Do Macs Need Antivirus Software?

Apple has frequently said that Macs don’t get infected by viruses. This is true, but not because macOS is inherently better than Windows. While the operating system does have some protections that can make viruses less powerful, that doesn’t mean macOS is airtight. And while Macs are rarely targeted by viruses, it pays to be careful. Reputable malware scanning software or antivirus software is a good addition to any secure system.

Do Macs Needs Antivirus Software?

Macs aren’t immune to viruses, but they also aren’t typically targeted by attackers. The platform simply doesn’t have a large enough user base to make it worth the time for attackers to custom-build specific attack packages for the operation system’s unique features. The Unix-based macOS operating system is fundamentally different from Windows in a number of ways, meaning that any attacker hoping to infect Macs would need to create custom code tailored specifically to the operating system. Furthermore, macOS runs in a sandboxed environment, making it more difficult for errant programs to take control of your system.

Since Macs still represent only a sliver of market share, an enterprising hacker would get more bang for their buck by focusing on the most popular operating systems. Like spam and phishing attacks, virus distribution relies on the law of large numbers. Without a specific target, attackers will get the greatest benefit by distributing compatible malicious code to as many computers as possible. This increases the likelihood that they’ll encounter a vulnerable system, improving the odds that their attack will succeed.

Thanks to a smaller market share and an incompatible software environment, Macs don’t need antivirus software like Windows computers do. While any computer can benefit from the protection of well-made and updated antivirus software, it’s not an essential operating requirement for Macs. This has lead to a couple of smug ads from Apple on the topic, which is sort of ironic. If the Mac was more popular, the machines would likely need more robust antivirus protection.

Do Mac Viruses Exist?

This doesn’t mean attacks never happen, however. Back in 2014 a hacker was able to create a nearly 20,000-strong botnet with the iWorm malware. In 2012 the Flashback vulnerability in Java affected more than 500,000 Macs, prompting Apple to issue a security update to OS X Lion to patch the vulnerability. More recently, encryption malware known as KeRanger was distributed inside a popular BitTorrent client for macOS. And according to Malwarebytes, Mac malware in 2017 increased by 230% throughout 2016. Macs certainly can get viruses, and Mac-specific viruses and malware do exist. They’re just far less common than the Windows equivalent.

Are Macs Vulnerable to Other Attacks?

While Macs don’t require antivirus software, they’re still vulnerable to other attack vectors. This includes email-based phishing attacks or browser-based cross-site scripting or man-in-the-middle attacks. And potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like Mac Defender are voluntarily installed by the user but include malicious features and can’t be easily removed. Mac users are not automatically immune from the threats of the Internet, and users still must practice safe browsing habits.

What Antivirus Software Should I Get?

For security-conscious users, there are several reliable options for macOS antivirus software. It’s not mandatory, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Bitdefender: this antivirus software stands at the top of AV Test’s antivirus rankings, blocking 100% of threats in those tests. It also has little impact on your system, so you won’t see slowdowns while scanning or during real-time protection.

ClamAV:  Windows or Linux users might be familiar with this open-source, multi-platform suite for detecting viruses and malware. It’s long-lived, well-respected software, and it has a great Mac version.

Sophos Home: This free consumer version of the Sophos enterprise security software works in Windows and macOS. In addition to detecting viruses and malware, it also protects against web-based attacks in real time.

Malwarebytes: Another much-loved malware detection tool for Windows, Malwarebytes also offers a Mac version. It’s fast, with a focus on real-time protection rather than scheduled scans. It sports a great reputation for removing PUPs, but it won’t scan macOS for Windows viruses. This could potentially allow those viruses to be unknowingly distributed to Windows computers. (Optional: Get 25% off Malwarebytes Premium)

Avast: Avast’s free software detects viruses and malware. It also proactively protects against web-based threats like unsafe websites and email attachments. Unfortunately, it’s also known for imposing a heavy load on system resources to offer these real-time features.

Do you think you need/want to install antivirus on your Mac? Chime in in the comments section below.