We all must have heard most of the Mac users say that 'Mac doesn't need antivirus software' and believe that Mac OS X protects you against all threats already. However, recent findings suggest that Mac is not immune to viruses, trojans, backdoors, adware, spyware, and other nefarious applications.
I don't have many applications installed on my Mac. Am I protected from threats?
Ten years ago the first thing you needed to load on a brand new computer were anti-virus and malware applications. The internet was a mine field of malicious content that could infect your entire. If your macbook has a inbuilt antivirus the you do no need an antivirus. If there is no antivirus then you should get a antivirus. You need to get an antivirus with a good reputation. Do not get free antiviruses because there is no such thing as a free antivirus. Despite constant claims that the Mac is immune to computer cooties, some folks remain unconvinced. Do or do you not need antivirus/security software?
- I’ve lost track of the number of times Mac users have told me Macs don’t need virus protection because the machines are inherently more robust against such attacks.
- Even Macs Need Antivirus Protection. The myth that Macs don’t suffer malware attacks has been.
- The default applications on Mac OS, and other third-party applications have and will continue to have security issues or the vulnerabilities that can allow some form of attack. Most recently, a new vulnerability 'Bash Bug' or 'ShellShock' was discovered that potentially affects most versions of the Linux and UNIX operating systems, in addition to Mac OS X. Learn more about this vulnerability and how Norton for Mac protects from the Bash Bug.
I visit only known websites on Mac. Why should I install an antivirus?
Antivirus Not Needed For Macs
- There is an increasing threat from the software attacks that take advantage of vulnerable web browsers. A trend has been observed whereby new software vulnerabilities are exploited and directed at web browsers through use of compromised or malicious websites. Number of factors makes this problem worse, including the following:
- You may click on links without considering the risks of their actions.
- Website addresses can be disguised or take you to an unexpected site.
- Certain web browsers are configured to provide increased functionality at the cost of decreased security.
- Many websites require that you enable certain features or install more software, putting the computer at additional risk.
However, there are some cases where Antivirus software may be needed. For example:- If you need to use older software containing known vulnerabilities, such as older versions of Java or Flash.
- If you use a Mac in an environment where antivirus software is required
- If you frequently trade files with Windows users and don't want to be accused of passing on a Windows virus
- If you want the peace of mind and don't mind installing a software that may interfere with the normal operation of your system
- If you can't be bothered to give any thought to what you download, though this is a very dangerous attitude in today's Internet world.
- If you are not at all tech savvy and have trouble accurately determining what is trustworthy and what is not
- If there is a major change in the malware affecting Mac users
We design Mac hardware and software with advanced technologies that work together to run apps more securely, protect your data, and help keep you safe on the web. And with macOS Catalina available as a free upgrade, it’s easy to get the most secure version of macOS for your Mac.*
Apple T2 chip.
The next generation of security.
The Apple T2 Security Chip — included with many newer Mac models — keeps your Mac safer than ever. The Secure Enclave coprocessor in the Apple T2 chip provides the foundation for Touch ID, secure boot, and encrypted storage capabilities. Touch ID gives you a seamless way to use your fingerprint to unlock your Mac, fill passwords in Safari, and make purchases with Apple Pay. Secure boot helps ensure that you are running trusted operating system software from Apple, while the Apple T2 chip automatically encrypts the data on your Mac. So you can be confident knowing that security has been designed right into the architecture of your Mac, from the ground up.
Apple helps you keep your Mac secure with software updates.
The best way to keep your Mac secure is to run the latest software. When new updates are available, macOS sends you a notification — or you can opt in to have updates installed automatically when your Mac is not in use. macOS checks for new updates every day, so it’s easy to always have the latest and safest version.
Protection starts at the core.
The technically sophisticated runtime protections in macOS work at the very core of your Mac to keep your system safe from malware. This starts with state-of-the-art antivirus software built in to block and remove malware. Technologies like XD (execute disable), ASLR (address space layout randomization), and SIP (system integrity protection) make it difficult for malware to do harm, and they ensure that processes with root permission cannot change critical system files.
Download apps safely from the Mac App Store. And the internet.
Now apps from both the App Store and the internet can be installed worry-free. App Review makes sure each app in the App Store is reviewed before it’s accepted. Gatekeeper on your Mac ensures that all apps from the internet have already been checked by Apple for known malicious code — before you run them the first time. If there’s ever a problem with an app, Apple can quickly stop new installations and even block the app from launching again.
Stay in control of what data apps can access.
Apps need your permission to access files in your Documents, Downloads, and Desktop folders as well as in iCloud Drive and external volumes. And you’ll be prompted before any app can access the camera or mic, capture keyboard activity, or take a photo or video of your screen.
FileVault 2 encrypts your data.
With FileVault 2, your data is safe and secure — even if your Mac falls into the wrong hands. FileVault 2 encrypts the entire drive on your Mac, protecting your data with XTS-AES 128 encryption. And on Mac systems with an Apple T2 Security Chip, FileVault 2 keys are created and protected by the Secure Enclave for even more security.
Designed to protect your privacy.
The most secure browser for your Mac is the one that comes with your Mac. Built-in privacy features in Safari, like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, help keep your browsing your business. Automatic strong passwords make it easy to create and use unique passwords for all the sites you visit. And iCloud Keychain syncs those passwords securely across all your devices, so you don’t have to remember them. You can also easily find and upgrade any weak passwords you’ve previously used (and reused and reused and reused).
Automatic protections from harmful sites.
Safari also helps safeguard you against fraudulent websites and those that harbor malware — before you visit them. If a website seems suspicious, Safari prevents it from loading and notifies you. And when connecting to unencrypted sites, Safari will warn you. So everything you need to browse without worry is right at your fingertips.
Find your missing Mac with Find My.
Do I Need Antivirus Software On My Mac
The Find My app combines Find My iPhone and Find My Friends into a single, easy-to-use app on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Find My can help you locate a missing Mac — even if it’s offline or sleeping — by sending out Bluetooth signals that can be detected by nearby Apple devices. These devices then relay the detected location of your Mac to iCloud so you can locate it in the Find My app. It’s all anonymous and encrypted end-to-end so no one — including Apple — knows the identity of any reporting device or the location of your Mac. And it all happens silently using tiny bits of data that piggyback on existing network traffic. So there’s no need to worry about your battery life, your data usage, or your privacy being compromised.
Keep your Mac safe.
Even if it’s in the wrong hands.
All Mac models with the Apple T2 Security Chip support Activation Lock — just like your iPhone or iPad. So if your Mac is ever misplaced or lost, the only person who can erase and reactivate it is you.