Is there a great security suite out there to scan everything and keep it safe? Right now I have trend micro Cleaner One pro which I really like, seems to do a great job, but I tried to load their Anti virus software and even with the latest OS update it still crashes and won't do full scans. Wouldn't mind a good all-in-one solution.
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Best security suite?
- Thread starter FlyingTexan
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Kaspersky Standard "30-day free trial" https://usa.kaspersky.com/downloads#compare-table
Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac "FREE 30-DAY TRIAL" https://www.bitdefender.com/Downloads/
Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac "FREE 30-DAY TRIAL" https://www.bitdefender.com/Downloads/
Best frontline security suite is the human brain (though this is admittedly a variable), and a suitably layered degree of security, one layer being what gilby101 points out.
If you need to run something separate however, I'd go with Bitdefender.
If you need to run something separate however, I'd go with Bitdefender.
it's not just what I do but the network I'm plugged into and things like emails with attachments, etc.
I have never seen the need for any security software with any of my macs. There is no virus that will run on a mac, adware, trackers, things of that nature which can be prevented by using the computer on top of your neck, but no actual viruses for macOS. My company requires the personal who use their own laptops to use a security software, but only have to self certify and sign that we are using one, while I have signed the agreement, I never do. It is just employment and if they find out and its cause for termination, it is what it is. I will not cripple my machine just to make an employer happy.
Strongly disagree with that. Of course we need to be careful not to click on phishing emails, but there are ways that code can execute behind our back that we cannot possibly see. Human brain tells us to use anti-virus software.
I have used Bitdefender for several years now. I haven’t experienced any problems using it. I pay for a family subscription which runs on all of our Macs.
I also use software called 1Password, which stores all of my passwords. It was an itty-bit confusing to setup, but their support was great, set me straight, and it’s worked very smoothly for several years now across my Mac, iPad, and iPhone. My passwords are all ultra-long, ultra-random and unique.
Most problems with viruses come from people not thinking, and opening all links they get and then wonder why their system do not work.
All the Mac malware we know about
Wondering how many viruses exist for the Mac? Here is a list recent Mac malware attacks, viruses for Apple computers, and security threats that Mac users have suffered
www.macworld.com
Apple includes a Gatekeeper feature, which blocks software from installing if it hasn’t been signed by Apple. But there’s a LOT of unsigned software out there, and many of us use it. However, MacOS does have a built in antivirus scanner, which is regularly updated. So there’s a lot of protection even if you don’t use third party antivirus software.
Do Macs need antivirus software?
Wondering if you need antivirus for Mac? Macs can get viruses and there are protections in macOS to keep you safe - but it's wise to extend the protection.
www.macworld.com
I'm happy with just doing system updates as they become available. I've been following malware developments for over 20 years and I'm still not convinced that anti virus does any good at all. It certainly gets in the way a lot on my work PC, so I see no reason to put it on my Mac.
and that's why I choose not to further cripple the performance of my laptop. no company has the authority to force compliance when you use your own equipment.Even Apple acknowledges that there’s a malware problem.All the Mac malware we know about
Wondering how many viruses exist for the Mac? Here is a list recent Mac malware attacks, viruses for Apple computers, and security threats that Mac users have suffered
Apple includes a Gatekeeper feature, which blocks software from installing if it hasn’t been signed by Apple. But there’s a LOT of unsigned software out there, and many of us use it. However, MacOS does have a built in antivirus scanner, which is regularly updated. So there’s a lot of protection even if you don’t use third party antivirus software.
Do Macs need antivirus software?
Wondering if you need antivirus for Mac? Macs can get viruses and there are protections in macOS to keep you safe - but it's wise to extend the protection.
I use Avast. The wife goes everywhere on her laptop and occasionally my imac. She is a college teacher and online learning is there. We have had viruses and trojans kids have uploaded, I am guessing and hoping by accident. But I do all the financial work on mine and do not want to deal with issues. She on the otherhand seem oblivious to any threat. Avast does have an email scan, but it is flaky. It will scan gmail and outlook, but not icloud or most others. Today I got one of these fake ,"you are being charged for.." and of course it was fake, but their email scanner didn't pick up on all the crap it wanted me to do. So right now, Avast. I would go with Norton, but it doesn't have ransomeware protection. I have always thought that we see Apple computer in all the tv shows, why more companies do not produce software that works with MacOSX or compatible hardware, there would be a bundle out there to be made. Well not Musk saying he would ban apple devices from his company
I hate when people just dismiss antivirus etc saying "you don't need them on a Mac". What about people who use Windows? Do you want to help spread viruses you may receive via email or whatever to other people just because they don't affect you directly? I use BitDefender for Mac for this reason mainly, even if macOS by itself is robust.
The research shows that the viruses, keylogger,trojans and other nasties that are ot there for windows computers are now modified to go after Apple products. I used to use bitdefender but it didn't have scheduled scans, email scans. Avast is far from what I want as it will not scan icloud.com or me.com, a flaw. However, being safe rather than sorry. If you don't want a virus suite, then don't spread old information as current.
macOS is different enough from Windows, I'd use Intego, which has always been Mac-centric from it's beginning. Won't slow your laptop down, whether it's Intel or Arm based. Just a happy customer.
As a relatively new 'MAC' user (got my first MAC last year, been on PC since DOS 3.2) I spent some time reading here and around the Internet about the pros and cons of 'AV for MAC'. At home, my router DLs about 25 'bad site' lists every day and blocks access, and only opens needed ports to the internet. Also running intrusion detection. VLANs separate the IOT stuff that won't ever get patches but has to be on the network, and guest access (who knows how safe they are), while also keeping home servers/file servers on their own limited-access VLAN. So I have tried to provide some level of protection even before the computer gets on the network. And of course, education of family.
I did try F-Secure for a short while (it was free from my ISP) and I do have it installed on the PCs along with Malwarebytes, but I removed it shortly after installing it on the MAC. At home I am not sure it's needed. If I ever get a real vacation and will be taking it about and connecting it to hotel WIFI and what have you, I will at least put that F-Secure back on there. Maybe make a 'mini router' and sit behind that in the hotel room (PFSENSE+PFBLOCKER)...
I am a bit leery of the 'just trust MAC', coming from decades in the PC world. But in the end, we all should be assessing our risks and choosing our poison appropriately.
I did try F-Secure for a short while (it was free from my ISP) and I do have it installed on the PCs along with Malwarebytes, but I removed it shortly after installing it on the MAC. At home I am not sure it's needed. If I ever get a real vacation and will be taking it about and connecting it to hotel WIFI and what have you, I will at least put that F-Secure back on there. Maybe make a 'mini router' and sit behind that in the hotel room (PFSENSE+PFBLOCKER)...
I am a bit leery of the 'just trust MAC', coming from decades in the PC world. But in the end, we all should be assessing our risks and choosing our poison appropriately.
The best security suite is user education on how not to get malware.
By its nature security software creates vulnerabilities in the system.
By its nature security software creates vulnerabilities in the system.
Operational security teaches users not to click the links. Layered technical security stops the users from seeing the sketchy links to click in the first place.
For operational security, you teach the basics. Never answer a phone call from your bank. Call the number on the back of your credit card instead. Never open the link in your email. Always go directly to their website in your browser or via a major search engine like Google. Expand as applies to your environment/situation e.g. home office, home with kids, small business workstation, college student, etc.
For layered security, user education won't stop someone from searching for "Firefox Download" and seeing several sketchy ads for downloads. uBlock Origin, Brave, and other technical solutions will. It reduces attack surface and risk of user error. It is one of the best and least invasive changes you can make. You can look at products from vendors like ESET and Malwarebytes. These are extremely popular products with loads of customers across the internet. Products like that provide a last line of security against zero day exploits or similar long tail problems.
For operational security, you teach the basics. Never answer a phone call from your bank. Call the number on the back of your credit card instead. Never open the link in your email. Always go directly to their website in your browser or via a major search engine like Google. Expand as applies to your environment/situation e.g. home office, home with kids, small business workstation, college student, etc.
For layered security, user education won't stop someone from searching for "Firefox Download" and seeing several sketchy ads for downloads. uBlock Origin, Brave, and other technical solutions will. It reduces attack surface and risk of user error. It is one of the best and least invasive changes you can make. You can look at products from vendors like ESET and Malwarebytes. These are extremely popular products with loads of customers across the internet. Products like that provide a last line of security against zero day exploits or similar long tail problems.
I dumped Avast. I got tired of their ads and their email scan. I still seem to have the service until next year but their email scan has let in bad actors. I just block them or delete them. Maybe next year something worth getting. or not. Right now I am going with Xprotect and the Gateway.