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Antivirus on Mac - yes or no?

A

Ariel12

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 15, 2018
2
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Hi guys,

So I finally bought my new MacBook Air after being a Windows fan for years. I'm not really sure how it goes with antivirus in Mac, is it really necessary?

I always thought Mac computers are safe from junk but I googled it and it doesn't look like they are… you think Mac can get viruses or be hacked like Windows? How can I protect it?


Thanks a lot!!!
 
I once had a virus when i was running Mac OS 9. That was an experience. But one virus in 30 years, so I think I am fine, and have therefore never used antivirus software.
 
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OP, this question comes up quite frequently, and if you are really interested, you can do a search and find lots of threads around here (some are quite long) about this, and it can make for interesting reading.

You will find a wide range of opinions from those who say it is essential to those who say no way would they ever use it.
Some will swear there are viruses for macOS (there aren't).
Others will point out you can transmit Windows viruses (you can).
Still others will talk about Bootcamp and Windows viruses (separate issue/partition).

IMO AV is not needed (that could change in the future), and can actually cause more problems than it prevents, depending on what you use.

What IS needed is common sense, safe computing practices regarding sites visited and downloads and wise use of your admin password.
There are no viruses in the wild for macOS, but you can still encounter trojans (requiring your interaction/admin password) and some browser type malware (url hijacking, adware).

Running free Malwarebytes occasionally will most likely rid you of browser type malware and adware if you find you are having strange behavior.
Other than that, just enjoy your Mac.
 
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Macs are not immune to malware, but no true viruses exist in the wild that can run on macOS, and there never have been any since it was released over 17 years ago. The only malware in the wild that can affect your Mac is a handful of trojans, which can be easily avoided by being careful about what apps you install (no pirated software). 3rd party antivirus apps are not necessary to keep a Mac malware-free, as long as a user practices safe computing.
 
I would only run a malware scan from time to time, with a non-intrusive app that doesn't need a special installer.

Simply don't install apps from unsafe places. App Store is the safest.

Sometimes apps can be hacked, but keep up to date with the app developers and you'll be safe.

Don't buy into pop ups in safari that says Flash Player needs to be updated, etc. My brother actually got duped and installed malware.

Sometimes apps that supposedly keeps your system clean will act as malware. Mackeeper is such software. It really is scamware that is heavily promoted on the web.
 
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It all depends. As has been said, common sense alone goes a long way towards a safe and healthy Mac. Then again, Malwarebytes won't hurt.

I myself use F-Secure, because I'm in a mixed environment and that way my Mac kind of takes care of incoming Windows malware before it reaches those machines. So it's more to the benefit of the entire setup than for the Mac. If it was my only computer, I probably wouldn't bother too much.
 
Uh... what did you do in Windows?

Those of us who have spidy-sense don't need no anti-virus. I "known" when there is something wrong and reload my last good image copy, I don't even bother to waste time running a clean up app.

In Windows, I used to have to reload several times a year, since OSX, "maybe" once a year if that.
 
Here's another no for anti-virus. It's useless and slows your machine down. I'll also advise you to get Malwarebytes and run it on occasion.
 
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The Man said:
Don't buy into pop ups in safari that says Flash Player needs to be updated
Click to expand...

Even better, uninstall Flash. I got rid of it over a year ago and haven't had any problems. Adobe has already announced they are going to discontinue it. And if you have uninstalled it, then you'll know that any "flash update" popups are bogus.
 
wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!!
So I see most of you don't believe in AVs... anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them:eek:), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective? I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what).

thanks!
 
Ariel12 said:
wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!!
So I see most of you don't believe in AVs... anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them:eek:), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective? I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what).

thanks!
Click to expand...
So why should I contribute here? You’ve asked a question and received an almost unanimous response but then ignored said response. I don’t understand why you’d even ask to begin with.

MalwareBytes
 
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Ariel12 said:
wow guys thank you so much for all of your detailed answers!!
So I see most of you don't believe in AVs... anyway if I decide that I'm not brave enough to keep surfing without AV (After all, I've heard about some people who got duped and downloaded malwares and junk and I really don't want to join them:eek:), when I'm looking for the right AV, how can I know the AV I choose is effective? I mean, what are the most important things I should check before I choose AV (I want to choose one and then forget about it knowing my Mac is safe no matter what).

thanks!
Click to expand...

There is no "right AV"
There is no Mac AV that is "effective"
There is no "my Mac is safe no matter what"

Practice safe computing habits
Don't download from shady sites
Stay away from porn and other nefarious sites
Know what you are authorizing when you enter your Admin password
Don't click on browser popups masquerading as warnings

If you feel like something is "off" with your system, run the free version of Malwarebytes

There is nothing that will make your Mac "safe no matter what", you still have to be responsible and have common sense
If you do that, you will be fine
If you don't, then no AV is going to protect you anyway
 
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Ariel12 said:
So I see most of you don't believe in AVs...
Click to expand...
It's not about "believing in antivirus" apps. You automatically assume that you need one, because your frame of reference is Windows, where true viruses exist and where most malware exists. For Windows, malware is common. For macOS, it isn't. The average Mac user never encounters any form of malware during normal practice. The likelihood increases dramatically if you are visiting shady sites or installing pirated software. You simply don't need an antivirus app to keep your Mac safe, especially if you practice the safe computing tips already shared.

Safe computing alone will protect your Mac better than any antivirus app.
 
I wouldn't just say "My Mac won't ever get a virus". Although it's uncommon for it to happen it still can. I'd just say install a trial version of an antivirus and run scans periodically.
 
TheSkywalker77 said:
I wouldn't just say "My Mac won't ever get a virus". Although it's uncommon for it to happen it still can. I'd just say install a trial version of an antivirus and run scans periodically.
Click to expand...
There's no guarantee for future events, but no true virus has ever existed in the wild that affects macOS, so it's not currently possible for a Mac to get a virus, since none exist. That could, of course, change in the future. All macOS malware (which is so limited that most Mac users have never seen any) can be completely avoided by practicing safe computing. With relatively few exceptions, those that think they need an antivirus app to protect a Mac have been drinking the Kool-Aid being served by the companies promoting their antivirus apps.
 
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Most 3rd party AV products are now vectors for attacking systems. Should you really compromise your Mac to protect Windows users?

I periodically run Malwarebytes but it now has a fancy UI and wants to install all sorts of root processes now.

Given how everything is going to the Cloud then do we really need to run programs locally? Including AV?
 
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Viruses are a rare occasion on a mac, I have only experience one in over 30 years. Reducing ads and clutter by cleaning out unwanted cookies and malware is a better maintenance solution IMO. As many have pointed out Malwarebyte is a good app for malware, and many other apps offer solutions to keep your OS lean and mean by periodically cleaning out unnecessary files, caches, and cookies.
 
It's all very well to say 'practice safe surfing' (much like 'practice safe sex' or 'just say no to drugs' - and we've seen how that goes) or the tired old Macolyte chant 'Macs don't get viruses', but stuff happens. As Macs have gone more mainstream, they have become something of a target, and a lot of Apple's updates to the OS have involved patching security issues - just like Apple and their fans used to make fun of Microsoft for.

As well, if you exchange files and folders across computers and networks, do you really want to pass along an issue from someone else's computer to someone else's via your computer - that may not be affected, and so, you're unaware?

There are free, lightweight AV programs for Mac that cause little pain at all, so why wouldn't you install one? If it makes you feel better and maybe makes you a better virtual neighbour, go for it.

There's an excellent resource for AV products - constant testing and reviews - out there worth checking out

https://www.av-comparatives.org/mac-security-reviews/

And yes, while you're at it, products like Malwarebytes are probably a worthwhile addition, too.
 
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Ofcourse you need one, pointed out by the messages above. A good anti-virus doesn't just protect agains 'virusses' but can do so much more to safeguard your network access.... Get one and avoid unpleasant surprises......

It's like doubting an insurance, you might never experience any issue but why take the risk if the risk-prevention is so easily accessible??
 
JamesW8 said:
Ofcourse you need one, pointed out by the messages above. A good anti-virus doesn't just protect agains 'virusses' but can do so much more to safeguard your network access.... Get one and avoid unpleasant surprises......

It's like doubting an insurance, you might never experience any issue but why take the risk if the risk-prevention is so easily accessible??
Click to expand...

Insurance is all about risk. I am not aware of ANY virus for macOS, ever... sure there's malware, but no virii. Why purchase risk-based insurance protection when the risk is incredibly near zero? The negative impact on a computer from running this type of software will negatively impact the performance of your system... for something that has a near-zero probability of actually affecting you.

As I've already stated in this thread, it's fairly simple to minimize risk and impact from ANY malware:
  • Delete Flash.
  • Surf smart.
  • Don't open files from unknown/unverified sources.
  • Skip the porn.
 
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