XProtect will only consider files that have been downloaded from the web and does not take care of any existing threats you may have in your operating system. This feature is useful, but it’s by no means perfect due to its fairly limited definition list.
These definition updates are installed as part of your standard macOS update process. XProtect relies on malware definitions to protect you from any threats you may have downloaded unintentionally.
XProtect works on the file quarantine concept which is similar to the Microsoft Windows Defender feature on a PC.
Your Apple Mac has anti-malware (antivirus), better know as XProtect built right in, so why do I need antivirus protection for my Mac then I hear you ask. Doesn’t My Mac Already Have Built-in Antivirus Protection? Two notable features are XProtect and GateKeeper, so let’s take a closer look at these. The good news is that macOS is safer and way more secure when compared with Microsoft Windows because it leverages a Unix-based operating system which is typically more difficult to exploit.Īpple does a great job offering security right out of the box on their Mac products. When you stop and consider just how popular the Mac has become, it’s easy to comprehend why targeting macOS would be a lucrative cyber target for those looking to exploit operating system vulnerabilities.
A Mac still remains more secure than a Microsoft Windows PC, however this statistic means having antivirus software on your Mac is a wise decision to help protect you from the latest bread of advanced malware threats. When using the metric of threats per endpoint to calculate, Mac threats outpaced Windows threats by nearly double. Bitdefender Antivirus For MacĬheck Price on Amazon → How Secure Is My Mac?Īccording to a recent survey conducted by Malwarebytes Labs, macOS malware threats have increased exponentially when compared against Microsoft Windows malware threats. Offering a light footprint in terms of system impact and coming in at a very affordable price, it’s an easy recommendation to make. Here at A Geek’s World, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is my go-to software and the antivirus protection for my Mac that I trust and rely on.īitdefender is an easy-to-use program that offers fantastic malware detection that also includes ransomware protection. Most antivirus software has an option to cover you end-to-end or just a single device like your Mac. Or if you have cellphones and or tablets in your household. Perhaps it might make more financial sense to consider a multi-device, multi-platform option, especially if you have multiple computers regardless if they are Mac or Windows. Final Thoughts On Do I Need Antivirus Protection For My Mac What Is The Best Antivirus Protection For My Mac?īefore jumping into buying antivirus software, think about all your family antivirus needs.Frequently Asked Mac Antivirus Questions.