Does your Mac need an antivirus? The best protection against malware

Although some people think Apple’s Mac OS is more secure than Windows, this is a myth. According to the experts, Mac OS X is not the best design from a security standpoint. Windows is becoming more and more popular, and “cybercriminals want to hit the bigger group,” says Stelzhammer. “The design of Windows malware gives you more victims.”

Choose an antivirus: Part of good internet security requires choosing a good antivirus. Look for software that detects and removes viruses, spyware, phishing emails, worms, and other threats. Antivirus software should be easy to use and have the features you need without breaking the bank. To get started, check out our listings for The best antivirus software, paid but also free, for your Mac From 2021. All of these products are effective and reliable. While some companies offer free antivirus software, they protect fewer devices, run on fewer operating systems, and identify and remove fewer online threats.

Consider creating an account: When purchasing an antivirus program online, you will likely be required to create an account. This will allow you to adjust the various privacy settings, the devices it protects, your subscription, and your payment method. Creating an account will also allow you to receive notifications of software updates.

Download antivirus software: Download and install antivirus software on your Mac The same way as with any other type of program. Some antivirus software is provided on DVD or other physical media, and comes with their own installation instructions.

Agree to the license agreement: To use the software you have installed, you will need to agree to the use or license agreement.

Restart your computer if necessary: ​​If you are using another antivirus program that you uninstalled or a free trial version of your new program, you will need to restart your computer for your new program to start working.

Check your computer for viruses Once you have installed your new antivirus, you should perform an initial scan for viruses and other malware. If you have a lot of files on your computer, the initial scan might take an hour or more. The program will tell you how long the scan will take and whether you can use your computer during that time. Subsequent scans take only a few minutes.

Update your antivirus program if prompted: The antivirus software is automatically updated with new virus definitions and new security features. This usually happens several times a day without interrupting what you do on your computer. If a new version of your antivirus has been launched, you will need to install it manually.