But you do get it along with the antivirus, at no charge, so if it does enough for you, go ahead and use it. Worth a Look. AV-Comparatives certified Avast Security as an effective Mac antivirus. Download the Avast Security for Mac setup file by clicking the button below and save it to a familiar location on your Mac. Download Avast Security Double-click the downloaded setup file avast_security_online.dmg and select Uninstall Avast.

Apple has frequently said that Macs don’t get infected by viruses. This is true, but not because macOS is inherently better than Windows. While the operating system does have some protections that can make viruses less powerful, that doesn’t mean macOS is airtight. And while Macs are rarely targeted by viruses, it pays to be careful. Reputable malware scanning software or antivirus software is a good addition to any secure system.

Do Macs Needs Antivirus Software?

Macs aren’t immune to viruses, but they also aren’t typically targeted by attackers. The platform simply doesn’t have a large enough user base to make it worth the time for attackers to custom-build specific attack packages for the operation system’s unique features. The Unix-based macOS operating system is fundamentally different from Windows in a number of ways, meaning that any attacker hoping to infect Macs would need to create custom code tailored specifically to the operating system. Furthermore, macOS runs in a sandboxed environment, making it more difficult for errant programs to take control of your system.

Since Macs still represent only a sliver of market share, an enterprising hacker would get more bang for their buck by focusing on the most popular operating systems. Like spam and phishing attacks, virus distribution relies on the law of large numbers. Without a specific target, attackers will get the greatest benefit by distributing compatible malicious code to as many computers as possible. This increases the likelihood that they’ll encounter a vulnerable system, improving the odds that their attack will succeed.

Thanks to a smaller market share and an incompatible software environment, Macs don’t need antivirus software like Windows computers do. While any computer can benefit from the protection of well-made and updated antivirus software, it’s not an essential operating requirement for Macs. This has lead to a couple of smug ads from Apple on the topic, which is sort of ironic. If the Mac was more popular, the machines would likely need more robust antivirus protection.

Do Mac Viruses Exist?

Avast For Mac Review

This doesn’t mean attacks never happen, however. Back in 2014 a hacker was able to create a nearly 20,000-strong botnet with the iWorm malware. In 2012 the Flashback vulnerability in Java affected more than 500,000 Macs, prompting Apple to issue a security update to OS X Lion to patch the vulnerability. More recently, encryption malware known as KeRanger was distributed inside a popular BitTorrent client for macOS. And according to Malwarebytes, Mac malware in 2017 increased by 230% throughout 2016. Macs certainly can get viruses, and Mac-specific viruses and malware do exist. They’re just far less common than the Windows equivalent.

Are Macs Vulnerable to Other Attacks?

While Macs don’t require antivirus software, they’re still vulnerable to other attack vectors. This includes email-based phishing attacks or browser-based cross-site scripting or man-in-the-middle attacks. And potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like Mac Defender are voluntarily installed by the user but include malicious features and can’t be easily removed. Mac users are not automatically immune from the threats of the Internet, and users still must practice safe browsing habits.

What Antivirus Software Should I Get?

For security-conscious users, there are several reliable options for macOS antivirus software. It’s not mandatory, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Bitdefender: this antivirus software stands at the top of AV Test’s antivirus rankings, blocking 100% of threats in those tests. It also has little impact on your system, so you won’t see slowdowns while scanning or during real-time protection.

ClamAV: Windows or Linux users might be familiar with this open-source, multi-platform suite for detecting viruses and malware. It’s long-lived, well-respected software, and it has a great Mac version.

Sophos Home: This free consumer version of the Sophos enterprise security software works in Windows and macOS. In addition to detecting viruses and malware, it also protects against web-based attacks in real time.

Avast Security Review

Malwarebytes: Another much-loved malware detection tool for Windows, Malwarebytes also offers a Mac version. It’s fast, with a focus on real-time protection rather than scheduled scans. It sports a great reputation for removing PUPs, but it won’t scan macOS for Windows viruses. This could potentially allow those viruses to be unknowingly distributed to Windows computers. (Optional: Get 25% off Malwarebytes Premium)

Avast: Avast’s free software detects viruses and malware. It also proactively protects against web-based threats like unsafe websites and email attachments. Unfortunately, it’s also known for imposing a heavy load on system resources to offer these real-time features.

Do you think you need/want to install antivirus on your Mac? Chime in in the comments section below.

It's a free world out there. Free maps, free navigation, free calls on the Internet, free email, free apps for smartphones — but should you trust your digital security to a free program?

For Windows users, some measure of security is needed on every computer. Malware, botnets, keyloggers and viruses are daily nuisances and constant threats.

MORE: Best Identity-Theft Protection Software

Antivirus software companies have certainly profited from this fact, but there are also plenty of free options, including free basic programs from the same developers that also offer for-pay packages.

On the free side are some solid and reputable antivirus programs for Windows machines. Avast Free Antivirus, Avira Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free and Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition are just a few.

Microsoft itself even offers Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows Vista and Windows 7. On Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, it's rebranded as Windows Defender and built into the system. Either version will scan your system for bad actors and keep a constant vigil on downloaded files.

There are many more paid anti-virus programs from such well-known names as Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton/Symantec and Kaspersky Lab. Paid programs generally offer a slew of additional features, which can be helpful or overkill, depending on what kind of computer owner you are — cautious or geeky.

Avast's Internet Security package ($49.95 for one PC for one year), for example, has several features lacking in the company's free version, such as a sophisticated spam filter. It also opens particularly sensitive activities, such as online banking or trading, in a new desktop so that other programs can't purloin passwords or account numbers.

There are usually three levels of paid-subscription packages. Bitdefender, for example, has a $59.95 package (for three PCs) called Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. A step up is a $79.95 suite named Bitdefender Internet Security that adds parental controls, a two-way firewall and other features. But if you opt for the company's $89.95 Bitdefender Total Security package, you'll also get system performance checks and an anti-theft tool.

McAfee's Total Protection package ($89.99 for three PCs) is another example of a complete package, which also includes parental controls, online backup, home networking security features and spam filtering. It also lets owners encrypt particularly sensitive files to secure them in case a PC is stolen — ideal for laptop users.

The same, but different

Avast Security For Mac

In terms of basic performance in catching infections, anecdotal testing shows that the free and for-pay products were about the same. Some were faster than others, but more expensive software wasn't as a rule faster than the free options.

The only noticeable difference between the gratis and the paid programs was when it came to detecting some new threats, such as a website laced with newly created malware. Paid products, with their more elaborate system-behavior monitors, are more likely to pick those up and to warn you about other possible dangers.

Some users have complained about seeing more false warnings from free programs. There's a work-around for this, also free. When a suspicious file is tagged and you're not sure if it's safe to delete it, you can upload it to Virus Total (http://www.virustotal.com/), which will submit the suspect to scores of antivirus-engine interrogations and present you with results.

The primary differences between the free and pay products comes down to features — some of which can be extremely important — and ease of use.

Free programs generally offer no telephone technical support. This can be a deal-breaker for any small business, or a family with multiple computer users. Free programs don't, as a rule, offer parental controls that can keep kids off inappropriate sites or warn them about cyberstalking and bullying.

Free programs often also include advertising. This can be negligible, but ceaseless pop-up boxes pestering you to sign up for the paid version of whatever you're using can be quite distracting. Some free programs now try to change your web browser's home page and default search engine, which annoys us greatly.

In the you-get-what-you-pay-for category, the paid programs are usually easier to install and run, and have fewer conflicts with other applications. You'll also find that should you lock down your system too tightly, it's easier with paid programs to select specific features and shut them off, or to set rules and behavioral exceptions.

The primary differences between free and paid anti-virus software, however, involve the additional features you get when you pay for a one-year license. There are the aforementioned parental controls, but you'll also find more elaborate firewalls to prevent intrusions, and performance and conflict scans for Windows PCs. The paid programs also look for suspicious behavior, such as a program attempting to access files it shouldn't.

In addition, McAfee's makers point out that most free programs do not rate or assess the legitimacy of websites or warn about the latest phishing scams.

Who needs what?

If you have a small business, a complete suite is a better alternative. Technical support will prove essential should an employee or virus bring down your computers. Furthermore, features that allow you to block certain types of sites can keep employees from straying to begin with.

Parents may also consider buying a full-fledged program. Not only can the additional controls be helpful, but the additional warnings about phishing can educate younger users. There are also home-networking features, offered by the likes of McAfee, that can prevent freeloaders from using the family Wi-Fi.

For the rest of us, one of the better free packages, such as Avira Free Antivirus, may be sufficient. They are usually kept up-to-date with the latest virus signatures for scanning and monitoring, and their malware-scanning performance is comparable to their more expensive counterparts.

If you are diligent enough to download and install a free antivirus application, then you need to be more careful than most people when you're online. You may not need the added protection a $50 or $80 program affords, but should also be the type of person who isn't likely to open links in strange emails or fall for false ads on malicious websites. In other words, you shouldn't be in much danger to begin with.

One last issue to consider, though, is that while you can often add other free software to cover other issues that paid antivirus software offers, such as parental controls, or use those that are built into some browsers, mixing and matching can quickly get complicated.

Do You Need Avast Security For Mac 2018

Whenever there's a conflict with another program or a warning about a possible security threat, it can be difficult to tell which of several products you may be using is causing the problem. Does a setting in the free Windows firewall protection need to be reset, or is there another program blocking the software you want to access on the Web?

Do You Need Avast Security For Mac Os X

Ultimately, if you do go the free route, don't just click on the first 'free antivirus program' button you see, whether it's a pop-up ad or the result of a Google search. Those are often malicious programs looking to infect a PC. Stick with one of the applications mentioned in this story.

Avast Security For Mac Review

Follow Tom's Guide at @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.