If Avast doesn't open immediately after installing, double-click its icon on the Windows desktop. Alternatively, you can click the Start menu and type avast into Start, then click the 'Avast Free Antivirus' app icon in the Start menu. On Mac, open a new Finder window, click Go in the menu bar at the top and then click Applications in the drop-down menu. Mac Tip #7 — Security basics. Plus, always follow these basic security tips to stay safe online: Install only apps you trust from the Apple App Store and other official websites.

First things first: yes, your Mac needs virus protection. While malware that targets Macs isn't nearly as common as malware that goes after Windows, it does exist and is a growing problem.

Viruses specifically may not yet be the major concern for the Mac but there are many different kinds of malware to worry about: things like ​trojans, adware, ransomware, spyware, and lots of other dangerous wares so keeping your computer protected is smart.

Our advice? If you're not using an antimalware program for Mac yet, it's time! Below you'll find the 4 best ones we've found, any of which will keep your Mac safe from these growing threats.

If you're here because your Mac is already infected with some form of malware, try using a friend's Mac to create an emergency Mac OS boot device and then use that to download and install one of these antivirus apps to detect and remove the suspected malware.

Not on a Mac? Check out our updated best free Windows antivirus software and best free Android antivirus apps lists.

Avast Free Mac Security

What We Like

• Detects several types of malware.

• Blocks your computer from sending and receiving viruses in emails.

• Able to minimize its impact on system resources.

• Includes other security tools.

What We Don't Like

• Some features only work in the pro edition.

• Might take a while to install.

Avast Free Mac Security uses a traditional signature-based method to scan files on your Mac for known malware, Trojans, and viruses. Avast can root out rootkits and other methods that a hacker uses to gain control and is able to pry open compressed files to scan their content.

Beside malware designed for the Mac, Avast also looks for PC malware to help keep cross-platform infections from occurring. You don’t want to be the person sending off infected email attachments to your PC friends.

Avast uses real-time detection that runs in the background. Avast, like other antivirus apps that continually run in the background, can have an impact on your Mac's performance. Avast, however, gives you the option of using its real-time detection, or a scheduling system that can have less impact on your Mac's performance.

• Scheduled scans allow you to set the time for Avast for Mac to run its routine scans for the presence of malware. Moving the scheduled time to when it will least impact your workload is a big plus.
• File shield can check all of the files on your Mac for nefarious content. Files can also be checked by file type or location on your Mac.
• Web shield blocks unsafe websites from loading or downloads from those sites from occurring.
• Mail shield prevents dangerous email attachments from downloading or from being executed.
• Local network scan makes sure your home network and all connected devices are free from vulnerabilities that hackers could make use of to steal personal data.

Avast uses real-time detection that runs in the background. Avast, like other antivirus apps that continually run in the background, can have an impact on your Mac's performance. Avast, however, gives you the option of using its real-time detection, or a scheduling system that can have less impact on your Mac's performance.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

What We Like

• Easy to set up and forget about.

• Finds malware automatically.

• Includes lots of really great features.

• Has a lightweight footprint.

What We Don't Like

• The free version is limited in several important ways.

Bitdefender offers two security apps for the Mac a free Virus Scanner for Mac and the paid Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. Both use the same Bitdefender engine for finding and removing malware, but Virus Scanner for Mac uses a manual approach to scanning your Mac, while Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is loaded with features to make the process simple and, if you want to, as automatic as possible to ensure you are never the victim of a malware attack.

Avast

In fact, the Autopilot feature works so well that you can just about turn it on and forget about it, knowing that your Mac is protected from current and future threats from malware as well as ransomware, which is on the upswing in the hacking world.

• Time Machine Protection monitors your Time Machine backups and prevents ransomware attacks that may try to encrypt or remove your backups.
• Safe File allows you to specify folders that will be continuously monitored, preventing unauthorized apps from making changes to these folders.
• Adware removal can free your Mac from annoying ads, unwanted browser add-ons, and browser toolbars that may be added without your consent.
• Traffic Light browser extension works with Safari, Chrome, and Firefox to add advance phishing detection to your browser and warn you of dangerous websites.

Bitdefender makes use of traditional signature-based detection system as well as behavioral-pattern recognition. To help keep its database of devious malware types up to date, Bitdefender uses a cloud-based data collection system that stores the most recently detected Mac malware, adware, and ransomware information, allowing all Bitdefender users to have the latest updated detection system.

Malwarebytes for Mac

What We Like

• It's always active and running to find threats.

• Provides advanced options that can be tweaked to your desires.

• Doesn't use up lots of memory or CPU.

What We Don't Like

• The free version only works in manual mode (i.e., it can't catch malware automatically).

Malwarebytes for Mac has been a top choice for finding and removing Mac-based malware ever since its early appearance as Adware Medic.

Now under the guidance of Malwarebytes, the app retains its free ability to find and remove malware but has also expanded its capabilities to offer a premium paid version that can actively prevent Mac virus, spyware, and malware infections. It can also keep adware and unwanted apps from finding a home on your Mac.

• Detects and removes adware targeting Macs without requiring a separate browser add-on.
• Real-time protection can be disabled, allowing you to scan only when you wish.
• Includes an uninstaller for removing the Malwarebytes app.
• Low system overhead even with background scanning enabled.

Malwarebytes uses a signature-based system to determine the presence of Mac malware. The signature list can be updated as often as once per hour. Malware that is discovered can be automatically quarantined for easy removal at a later date.

Sophos Home for Mac

What We Like

• Provides real-time threat detection.

• Identifies and removes various types of malware.

• Includes unique features such as remote management.

• Protects against web threats via filtering.

What We Don't Like

• Several features are not included in the free edition.

• You must provide personal details to download the free version.

• It has a relatively large setup file.

Sophos has been a leader in business-grade antivirus and security protection apps for PCs and Macs for years. Sophos brings the same business-grade security system to the personal Mac (there is also a PC version) user for free.

Sophos Home for Mac can protect every Mac in your home from malware, viruses, and ransomware. It also can protect your web browsing from stumbling across inappropriate websites that may contain phishing schemes or malware.

Sophos uses signature-based as well as heuristic-based behavioral detection to monitor the unusual behavior of apps to identify suspicious activity. Like most antivirus apps for the Mac, Sophos can detect Windows-based threats as well, helping to prevent cross-platform contamination.

• Remote management allows you to monitor, configure and control Sophos Home on up to ten Macs or PCs.
• Parental controls can block viewing inappropriate websites while keeping a log of such web visit attempts for later review.
• Background scanning had a low impact on overall performance.
• On-demand scanning allows you to initiate a scan at any time.

Sophos runs primarily in the background scanning your Mac and detecting if malware or related threats are present whenever you download, copy, or open a file or folder. The scanner can also examine compressed files to make sure files contained within are safe.

Download and installation

What are the system requirements for Avast Security?

The system requirements for Avast Security and Avast Premium Security are:

• Apple macOS 10.14.x (Mojave), Apple macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra), Apple macOS 10.12.x (Sierra), Apple Mac OS X 10.11.x (El Capitan), Apple Mac OS X 10.10.x (Yosemite).
• Intel based Mac computer with 64-bit processor.
• 512 MB RAM or above (1 GB RAM or higher preferred).
• 256 MB minimum hard disk free space.
• Internet connection (to download and register the product, for automatic updates of the program and virus database).
• Optimally standard screen resolution not less than 1024 x 768 pixels.

How do I download and install Avast Security?

To download and install Avast Security or Avast Premium Security:

1. Click the link below to download the Avast Security setup file:
2. Double-click the downloaded file avast_security_online.dmg.
3. In the dialog that appears, double-click the Avast Security icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. When installation is complete, click Close.

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the following article:

If you have purchased Avast Premium Security, activate your subscription by going to ☰ Menu ▸ Activate paid features and entering your activation code.

Do I need a subscription to use Avast Security?

No, a subscription is not necessary for the free version of Avast Security. After installation, Avast Security is ready to use. You can connect Avast Security to your Avast Account to benefit from the device management feature.

For additional features, upgrade to a paid subscription of Avast Premium Security. You must activate this product with a valid activation code.

How do I upgrade from Avast Security to Avast Premium Security?

To upgrade to Avast Premium Security:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Click Upgrade on the main Avast Security screen.
3. Follow the on-screen purchase instructions.

Avast Free Mac Security Reviews

After purchase, Avast Premium Security automatically activates. If necessary, you can manually activate the product by going to ☰ Menu ▸ Activate paid features and entering your activation code.

How do I activate Avast Premium Security?

To manually activate Avast Premium Security:

1. Open the order confirmation email you received after purchasing Avast Premium Security.
2. Locate and copy the activation code from the confirmation email.
3. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
4. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Activate paid features.
5. Type or paste your activation code into the text box, then click Activate.

To view the duration of your subscription, go to ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions. For detailed activation instructions, refer to the following article:

How do I connect Avast Security to my Avast Account?

After you download and install Avast Security, you can connect the product to your Avast Account to benefit from the device management feature.

To connect Avast Security to your Avast Account:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Log in to Avast account.
3. Enter your Avast Account credentials, then click Log In.

For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

What is the difference between Avast Security and Avast Premium Security?

Avast Security is a free product that does not require a paid subscription to use.

Avast Premium Security includes additional features and requires a paid subscription. The additional features include Ransomware Shield and Wi-Fi Inspector.

Features

What is File Shield?

File Shield is the main layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans programs and files saved on your Mac for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved. If malware is detected, File Shield prevents the program or file from infecting your Mac.

What is Web Shield?

Web Shield is an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your Mac.

What is Email Shield?

Email Shield is an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans your incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses. Scanning applies only to messages sent or received using a mail management software (email clients, such as Mail, Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird). If you access your web based email account via an internet browser, your Mac is protected by other Avast Security shields.

What is Ransomware Shield?

Ransomware Shield, available in Avast Premium Security, secures your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature automatically secures your Pictures and Documents folders and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your protected folders.

What is Wi-Fi Inspector?

Wi-Fi Inspector, available in Avast Premium Security, is an active protection component which continuously monitors your network and connected devices for threats.

What is the Virus Chest?

The Virus Chest is a safe place for storing potentially harmful files, completely isolated from the rest of the operating system. Files inside the Virus Chest are not accessible to any outside process, software application, or virus.

For more information about the Virus Chest including how to send files to the Avast Threat Labs, refer to the following article:

How do I run a scan?

To run an Avast Security scan:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Click … (three dots) next to Run Mac Scan.
3. Click Run Mac Scan or Scan Now on the tile of the scan you want to run.

You can run a quick scan of the most vulnerable areas of your Mac, or a thorough scan of the whole system, or quickly scan a particular folder or removable drive, or create and schedule your own scans.

For more information about each type of scan as well as scan settings, refer to the following article:

General settings

How do I check which version of Avast Security is installed?

To check which version of Avast Security is installed on your Mac, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings and select the General tab. The version number is displayed at the top of the screen.

Avg For Mac

How do I exclude files or websites from scanning by the Core Shields?

To set an exclusion for a Core Shield:

Avast For Mac Free Download

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings and select the Core Shields tab.
3. Click Add Exceptions under the shield you want to set an exclusion for.
4. If you are adding an exclusion for File Shield, select the file and click Open. For Web Shield and Email Shield, specify the server and service, then click Add.

For detailed instructions on how to set exclusions for Core Shields, refer to the following article:

How do I exclude files or folders from the pre-defined scans?

To set an exclusion for one of the pre-defined scans:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings and select the Scans tab.
3. Click Add Exceptions under the scan you want to set an exclusion for.
4. Select a file or folder, then click Open.

For detailed instructions on how to set exclusions for the pre-defined scans, refer to the following article:

Troubleshooting

What does the status message 'Unable to scan' mean in scan results?

The status message 'Unable to scan' means that the file could not be scanned, possibly due to an encrypted ZIP archive or because the files are currently in use. The status does not mean that there is anything wrong with the file, only that it is not available for scanning.

Avast For Mac 10.6.8

What does the status message 'You are in passive mode' mean?

If you see the status You are in passive mode, you need to manually allow Avast Software extensions on your Mac. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

What should I do if I'm unable to browse the web or use other software on my Mac?

Avast Security shields detect and block suspicious files, dangerous websites, and unauthorized connections. In some cases, a Core Shield may cause connectivity issues. If you are unable to use online software or browse certain sites, use the troubleshooting steps below to determine if a shield is causing the issue:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Click Core Shields.
3. Click the ON (green) slider above File Shield and perform your original action (for example, if you were unable to access a certain site, try to access the site again).
4. If the connectivity issue persists, click the OFF (red) slider to turn the shield on again, then repeat the above steps for each shield.

When you determine which shield is causing the connectivity issue, you can set an exclusion for a certain file, site, or mail server by using the steps in the following article:

How do I uninstall Avast Security?

Avast Security cannot be fully uninstalled by dragging the application to the Trash. To uninstall Avast Security:

1. In your Applications folder, double-click the Avast icon to open the application.
2. Click Avast in the menu bar, then select Uninstall Avast Security from the context menu.
3. Click Uninstall.

For detailed uninstallation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Avast Security 14.x for Mac
• Avast Premium Security 14.x for Mac

• Apple macOS 10.14.x (Mojave)
• Apple macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra)
• Apple macOS 10.12.x (Sierra)
• Apple Mac OS X 10.11.x (El Capitan)
• Apple Mac OS X 10.10.x (Yosemite)