In short, yes, you do need antivirus for your Mac. Mac computers are not immune to viruses, and other malware and Mac-targeted attacks are increasingly prevalent. Following best practices for securing your device and using built-in security features can help, but antivirus software can protect your device even further.
Does Mac Book.need Security Software
Mac software is based on Unix, which comes with its own security features. This is one reason Mac has remained relatively secure. Mac also provides built-in security measures to help combat malware, including:
There are a few things that you can do in order to help protect your Mac from getting infected with a virus. First, you should keep your Mac up-to-date with the latest software updates. Apple releases security updates on a regular basis, and these can help patch vulnerabilities that might be exploited by viruses.
It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. AV software is not intended to, and does not, defend against such attacks.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
Using AV software sets you up for double exploitation: by malware attackers, from whom the software doesn't protect you, and by the AV industry itself. The latter will often try to hook you with a free loss-leader product so it can charge you for "upgrades" later.
11. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by AV software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
Avast: Avast, which places No. 1 in our rating of the Best Antivirus for Macs, comes in two forms: Avast Antivirus and the newer Avast One. The basic versions of both forms of the software are free for individuals. Both Avast and Avast One also have upgraded versions that include features like a virtual private network (VPN) and system cleaning and tuning tools. As an antivirus package, Avast Free Antivirus ranks very well in independent lab tests, as does Avast One. Avast antivirus software protects against viruses, ransomware, and other malware, along with phishing, Wi-Fi intrusion, and other cybersecurity threats. Renewal prices for the paid packages range from $69.99 to $139.99 a year, depending on features and the number of devices covered.
Norton: Completing the three-way tie for No. 2 in our rating, Norton is a veteran in the computer security industry with well-regarded antivirus software. Its team of researchers uses machine learning and other techniques to stop new threats. This process runs each file in a virtual environment to identify cybersecurity threats. Norton also stores virus signatures in the cloud. Norton antivirus subscriptions are pricey but full featured, including a generous cloud data allowance. The company also offers a 100% protection promise and a full refund if a virus can't be removed. The highest packages include robust parental controls. Standard pricing ranges from $59.99 a year for a single Mac to $124.99 a year for 10 Macs or other Apple devices. Like Bitdefender, professional reviewers rate Norton's antivirus software highly for its effectiveness.
Trend Micro: Coming in at No. 9 in on our list, Trend Micro focuses primarily on business security software but also has antivirus products for consumers. Trend Micro offers an effective, easy-to-use security package that blocks viruses, ransomware, and other malware quickly and efficiently. A stand-alone antivirus package called Antivirus+ Security costs $39.95 a year after the first year. Trend Micro Maximum Security includes parental controls and covers up to five users for $89.95 per year after the first year. Trend Micro Premium Security Suite, which covers up to 10 devices and includes dark web monitoring and a VPN, is regularly priced at $129.95 per year. A password manager, identity theft protection, and a VPN are available for an additional fee.
If you have one or more internet-connected devices, like a laptop, tablet, or phone, you need antivirus software regardless of what operating system it uses. However, don't rely on the software to keep you safe by itself. John Hawes, chief operating officer of the international nonprofit AMTSO, says you still need to take commonsense security precautions. These include setting strong passwords, ignoring links in emails from unknown recipients (which could be phishing attempts), and providing important personal information, like your Social Security Number, only to legitimate recipients. We also recommend installing a firewall, setting parental controls, and installing a good password manager. All of these steps will help protect you from harm, such as identity theft.
That said, antivirus software provides a critical extra layer of protection. This kind of software can detect spyware, adware, viruses, and other malware that you might not know is there until it steals your data or does other damages. Andreas Marx, a managing director at testing lab AV-Test, says that hackers invent more than 350,000 new types of malware daily. To deal with this, antivirus software is regularly updated to detect as many of these threats as possible.
Ease of Use: If the software offers a free trial, take advantage of it to make sure the program is easy to use and doesn't slow down your computer. In addition, contact customer service during the free trial to see if they're responsive and helpful.
Craig Federighi, Apple's chief of software engineering, appeared in court in May 2021 during the Epic Games v. Apple trial. He explained the security features of Apple devices and how the Mac has different security than the iPhone.
The best ways to prevent a virus infection involves stopping infected emails, routing around infected websites, and downloading software from trusted sources. Basic safety practices combined with a Mac's built-in security features mean that antivirus software isn't needed for most people.
Standard features of phishing emails include "too good to be true" offers, such as saying the victim won a free iPhone. Or, an email attachment will infect the victim's computer with a virus, in which case antivirus software does come in handy.
One of the most critical lines of defense against malware is keeping software up to date. Updates to apps and operating systems often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities found in an older software versions.
Apple is improving this experience with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and other new upgrades coming in fall 2022. A feature called Rapid Security Response decouples security patches from software updates so the OS will protect users faster than ever.
To really protect your Mac, one of the best things you can do is update to the latest version of macOS and turn on auto-updates for all your apps. The latest versions of the software have all the security fixes that developers know about, so they are a good place to start.
If you're looking for any parental controls or webcam blockers, the free version of AVG won't have it. It just offers scanning and detection features, which are good enough for basic security needs. Unfortunately, the full system scan does cause your computer to perform slowly, and you can expect it to take several minutes (or hours) to complete.
Like some other antivirus software on this list, Comodo also stays up-to-date on the latest virus signatures to protect you from all types of malware. Just remember that Comodo doesn't automatically protect you online. You'll have to download the free Comodo Online Security browser extension if you want to block any dangerous websites. 2ff7e9595c
コメント