AVG Internet Security

[Eduardot]

Do you recommend the AVG Internet Security app for the Mac? If no which. one is your favorite?

 

[NewGarbageSoldier]

I use this: https://www.intego.com/ and I'm happy with it.

 

[casperes1996]

I do not recommend AVG at all. I used them 15 or so years ago, but they are more adware than protection.

Frankly I do not suggest using anything aside from macOS' built in security. XProtect does the job well enough.

But if it makes you feel better to install something, Sophos is pretty respectable

 

[KaliYoni]

Do you recommend the AVG Internet Security app for the Mac? If no which. one is your favorite?

My Mac security strategy is centered around risk management, not predictions of bad actors' behavior. I prefer spending some time up front–and money if justified–to minimize the possibility of having to deal with the fallout of an attacker putting viruses or malware on my computer. I view anti-virus and anti-malware software as a form of insurance. Yes, it sucks that I need it but I feel that having it lets me sleep better than not having it.

So, here are some suggestions for managing privacy and security on your computer:

Level 1 (foundation)

• Anti-virus (I use the anti-virus and Web Protection modules of Sophos Home)
• Anti-malware (I use Malwarebytes)
• Firefox browser with ad blocking and Javascript blocking add-ons (I use AdBlock Plus and NoScript) for general web browsing. I keep Safari relatively stock and only use it with a very small number of trusted websites.

Level 2 (good to have if you don't mind the convenience vs. security tradeoffs)

• Little Snitch (monitor outgoing Internet connections, essentially a reverse firewall)
• RansomWhere (anti-ransomware monitor)
• SilentKnight (utility for easily checking Apple's own security measures in macOS for updates)

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Another action you can take is to set up a non-Admin user account for daily use. Then you only need to log-in as an Administrator when you are actively doing troubleshooting, installations, or maintenance tasks (see: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...n-administrator-account.2327558/post-30700893).

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Have a look at https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/security-protection-on-mac-how.2308465/post-30660294 and https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...curity-suite-for-macosx.2310577/post-30375113 for more info on X-Protect and MRT, Apple's built-n macOS security software.

 

[Eduardot]

Thank You Guys.

 

[thebart]

I do not recommend AVG at all. I used them 15 or so years ago, but they are more adware than protection.

Frankly I do not suggest using anything aside from macOS' built in security. XProtect does the job well enough.

But if it makes you feel better to install something, Sophos is pretty respectable

Does x protect keep an updated database of known malware, viruses, ransomware etc and actively guard against them? Or does it only look for and stop suspicious activities?

 

[casperes1996]

Does x protect keep an updated database of known malware, viruses, ransomware etc and actively guard against them? Or does it only look for and stop suspicious activities?

The former.

 

[gilby101]

Does x protect keep an updated database of known malware, viruses, ransomware etc and actively guard against them? Or does it only look for and stop suspicious activities?

XProtect is focused on known macOS malware - and is arguably sufficient protection for that. Many a-v products (AVG would not be my choice) will detect Windows malware too - this may be of value to Mac users who share files with Windows. For suspicious activities you might be better using Malwarebytes or a firewall tool like Little Snitch. Ransomware protection needs an analysis of risk profile but ultimately I rely on my backup strategy.

 

[bogdanw]

I don’t use AVG, I don’t remember ever installing it on macOS.

But testing suggests it’s at least in line with other macOS anti-malware software
Note: “AVG is a rebranded version of Avast.”
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/malware-protection-test-september-2023/
https://www.av-test.org/en/antiviru...ura/september-2023/avg-antivirus-20.5-235302/

For those using macOS Ventura or Sonoma, the free & open-source KnockKnock has been updated to take advantage of Apple’s expanded Background Task Management.
https://objective-see.org/products/knockknock.html

Explained here "Demystifying macOS's Background Task Management" by Patrick Wardle & Chris Lopez

 

[piattj]

I have seen AVG on Windows machines and haven't been impressed. Pushy, too many bolt-ons etc
On mac, I use:
ClamXAV, not in real-time mode, but for drop'n'scan for downloaded files
LuLu 2-way firewall
Knock Knock, BlockBlock to check & remove if any unauthorised software tries it on...
Reikey keylogger detect
SilentKnight to check status of SW updates