Jun 11, 2020. Apple very quickly shipped security patches to protect against this vulnerability and published a detailed support document that Mac users who handle particularly sensitive data should read. Jun 09, 2020.

2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it 'XProtect.' The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.

The following caveats apply to XProtect:

• It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
• It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.

3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated ' Gatekeeper' by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)

Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:

• It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
• A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
• An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.

For the reasons given above, App Store products, and other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. 'Sandboxed' applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. OS X security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.

4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a 'Malware Removal Tool' (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.

5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called 'trojan horses,' which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.

That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?

• Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” 'player,' 'extractor,' or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
• A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the 'DNSChanger' malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
• Pirated copies or 'cracks' of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
• Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
• Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube 'downloaders' are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
• Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
• Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.

6. Java on the Web ( not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.

Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.

Why shouldn't you use commercial 'anti-virus' products?

• Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
• In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
• By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.

8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have 'phishing' links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.

A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe

ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.

Rank	1	2	3	4	5	6
Intego Internet Security X9	Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac	Norton Security Deluxe	Panda Antivirus for Mac	Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac	F-Secure SAFE for Mac
The lowest price:
Information
€ 49,99	€ 39,99	€ 49,99	€ 56,09	€ 49,95	€ 59,95
Temporary Discount Code	€ 39,99
Security score:
Protection score	99%	99%	99%	98%	98%	98%
Various Functions:
Anti-malware
Anti-phishing
Anti-ransomware
Anti-spyware
Antivirus
E-mail Protection
License multiple devices
USB Check
Parental supervision
2-way Firewall
Help & Support:
Telephone Support
E-mail / Contact Form
Live Chat
24/7
Supported Operating systems:
macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
Windows
iOS
Android
Certificates:
AV-Test Certificates
Performance Test A+
Virus Bulletin 100 Award

Best antivirus for Mac in 2020

Earlier this month, TopReviews has once again taken a closer look at and extensively tested several antivirus packages. 17 antivirus packages for Mac were tested this time. The test was conducted using operating system macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave and Apple’s newest operating system: macOS Catalina. The previous test took place in February 2020. In the meantime, several virus scanners were updated so it was high time to thoroughly test these antivirus packages again.

For the Mac antivirus test we have only tested antivirus packages and internet security packages. There are a great number of combined packages available, for instance MacKeeper, available for €59,95. These type of software packages have a lot of open source tools enclosed in the software. This has a disadvantage that a great number of unused applications will be automatically installed on your PC and cannot be deleted. We recommend that you buy an antivirus or internet security package and download other tools separately if you need them.

The antivirus program “Mac Internet Security X9” by Intego was best in the antivirus test of April 2020 (macOS). It was followed by “Bitdefender antivirus for Mac 2020” and “Norton Security Deluxe 2020”. The antivirus program by Intego is therefore recommended for consumers.

All antivirus software is accurately tested on the following points:

• Installation and configuration procedure
• Protection/reliability
• Ease of use
• Functions and options
• The removal of viruses and malware
• Stability/PC performance

It is important for an antivirus program to do its work properly. For “Protection/reliability” we have checked how accurate it is with the most recent viruses and malware attacks, also known as “zero-day malware”. We have also tested whether the packages give false reports during user actions.

We have used active viruses and rootkits to extensively test the “Removal of viruses and malware”. Besides the detection of threats, the software also needs to be able to isolate and/or delete malware.

For “Stability/PC performance” we have looked at the performance of the system during the start-up procedure and with actions of the user.

The test summary is as follows:

Things to look for when buying antivirus software for Mac

There are large differences between antivirus packages. Just like other consumer products you have good, average and bad products. On this page we review the best antivirus software for Mac at the moment. When it matters, antivirus software can make a difference. It needs to protect when you need it. But the software cannot be a bother during the daily use of your Mac.

In the text below we discuss a number of important points to look out for. Amongst others, the points mentioned are tested in the Mac antivirus test.

Protection

These days a good virus scanner does not only protect against viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. It also has to protect against new threats like phishing, e-mail threats and ransom ware. Of course you cannot compare antivirus software to packages as total security, but they have to be able to protect against as many threats as they can.

Installation and configuration procedure

It should not take all day to install the antivirus software. From download to the first scan it should be easy and clear to use. Configuration of the antivirus software should be just as clear and simple.

Easy to use

Antivirus software is complicated and often very extensive with many functions. The best antivirus programs have all the functions that Mac experts like to work with. But they also have to be easy to use for a novice. A good virus scanner works independently so the user does not have to take any action.

Components

The more options for protection an antivirus product offers the better. This gives more possibilities and offers better security, usability and performance.

Updates

Antivirus software is only as good as its last update was. Modern antivirus software installs updates independently and continuously downloads smaller updates. This ensures that you are not inconvenienced by it and there is hardly any loss of performance for your Mac. The best developers of antivirus use push updates in their software. This means that the updates are installed on your computer as soon as they are available.

Help and support

The best antivirus software offers more than extensive manuals. It is very important that, in case of a problem, you can contact the manufacturer with specific questions. The best manufacturers of antivirus products offer good product support online as well as offline. Extra support is offered by telephone, e-mail, live chat and extra means as: FAQ’s and tutorials.

The best antivirus software is effective, efficient and easy to use. Combined with the right functions and an easy/usable interface. The best antivirus offers good security at the right price.

Mac Antivirus: 13 reasons why good Internet security is necessary for your Apple

1. Your Mac is vulnerable

One of the most persistent antivirus myths is that “Mac computers don’t catch viruses”. To get straight to the point: Mac computers are not immune to viruses, trojans, backdoors, adware, spyware or other malicious programs (malware).

It is true that few successful viruses have been written for the Apple operating system in practice. Because of the nature of OS X and its security model it is more difficult than for Windows. But it’s not impossible!

2. Apple ever more popular

Over the past years, Apple has considerably gained on its competition in the computer business. This renders OS X a lot more attractive for cyber criminals.

3. Pitfall for many Mac users

Mac OS X, the supplied applications, and third-party applications have vulnerabilities in their security systems, just like Windows and Linux. Considering that malware:

• Erases your data,
• Gains access to your personal information,
• Blocks the use of your Mac, or
• Manipulates web pages to generate advertising proceeds,

Do you care whether it was due to a virus, to an attack launched through a website, or to a trojan? However it happened, your Mac is now contaminated with annoying malware or adware that you surely want to get rid of.

4. Secure and carefree surfing

Mac antivirus carefully monitors your online activities. On the one hand, by scanning the Internet traffic for programs that show anomalous behaviour. In the automatic setting, the Internet security itself arrests suspect activities. On the other hand, by advising you on the relative safety of the webpages you want to visit. In search engines such as Google you will see immediately what pages are safe and which aren’t.

5. Reduced risk of phishing and ransomware

Phishing websites fish for personal and confidential information. They tempt you to abandon log-in data, or even banking information. You’ll receive, for example, an e-mail from what seems to be your trusted bank, with a link in it. Before you know it, you’ll be re-routed to the “official” website. The site is in fact fake and is being run by hackers. Leaving your data with the wrong people once can have dramatic consequences. Ransomware takes it a step further by kidnapping certain parts of your computer. They are released again against payment of a ransom. Phishing attempts and ransomware usually are difficult to identify and resolve on your Mac. Virus scanners have advanced tools that stand up to the challenge.

6. Prevents break-in attempts

Malware on your Mac is one thing. Continuous access to the Web amounts to a bigger threat. Criminals, for example, hack your personal data through your browser. Apple, admittedly, is running a more orderly shop than other computer companies. The built-in security mechanisms of OS X function more efficaciously than in Windows. But hackers are still able to gain access to your Apple Mac, and all of your personal files.

Best Antivirus For Mac Recommended By Apple

7. Secure for your family

You often lack the time to keep track of your child’s online behaviour. The well-known Mac Internet security apps do this for you. They tell you immediately, or afterwards, what websites have been visited. Or they intervene when your son or daughter is about to visit a website with damaging content. You can also limit the time your children spend on the Internet. More expensive packages take it one step further. They dispose of scan tools that search social networks such as Facebook for settings that reveal undesirable levels of personal information about your kids.

8. Prevents you from infecting friends and colleagues

Advanced malware can use your Mac computer as a starting point to infect other Windows or Linux computers. For example through e-mail or a USB-stick. In order to combat these covert, malicious programs some Mac anti-virus software scans for Windows and Linux malware. Your Mac remains tidy and you’ll remain close to your contacts.

Best Antivirus Software For Mac 2019

9. Saves disk space

Compared to Windows, there are few viruses and other malware for OS X. Windows and Linux malware is still a nuisance for your Mac. Malevolent software might not operate on your system, but it does occupy disk space and slows the system.

10. Extra attention to Internet traffic

Firewalls go beyond standard protection. They manage the data flow from and towards your Mac. Though OS X is supplied with a proper firewall, the latest generation of Mac anti-virus products add to it a powerful functionality.

11. Storage devices automatically co-protected

Securing your devices doesn’t finish with your Mac computer. Most anti-virus apps automatically scan peripheral devices for malware, for example storage disks.

12. Connected iOS devices immediately checked for malware too

Connected iPads, iPods, and iPhones are scanned to make sure nothing is hiding among your apps.

13. Expensive

Let’s be frank: Apple Mac computers are pretty pricy. It can’t hurt to dedicate some extra care. After all, you keep your valuable possessions under lock and key, don’t you?

We’ve taken a look at the best anti-viruses for Mac and assessed them. You can read about the one that is most interesting to you below.

Intego Internet Security X9

Protect your Apple computer even more with Intego Mac Internet Security X9. In this article you will read about the benefits of internet security for Apple computers and why Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is a good buy.

Bitdefender Antivirus Mac 2020

Bitdefender Antivirus Mac 2020 protects you effectively and quietly against cybercrime. Is the package also up to the challenge when faced with the newest and most complex malware? Read here why Bitdefender Antivirus Mac 2020 is counted among the best internet security bundles of the moment.

Norton Security Deluxe

Norton Security Deluxe is a robust antivirus software program that offers solid protection against all types of malware such as viruses

Panda Antivirus for Mac 2020

The Panda antivirus package is lightning fast and working from the cloud has its advantages. But don’t count on many extra features.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Trend Micro software not only locates viruses and evil malware, but also removes viruses very easily. In addition, the software is noiseless and gives no delays or unnecessary notifications.

F-Secure Antivirus

F-Secure Antivirus delivers swift Internet security without too much ado.