If you own a Mac, you might have heard that Macs are immune to viruses and malware. But is it true? Do you still need an antivirus for your Mac? In this article, we will explore whether or not an antivirus is necessary for Mac users.

Why Macs are Considered Safer than PCs

One of the reasons why Macs are considered safer than PCs is because they have a smaller market share. Hackers and malware creators tend to focus on Windows because it's more widely used. Additionally, Macs have built-in security features that make them less vulnerable to attacks.

For example, Gatekeeper is a security feature that prevents users from installing or opening apps from unknown sources. This means that if you download an app from a website that isn't trusted, Gatekeeper will block it from running on your Mac. Another built-in feature is XProtect, which scans your Mac for known malware and prevents it from running.

Do Macs Get Viruses?

While Macs are less vulnerable to malware and viruses compared to PCs, they are not immune to them. Macs can still get infected with malware through phishing scams, social engineering, or downloading infected files. In fact, the number of malware attacks on Macs has been increasing in recent years.

One example of a Mac malware is the OSX/Dok malware, which targeted Mac users in 2017. The malware was spread through phishing emails, and once it was installed, it could intercept all internet traffic and steal sensitive information.

Benefits of Using an Antivirus on Mac

While Macs have built-in security features, using an antivirus can provide additional protection. Here are some benefits of using an antivirus on your Mac:

• Real-time protection: An antivirus can detect and prevent malware in real-time, providing continuous protection.
• Malware removal: If your Mac is already infected with malware, an antivirus can remove it and clean your system.
• Phishing protection: Some antiviruses can also protect you from phishing scams by blocking malicious websites.
• Additional features: Some antiviruses come with additional features such as VPN, password manager, and parental control.

Best Antivirus for Mac

If you decide to use an antivirus on your Mac, here are some of the best options:

• Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Bitdefender is a top-rated antivirus that provides real-time protection and malware removal. It also has a VPN feature and a password manager.
• Norton 360 Standard for Mac: Norton is a well-known antivirus that offers real-time protection, malware removal, and phishing protection. It also has a VPN and a password manager.
• Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac: Kaspersky is another popular antivirus that provides real-time protection, malware removal, and phishing protection. It also has a VPN and a parental control feature.

Conclusion

While Macs are less vulnerable to malware and viruses compared to PCs, using an antivirus can provide additional protection. An antivirus can detect and prevent malware in real-time, remove existing malware, and protect you from phishing scams. If you decide to use an antivirus on your Mac, make sure to choose a reputable one such as Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky.

Related video of Is an Antivirus Necessary for Mac?