Hi everyone. So I have the free version of Malwarebytes and when I scan it, it always says, "Congratulations, you are clean!" But I was told by an engineer that KasperSky is better than Malwarebytes, and catches things and malware and such that the free version of Malwarebytes does not. My question is, it is necessary? I heard that the free version of Malwarebytes is all that you need, but I am unsure. Please advise. Thank you.
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- Thread starter Pinkly Smooth
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What is your concern? Do you often visit potentially risky sites and open attachments from unknown origin?
There is no need for this software unless you don’t practice sensible browsing hygiene.
There is no need for this software unless you don’t practice sensible browsing hygiene.
And your “engineer”’s opinion is subjective... another “engineer” may have an entirely different opinion.
I don't visit risky sites but I transferred pdf files from my old pc onto my iMac, that could have malware in them. But like I say, I get a 'Congratulations, you are clean' every time I scan Malwarebytes.
Kaspersky makes extremely respected antivirus software. But it is not necessary for your situation, IMHO. Macs can get malware, but it's not a common event. When it does happen, it is generally annoying adware or an application that is disguised as some sort of cleaning or optimization app that is not necessary and tries to sell you something. If you are practicing safe browsing habits, are only opening .dmg files from trusted sources, and aren't opening sketchy attachments or auto downloads such as spoofed flash updates, you are good to go without needing any sort of AV software. For that matter, Malwarebytes (another very respected name) is more than sufficient in removing the most common Mac malware (again more annoyances such as adware than something more serious) and paid 'live' protection is not necessary (i.e., use it only as an on-demand scan should you suspect malware.)
That said, if you are not already, be sure to use FileVault to encrypt the Mac and enable two factor authentication with the Apple account.
That said, if you are not already, be sure to use FileVault to encrypt the Mac and enable two factor authentication with the Apple account.
Sorry I was a little vague! FileVault is Mac's whole disk encryption. Effectively, it encrypts your entire hard drive and makes it nearly impossible for someone to access without the password. If you have not already enabled it, it can be done through Settings--Security and Privacy--FileVault. Before enabling it, making a backup is always ideal. Make sure the password you use for logging in (which acts as the password to decrypt the drive) is unique and not used elsewhere for any other purpose. With FileVault enabled, if someone were to steal your Mac, they are not getting your data. (Obviously, the importance of using this feature depends on what is stored on your Mac and whether or not you would care if someone was able to access it.)
Two factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to your Apple account, using a variable six-digit numeric code that you enter following the password any when logging in from a new and unrecognized device for the first time. Once you enable it, any time someone logs into your Apple account with your password (whether it be you or an intruder), your 'trusted' devices (ones you have already logged in on) get a notification telling you someone is trying to login. If it is you, you approve it, you are given the code to enter, and you enter the six-digit code on the new device. If it is not you, then you deny the request and the intruder who is trying to login doesn't get access. This is an absolutely critical security addition if you are using iCloud drive or storing your Photos or backups on iCloud, as there are scenarios where your Apple ID password can be stolen. In sum, two factor authentication will generally prevent someone from gaining access to your Apple account even if the password is stolen.
Backing up with Time Machine is also a great idea. If you choose to encrypt the Mac, you can also encrypt the Time Machine backup. For your most important files, I recommend making a third backup as well, and storing them offsite. iCloud Drive can perform this role, as can other cloud storage.
Ok thanks for clearing that up. I don't think I need to do that because I don't think my iMac is in danger at all of being stolen. I do have a password though that I think that everybody does, that you type in to open the iMac. The back up thing though is very important. Thank again! lol, I need things to be explained to me in layman's terms, as I am not savvy in this way at all! Cheers.