
• Many effective tools

Cons:

• No dedicated Mac version
• Exhausting installation process
• Some tools need separate apps

Verdict: If you want nothing but the best for your MacBook, go for this antivirus (if you can get past the installation process).

Pricing:

• Standard Plan: From $16.99 /year
• Plus Plan: From $16.99 /year
• Premium Plan: From $19.99 /year
• 30-day free trial

Website: Kaspersky

#2) Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton is one of the oldest antivirus software and is well-known as well. Unlike Kaspersky, it offers butter-like smooth installations, even for MacBooks. Norton 360 Deluxe is simple and automatic to a large extent.

Since device security is its main feature, it offers automatic protection in the background. It also delivers on-demand protection from uninvited, unwanted, and malicious software, spyware, and browser hacks.

Pros:

• Easy to use and install and extremely effective
• Covers multiple devices
• Negligible impact on the performance of the device

Cons

• Threats of ZIP files go undetected
• No macOS backup

Verdict: Even though Mac users can’t use its cloud storage, the protection it offers along with its features is reason enough to use it for Mac.

Price:

• Deluxe: $49.99 first year
• Plus: $19.99 first year
• Standard: $39.99 first year
• Select+Lifelock: $99.99 first year

Website: Norton 360 Deluxe

#3) Bitdefender

Bitdefender is yet another amazing antivirus you can use for your Mac. It protects you from browser hacks and rare malware attacks. It also secures your online activities with a VPN. These are just a few features it offers.

This is a step up from the basic features, however, still a few steps below premium security. Bitdefender offers real-time protection quietly in the background.

Pros:

• Doesn’t hamper the speed of your Mac
• Real-time protection
• Browsing protection without obstruction

Cons:

• Limited VPN
• No password manager
• No identity protection

Verdict: Even with a basic VPN, the Bitdefender suite of tools is effective and easily manageable. If you want something a little more inclined to be basic and affordable, this is the one.

Price:

• Total Security: $28.50 for 5 devices

Website: Bitdefender

#4) Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

You will not commonly find fully-featured security software for Mac. But not Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9. It is a bundle of security built purposely for Mac. It has some best0of-class features that any Mac owner will be very ecstatic to use.

Pros:

• Amazing malware protection
• Useful firewall for advanced net users
• Rightly priced for its utilities and features

Cons:

• No native browser plugin
• Doesn’t quarantine or delete malicious files automatically

Verdict: This is by far the best antivirus software we have come across. It offers a range of utilities and features for the right price.

Price:

• Mac Internet Security X9: $19.99/year/Mac
• Mac Premium Bundle X9: $29.99/year/Mac

Website: Intego

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Even though Apple has placed strong antivirus protection tools in place for Mac, it is not a security company in the end. Hence, its protection can never be as comprehensive or as good as that of security firms.

So, download a good antivirus suite for your Mac, preferably Intego or Norton 360 Deluxe. Even Bitdefender and Kaspersky are good options as well.

In this article on Does a MacBook need Antivirus, we have discussed in great detail the security features of a Mac. We have also explained to you why you need a third-party antivirus for your machine and the best options available. Hope it will help you keep your MacBook safe.

Make sure you pick the best antivirus protection. If you are getting a free one, see to it that it is from a trusted and safe source.