As viruses evolve quickly and new ones emerge daily, it’s best to look for software with an automated scanning and updating schedule. Some programs include a two-way firewall and network protection. The best Mac antivirus software should be easy to use and eliminate all types of malware, even those designed for Windows PCs.įree Mac antivirus software provides basic antivirus protection, but typically lacks the extras such as a firewall, identity protection, parental controls and email monitoring that you get with paid-for security suites.įor comprehensive protection, look for a security package that covers all the angles with antivirus, antispyware, email scanning, web protection and anti-phishing. Free antivirus for Mac vs paid-for packages Join 435 million others and get award-winning free antivirus for PC, Mac & Android. MacOS now also includes App Sandbox, which keeps your apps separate from system components, so it’s easier to remove one app if it gets infected by a malicious program. What makes Avast the best free antivirus for Mac The best free antivirus software for Mac is light, powerful, and designed to protect in real-time against new and constantly emerging threats, and has features like spyware and ransomware protection. Other MacOS security features include anti-phishing, privacy and parental controls.
Like a typical McAfee computer security program, it allows you to keep your Mac OS free from old and new viruses, Trojans and other malicious programs. And this popularity inspired them to design antivirus programs compatible on Mac OS. McAfee is not at all an unknown name for Windows users. FileVault keeps your files safe from prying eyes by encrypting your Mac so it can only be used by an authorised user. Best Antivirus for Mac Computers McAfee Virus Scan. For example, its Gatekeeper tool can prevent you from installing anything other than Apple-approved or registered software. In fact, March 2016 saw the first example of Mac breaching ransomware.Īpple continues to keep its Mac operating system security beefed up. The aggregate score of 9.2 points for this free antivirus product is good only a few have done better. If you use your Mac to go online, you’re still open to many of the same issues that affect Windows PC users, including spam emails, phishing scams, Trojan malware, browser vulnerabilities and ID theft. Even if the Mac operating system has traditionally proven resistant to virus attacks, there are still risks. If you're looking for malware protection and antivirus software with the best security features, here's the first thing you need to know: Microsoft Defender Antivirus - the free antivirus.