virus for safari

Safari Virus

In this article you will find the following:

Is Safari secure? Most of the time, yes, but as with any web browser, viruses are a genuine threat you should be aware of. If you encounter an infection in Safari, it can greatly decrease browser performance, or, worse, lead to much more serious problems like data theft.

You can catch viruses in Safari on your iPhone and iPad, not just your Mac. As a result, you must regularly practice checking your computer for malware if you want to stay safe. If your device is already infected, however, don’t panic—we’ll show you how to remove a virus from Safari and protect your devices going forward.

Before we start:   Several types of malware can infect your Safari browser, and adware is a common method of attack for criminals. MacKeeper’s StopAd tool keeps Safari safe from viruses by stopping adware in its tracks and ensures that you don’t need to deal with annoying ads or website trackers.   Here’s how to use it: Download MacKeeper . Select StopAd in the sidebar. Click on Open , then select the Enable button next to Safari. Click Open Safari Preferences and ensure that all MacKeeper boxes are selected in the Extensions menu. Return to the StopAd section in MacKeeper. Select Turn on next to Safari.

• Does Safari protect against viruses?

Apple has built a number of security measures into Safari on Mac and iOS that are designed to protect you from trackers and malicious websites. You can also use Private Browsing Mode to hide your browsing activities from potentially dangerous extensions that are installed on your device.

However, there’s no Safari virus protection built into Apple devices, so if you’ve ever wondered, can MacBooks get viruses from websites , the answer is yes. So, as well as practicing safe browsing habits, it’s a good idea to use an antivirus scanner to ensure that any threats are dealt with as soon as they surface.

• What is a Safari virus?

A virus in Safari Mac is any malicious software (malware) that infects your Safari browser, including spyware, adware, Trojans, and ransomware. Cybercriminals use these attacks to spy on you, bombard you with ads, steal personal information, and to hold your data hostage until you pay for its release.

If you see Safari get a virus , it’s important to deal with it immediately. The longer you ignore it, the more time it has to collect information and cause harm.

How did the Safari virus get on Apple devices?

There are many sources of Safari viruses that can infect your Mac, such as:

• Unreputable third-party software: Downloading untrusted and unrecognized software can result in malware appearing within your browser and across macOS.
• Downloads from untrusted websites: Software downloads hosted on malicious sites can be infected with viruses, even if it seems like an innocent application. Only download software from the App Store, or from an official, trusted website.
• Suspicious email links: If you click on phishing links and potential spam, it’s possible that you may be downloading a malicious file that infects your browser.
• Spam links in comments: Comments on social media, blogs, and online forums can sometimes include suspicious links to dangerous downloads. You must be careful when using these platforms.

These are the most frequent ways to get Safari viruses on iPhone and iPad:

• Downloading apps away from the App Store: Unauthorized apps not found on the App Store can include malware or security flaws. Don’t “sideload” apps from third-party sources.
• Visiting insecure websites : Websites without an SSL certificate can often lack the desired levels of security to keep you safe. Try to avoid them as much as you can.
• Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad: This practice circumvents Apple’s security protections and allows unauthorized software to be installed. It also provides root access to third-party applications.

Potential dangers of Safari virus

You’ve likely heard about some of the many dangers that a computer virus can bring, and these are similar when it comes to infections in Safari. Here are some of the potential dangers you might experience:

• Financial loss: If criminals obtain your payment details, they may start spending money from your bank account. It can sometimes be hard to prove to your bank that someone else made purchases using your payment details.
• Infections spreading: When Safari becomes infected, you run the risk of viruses spreading to other parts of your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Moreover, you could put loved ones in danger if they later spread through instant messaging apps.
• Your details being exposed: Viruses can expose your accounts’ login information, which could result in others accessing your accounts without your permission. At worst, details like your home address could fall into the wrong hands and put you in possible physical danger.
• How to know if Safari has a virus

If you want to know if Safari has a virus, there are some common signs you can look out for, such as:

• Safari is always slow or stops responding.
• Your Mac feels slow or unstable when Safari is open.
• You see an abnormal number of ads when browsing the web.
• Safari consumes significantly more energy and system resources that you would normally expect.
• Web pages appear to be broken or don’t load properly.
• You keep being redirected to other sites that seem suspicious.

If you’ve got a virus in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you might similarly experience the difficulties listed above, as well as:

• Your device becomes slow or keeps freezing.
• You can’t use your device for anything else (e.g. switching between apps).
• Your battery drains quicker than usual when using Safari.
• Your iPhone or iPad overheats when browsing the web.
• How to remove Safari virus from Mac

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms outlined above, and you think your Safari browser has a problem, there are a number of ways to get rid of a phishing virus and other threats:

• Remove malicious profiles
• Delete malicious apps from Mac manually
• Get rid of unrecognized extensions
• Check the homepage and search engine settings
• Remove every trace of malware
• Reset browsers back to default settings

1. Remove malicious profiles

Removing malicious profiles from your Mac will help get rid of Safari virus problems by blocking offending profiles from accessing your device. Here’s how to do it:

• Open System Settings .
• Click on Privacy & Security .
• Go to Profiles .
• Select the profiles you want to remove and click the – icon in the bottom-left corner.

2. Delete malicious apps from Mac manually

Deleting malicious apps from your Mac manually can remove the virus altogether, and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your computer. If you’re wondering how to delete malware from Mac , follow these steps:

• Open Finder and go to Applications .
• Right-click any malicious or unrecognized apps, then click Move to Trash .
• Open the Trash , then click Empty .

3. Get rid of unrecognized extensions

Getting rid of unrecognized extensions can stop viruses from continuously infecting Safari in the future. It also ensures that any malicious extensions installed on your system can no longer monitor your browsing habits and steal sensitive data. Try this:

• Open Safari .
• Go to Safari > Settings in the menu bar.
• Click on the Extensions tab.
• Select any unrecognized or unwanted extensions, then click Uninstall .

4. Check the homepage and search engine settings

Safari viruses will often change your homepage and search engine settings so that when you open the browser or perform a web search, you get taken to a malicious website. Here’s how to check and change those settings:

• Select the General tab.
• Next to Homepage , enter the address of the website you want to use.
• Click on the Search tab .
• Using the drop-down menu, select your preferred search engine.

5. Remove every trace of malware

Removing every trace of malware can stop any lingering dangers of your device. This will stop Safari, other applications, and macOS itself from being infected over and over again. MacKeeper’s Antivirus tool is the best way to find and remove potential threats:

• Open MacKeeper and select Antivirus in the sidebar.
• Click the Launch Antivirus button, then enter your Mac’s password when prompted.
• Select Next , then click Enable next to Real-time protection . This will allow MacKeeper to detect any new threats as soon as they appear.
• Click Open Preferences , then click Allow under Security to give Antivirus permission to run.
• Return to MacKeeper, then select Open Settings . Click the toggle next to MacKeeper Real-time Protection to enable it.
• Click Start Scan in MacKeeper to find any potentially dangerous software on your Mac.
• If any threats are discovered, select them, then click Move to Quarantine .
• Select Restart to restart your Mac.
• When your computer boots up, open MacKeeper again, then click Delete to remove the threats in quarantine.

6. Reset browsers back to default settings

Resetting your browser to default settings can help clear caches and other spaces where viruses might linger. Below are the steps to make it work for your Mac:

• Go to Safari > Settings .
• Select Privacy > Manage Website Data .
• Hit Remove All at the bottom of your page.
• Click Remove Now to confirm.

• How to protect Mac from Safari virus

While knowing how to remove viruses on your Mac is useful, prevention is always the best cure. Here are some of the most effective steps you can take to protect your Mac from a Safari virus in the future:

• Use a good antivirus and update it
• The latest software and macOS
• Be careful when installing programs and apps
• Install an ad blocker
• Backup data
• Choose strong passwords
• Don’t use pirated software

1. Use a good antivirus and update it

Antivirus software, such as MacKeeper’s Antivirus , helps keep your Mac free from infection by searching for malware in the background. It’ll then alert you as soon as a potential issue is discovered, quarantine it so that it can’t cause any harm, and help you remove it.

Important:    There’s no Mac Safari virus scan built-in, so investing in a reliable third-party solution that can check Mac for virus threats is the best way to protect your computer.

2. The latest software and macOS

Installing the latest software and macOS updates ensures that any security flaws in your applications are fixed as soon as a patch is available. This reduces the likelihood that a hijacker can exploit them. You can set your device to automatically install updates in System Settings > General > Software Update.

3. Be careful when installing programs and apps

Practicing due diligence can help you avoid hidden malware in tools you use. You should, as a rule of thumb, only download software from websites you trust.

4. Install an ad blocker

Ad-blocking tools like MacKeeper’s StopAd can help stop adware from infecting Safari. Another nice benefit is that you’ll remove annoying ads from your screen, including the fake virus alert popups that many less experienced users fall for.

5. Backup data

Viruses have the potential to corrupt your data or hold your files’ hostage until you pay a ransom. By ensuring you back up your data regularly, you can recover anything that may be lost to a scam.

6. Choose strong passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most common reasons that cyberattacks occur, and they make it much easier for attackers to gain access to your accounts. Take advantage of the password manager built into Safari to create strong passwords for all of your accounts.

7. Don’t use pirated software

Attackers regularly target Mac users who are willing to download software from untrusted sources so they don’t have to pay for it. By avoiding pirated software, you can easily avoid the many risks that come with it.

• How to get rid of Safari virus on iPhone or iPad

The security protections built into iPhone and iPad as standard make them great at fending off malware, but you may still find viruses in Safari if you aren’t careful. Here’s how you can get rid of them:

• Delete apps that look suspicious
• Clear history and website data
• Restart iPhone or iPad
• Factory reset
• Restore the device from a previous backup version

1. Delete apps that look suspicious

Deleting suspicious-looking apps will stop them from infecting Safari on your iPhone further. Here’s how to do it:

• Press and hold on the suspicious-looking app in your App Library.
• Select Delete App .
• Tap Delete when prompted by the pop-up window.

2. Clear history and website data

Removing history and website data can help remove remnants of malware inside Safari on your iPhone or iPad. Follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Safari .
• Select Clear History and Website Data .
• Choose All history , then tap Clear History and Data .

3. Restart iPhone or iPad

Restarting your iPhone or iPad can help remove potential glitches that viruses could have caused. How you restart your iPhone or iPad depends on the model you have.

For iPhones and iPads with a Home button:

• Hold the Home and power buttons until your device turns off.
• Then, release them.

If your device doesn’t have a Home button:

• Quickly tap the volume up and then the volume down buttons.
• Hold down the power button until your device restarts.

4. Factory reset

Factory resetting your iPhone or iPad returns everything to the default, thus removing viruses that were previously present. Simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > General .
• Select Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad .
• Click on Erase All Content and Settings , then follow the steps on the screen.

5. Restore the device from a previous backup version

After factory resetting your iPhone or iPad as outlined above, you can either set it up as a “new” device with a fresh copy of iOS, or restore your data from a previous backup so that you don’t lose anything. Here’s how:

• Factory reset your iPhone or iPad following the steps in the previous section.
• After your device restarts, follow the setup process on screen, being sure to sign in to the same iCloud account you used previously.
• When you get to the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose to restore your data From iCloud Backup , or From Mac or PC , then continue.
• Sign into your Apple account again when prompted.
• Wait for your data to be restored.

6. Update iOS

Updating iOS can fix any flaws that previously might have been exploited by cybercriminals. Try this:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update .
• If an update is available, tap Download and Install .
• Wait for the update to download and install. Your device will restart once it’s complete.

• How to secure an iPhone or iPad from Safari virus

Just like when dealing with malware and viruses on Mac, preventing threats from getting onto your iPhone or iPad in the first place is much safer than removing them once they’re already installed. Here are the steps you can take to secure an iPhone or iPad from a Safari virus:

• Only download apps from the App Store.
• Keep your apps and iOS up to date to fix security flaws.
• Avoid suspicious websites that could be dangerous.
• Don’t click random links in messages and emails.
• Don’t download potentially dangerous files from untrusted sources.
• Avoid sharing your passcode and account details.

While Safari is often a safe web browser that includes modern security protections, viruses can still infect your Apple devices if you aren’t careful. Malware and viruses can come from many sources, and it’s much easier to block them than to get rid of them once they’re already installed.

Check Safari for virus threats and harmful adware on a regular basis by using dedicated antivirus software and ad blocker— all in one within the MacKeeper app . You’ll also get a versatile cleaning suite for your iMac’s or MacBook Air's smooth performance.

1. Can an iPhone get a virus from Safari?

Yes, your iPhone can get a virus from Safari if it has been jailbroken, or if you “sideload” apps from third-party sources. It’s best only to download software from the App Store and to avoid suspicious websites.

2. Does Safari have virus protection?

Safari does have certain security protections built-in, but not an antivirus. If you want to block viruses and other threats, try using a dedicated antivirus tool, like MacKeeper’s Antivirus .

3. How to get rid of a redirect virus in Safari?

To remove a redirect virus in Safari, first use antivirus software to delete any infections from your device. Then follow the steps above to ensure that your Safari homepage and search engine are correct.

4. What are the main threats to Safari on Mac?

Viruses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malware are the main threats to Safari on Mac.

5. Why does Safari say I have a virus?

Safari won’t tell you that you have a virus because it doesn’t have antivirus protection built-in. If you see a notification like this, it’s likely being displayed by a dangerous website or an infection on your Mac.

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How to remove malware from Safari browser

This guide includes comprehensive information on malicious code targeting Safari and provides effective techniques to remove malware from Safari browser.

The design, user-friendliness, speed, energy efficiency and other pros of the Safari browser are out of the question. Apple devices go equipped with this remarkable Internet navigation tool by default, and the overwhelming majority of Mac and iOS users stay dedicated to it as their primary web surfing software. According to a report by the StatCounter firm, this browser’s overall market share as of January 2017 amounted to 14.54%. People in the cybercrime underground, obviously, stay on top of these statistics as well. These sleazeballs know what’s popular and focus on firing their attacks against digital environments used by many. Furthermore, it turns out that installing toxic apps on Safari without admin’s consent isn’t nearly as tough an objective as compromising other components of Mac OS X architecture. With all the pros of Safari in place, it is currently the weakest link in the overall protection setup of the average Mac.

It wouldn’t be correct to classify the malware targeting Safari as a top-notch cyber adversary. Most of the time, these are low-impact hijackers that replace the homepage, new tab and search preferences with certain predefined values. Some of these infections engage in phishing and suchlike types of social engineering, so they are manipulative and annoying rather than dangerous. An example is the nefarious FBI virus that impersonates the apropos law enforcement agency and persistently makes victims end up on a deceptive warning page (see screen capture above). These rogue sites are nothing but bluff, stating that the user has violated the Copyright and Related Rights Law or committed some other computer-related felony. The goal of this hoax is to make victims pay a fee for their purported wrongdoings. Obviously, the correct way to go about this type of attack is to get rid of the Safari browser hijacker, which isn’t difficult to do at all.

Some types of Safari hijackers reach the brainwashing effect in a somewhat different way. They cause recurrent redirecting of web traffic to misleading sites that report critical system errors or spyware. Popups triggered on such pages may instruct victims to call “tech support” for assistance, with the telephone number being indicated there. If an unsuspecting user actually dials the number, an impostor on the other end will do their best to make the victim pay for the spoof troubleshooting services.Whereas the modus operandi of these perpetrating programs may vary, the common denominator is a piece of malware that attacks the browser and wreaks havoc with it.

Adware is another widespread sub-type of Safari threats. These are intrusive plugins that display redundant ads on web pages visited by a victim. Essentially, adware generates an inconspicuous virtual layer over the original content of a site. This layer may contain arbitrary elements, and it’s up to the attackers what those elements will be. The infected user will encounter a slew of deals, coupons, freebies, comparison shopping boxes and banners wherever they go on the Internet. Search engine results will typically also contain ads that shouldn’t be there. To top it off, adware can trigger interstitial advertisements assuming the shape of separate browser windows. In-text ads pose one more side effect of the activity of these PUPs (potentially unwanted programs).

To handle the aftermath of any malware attack on Safari, removing the troublemaking app, plugin or script is a must. The ad injection instances described above are isolated to a specific machine and have nothing to do with visited websites, so the issues won’t vanish until virus cleanup is performed on the Mac. The same applies to browser hijackers. The sections below cover the entirety of tips to get rid of Safari malware for good.

Remove malware from Safari manually

The starting point for eliminating malicious activity in Safari is to uninstall the offending extension or plugin. This route, however, only works for low-impact browser malware that’s displayed on the list of add-ons and isn’t too persistent to be trashed in the regular way. Anyway, try the steps below first.

1. Uninstall malicious extension in Safari

• Go to Safari menu and select Preferences on the drop-down list

• Click on the Extensions tab on Safari Preferences screen. Scroll down the installed extensions list in the left-hand section of the interface. Select the one that’s causing trouble and hit the Uninstall button as shown below

• While on the same screen, select the General tab. Choose your preferred search provider and define the right Safari homepage

• Save the changes and restart Safari. Check whether the issue has been fixed. If so, you’re now good to go. If the problem perseveres, proceed to the next step to handle the malware in a more thoroughgoing way

2. Reset Safari

• Open the browser and go to Safari menu . Select Reset Safari in the drop-down list

• Make sure all the boxes are ticked on the interface and hit Reset

Get rid of malware from Safari using Combo Cleaner automatic removal tool

The Mac maintenance and security app called Combo Cleaner is a one-stop tool to detect and remove malware virus. This technique has substantial benefits over manual cleanup, because the utility gets hourly virus definition updates and can accurately spot even the newest Mac infections.

Furthermore, the automatic solution will find the core files of the malware deep down the system structure, which might otherwise be a challenge to locate. Here’s a walkthrough to sort out the malware issue using Combo Cleaner:

Download Combo Cleaner

By downloading any applications recommended on this website you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy . The free scanner checks whether your Mac is infected. To get rid of malware, you need to purchase the Premium version of Combo Cleaner.

• Open the app from your Launchpad and let it run an update of the malware signature database to make sure it can identify the latest threats.

• Once you have made doubly sure that the malicious app is uninstalled, the browser-level troubleshooting might still be on your to-do list. If your preferred browser is affected, resort to the previous section of this tutorial to revert to hassle-free web surfing.

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Protect your Mac from malware

macOS has many features that help protect your Mac and your personal information from malicious software, or malware . One common way malware is distributed is by embedding it in a harmless-looking app.

You can reduce this risk by using software only from reliable sources. Privacy & Security settings allow you to specify the sources of software installed on your Mac.

Open Privacy & Security settings for me

Go to Security, then choose the sources from which you’ll allow software to be installed:

App Store: Allows apps only from the Mac App Store. This is the most secure setting to protect your system from malware. All the developers of apps in the Mac App Store are identified by Apple, and each app is reviewed before it’s accepted. macOS checks the app before it opens the first time to be certain it hasn’t been modified since the developer shipped it. If there’s ever a problem with an app, Apple removes it from the Mac App Store.

App Store and identified developers: Allows apps from the Mac App Store and apps from identified developers. Identified developers are registered with Apple and can optionally upload their apps to Apple for a security check. If problems occur with an app, Apple can revoke its authorization. macOS checks the app before it opens the first time to be certain it hasn’t been modified since the developer shipped it.

In addition to apps, other types of files may not be safe. Scripts, web archives, and Java archives have the potential to cause harm to your system. Of course, not all files like this are unsafe, but you should exercise caution when opening any such downloaded file. An alert appears when you first try to open these files. See Open an app by overriding security settings .

How to Fix Safari is Infected on Mac

In earlier times, there was a word of mouth that said Apple products are immune to viruses. Unfortunately, this is not the case anymore. Today, even the macOS is vulnerable to many malicious viruses. These include web hijackers, adware, and other forms of viruses. Although they don’t sound as dangerous as a trojan horse on other systems, you never know when things might take a turn for the worse.

Apple users mostly rely on the Safari browser which is the third-most used browser globally. Safari comes pre-installed on every Mac, it is dedicated to providing a safe and secure platform for users to access the internet. Yet these malicious programs always find a way or the other to breach all walls. And on an unsurprising note, such programs now pose a threat to Safari users on Mac often termed as Safari is infected on Mac.

So, are you going through something similar? Did you notice any unconventional behavior on your Safari browser? If yes, worry no more. In this article, we will look at some of the tips and tricks to fix Safari infected on Mac. We will start by looking at the symptoms indicating that your Safari is infected. Next, we will go through all the possible solutions to counter it.

Page Contents

Symptoms that You Safari is infected on Mac

Mac viruses affecting the Safari browser are considered a moderate threat to users. However, some of these viruses can be deadly especially if they get access to sensitive credentials such as credit card details, passwords, etc. But the main question here is how would you identify that your Safari is infected on Mac? Well, if your Safari is infected, you will notice certain unconventional behavior on your browser.

Fortunately, macOS is not known for having trojans or other significant viruses as of yet. That leaves us with a limited choice of moderate-level risks. That said, the most common symptom you will notice is a sudden replacement of the default search engine or the browser homepage without your consent. Furthermore, these search engines redirect your sessions to Yahoo or Bing search. This sort of behavior occurs mostly due to web hijackers.

In another instance, your browsing sessions might get injected with ads. Some ad-injecting applications mostly do this. While it might not seem too risky, these applications mostly show ads related to your interests and recent searches. Now, this means that it must have access to your browser search activities as well which must be terrifying.

Adding more to it, certain browser hijackers also direct you to various scams. Pop-ups like “Your Mac is infected with 3 viruses” etc are some popular examples. So, keeping all these in mind, let’s look at the ways to fix them.

Top Ways to Remove All Viruses From Safari For Mac

Now that we have seen the most common malware that infects Safari on Mac, here is a list of resolves to fix this issue and continue surfing safely.

1. Uninstall Suspicious Extensions

Whenever you encounter such abnormal behavior on a browser, the most common source is the presence of malicious extensions. Sometimes these extension gets installed in our system without even our concern. Hence, the first solution is to locate any suspicious extensions on Safari and immediately uninstall them.

To do that, you can refer to the following steps:

• Firstly, open the Safari Browser.

• Click on the Safari option in the top-left corner. Go to Preferences .

• Next, click on the Extensions tab.

• Look for any suspicious extensions. If you find any, select the extension and click on the Uninstall option.

See, it’s that easy to uninstall any extension from Safari browser on Mac. However, there also exist certain extensions that make it a bit more challenging for the users to uninstall these extensions. Simply speaking, when these extensions get on board, the cleaning option grays out and becomes unclickable. That’s quite some trick, isn’t it? Well, if you ever wondered how these malicious programs pull off such things, a simple answer would be Profiles. We will discuss them in the next method.

2. Manage Profiles

Profiles are a legitimate feature included in macOS, especially for network administrators. This feature is used to push a set of rules and restrictions for the users. Woefully, these attackers have figured out the perfect way to use this feature as a loophole to make their programs harder to remove. But the good news is that there is actually a way out of this trap manually.

• Click on the Apple icon to expand the Apple menu on the toolbar.

• Select System Preferences. Next, go to Users & Groups . Click on the Login Items tab. Under the Items list, look for any suspicious names.

• Look for any malicious item on the left panel, select it, and click on the “-” button.

3. Remove Suspicious Process from the Activity Monitor

The steps below will help you remove those extensions where the cleaning option is grayed out. So, even if it is unclickable at the moment, you can remove it from the Safari browser by following the steps in the right sequence.

• Open Mac’s Finder and click on the Go menu.

• From the pop-up options, select Utilities .

• Now, find and double-click on the ‘ Activity Monitor ‘ to open the window.
• Scroll through the processes running in the system and locate the suspicious process from the list.

• Once you find the process, simply select it and click on the Stop button on the top-left corner.

• Following that, a dialog box will pop up on the screen asking for confirmation to stop the process. Tap on Force Quit.

Note that locating the task on the Activity Monitor processes list isn’t going to be a piece of cake. Especially, as these malware doesn’t give any clue from their names, it gets even tougher to identify them. So, how would you look for them?

Well, you need to look for processes that look quite new and don’t feel relatable to your activities. Sometimes these programs even take the names of some popular applications as well, so you need to be extremely attentive then.

4. Remove Malicious Files from LaunchAgents folder

In order to proceed with this method, open your Mac Finder and carry on with the following steps.

• Click on the Go Menu and select “ Go to Folder “.
• On the Go To Folder dialog box, type “ /Library/LaunchAgents ” and tap on the Go button.

• Now, look for any file that looks suspicious to your eyes. Once again, the file may seem very normal from its name.

• So, make sure that they belong somewhere in your recent activities. If you find any such files, delete them immediately.

5. Remove Malicious Folders from Application Support

Here, we will look for any malicious folders residing within the application support and delete them. To do that, you can refer to the following steps.

• Again, click on the Go Menu, and click on Go To Folder.

• This time, type “ ~/Library/Application Support ” and click on the Go button.

• In the directory, look for any unwanted or suspicious folders and put them into the trash.

Following them, also go through these extra steps as well.

• Click on the Go To Folder option on the Go menu and type “~/Library/LaunchAgents”. Make sure to add the ‘~’ tilde symbol at the start this time.
• Now, delete any unwanted files or folders from the directory.
• Next, go to “/Library/LaunchDaemons” and again delete all suspicious files as well.

Once you have removed all suspicious files and folders from all the mentioned directories, now we can proceed further.

6. Delete Unwanted Application

By now, you must be sure that no malicious files or folders exist in the directories mentioned until the previous step. Once you are sure of that, let’s see how to find and delete malicious applications from our Mac.

• For this to work, click on the Go menu on your Mac Finder’s bar.

• Go to Applications.

• The Applications window will display all the installed applications on your system. Look for any application that doesn’t seem familiar and drag them to the trash.

7. Cleanup Safari Browser

Now that you have removed all malicious programs from your system and within the Profiles, a basic browser cleanup is necessary to see the changes reflected. It comprises two steps clearing browsing history and cache. So, here are the steps for that.

• Launch the Safari browser and click and expand the Safari menu.
• Select Preferences. Now, click on the Advanced tab and check the “Show Develop menu in the menu bar” at the bottom.

• Once you see the Develop option on the toolbar, click on it and select Empty Caches.

• Next, expand the History menu and click on Clear History.

• On the dialog box, select all history and again click on the Clear History button.

Finally, when you are done with all these methods, Restart the Safari browser to make sure that all changes are applied.

Final Words

Safari is infected on Mac is a very common term. Since nowadays we are getting more used to the internet, issues like these are very likely to appear. The good thing is that most of these malicious programs on Mac are considered of moderate threat. However, it is strictly not advised to continue surfing the internet after noticing any sort of unusual behavior. In fact, whenever you encounter such issues, make sure to safeguard your System. You can refer to the methods mentioned in this article and fix Safari infected on Mac.

If you've any thoughts on How to Fix Safari is Infected on Mac , then feel free to drop in below comment box . Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!

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How To Remove Virus From Safari On IPhone

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Safari, the default web browser for Apple devices, is known for its sleek interface and seamless user experience. However, like any other browser, it is not immune to the threat of viruses and malware. If you've noticed unusual pop-ups, redirects to suspicious websites, or a sudden slowdown in Safari's performance on your iPhone, it's possible that your device has been infected with a virus.

Dealing with a virus on your iPhone can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that there are effective steps you can take to remove it and safeguard your device from future threats. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of removing a virus from Safari on your iPhone , ensuring that you can browse the web safely and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted user experience.

Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or someone who's new to handling iPhone security issues, this guide is designed to provide clear, actionable steps that anyone can follow. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have the knowledge and tools to rid your Safari browser of any unwanted viruses and protect your iPhone from potential security threats.

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of removing viruses from Safari on your iPhone, so you can regain control of your browsing experience and keep your device secure.

Step 1: Update Safari and iOS

Keeping your Safari browser and iOS up to date is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your iPhone. Apple regularly releases updates that include security patches and bug fixes, which can help protect your device from viruses and other online threats. Here's how you can ensure that Safari and iOS are updated to the latest versions:

Update Safari:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Tap on your profile picture at the top right corner.
• Scroll down to find the "Safari" app in the list of available updates.
• If an update is available, tap the "Update" button next to Safari to install the latest version.

Update iOS:

• Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap on "General" and then select "Software Update."
• If a new iOS version is available, tap "Download and Install" to update your device to the latest version.

By keeping Safari and iOS updated, you ensure that your browser and device are equipped with the latest security features and improvements. This reduces the risk of encountering viruses and malware while browsing the web, providing you with a safer and more secure online experience.

It's important to make a habit of regularly checking for updates for both Safari and iOS to stay protected against evolving security threats. Additionally, enabling automatic updates for apps and iOS can streamline the process, ensuring that your device is always equipped with the latest security enhancements without requiring manual intervention.

By following these simple steps to update Safari and iOS, you take a proactive approach to safeguarding your iPhone against potential security vulnerabilities, setting the stage for the subsequent measures to remove viruses from Safari and fortify your device's defenses.

Step 2: Clear Safari History and Website Data

Clearing Safari's history and website data is an essential step in removing viruses and improving the overall security of your browsing experience on iPhone. By doing so, you can eliminate potentially compromised data and reset Safari to a cleaner state, reducing the risk of encountering malicious scripts or unwanted redirects. Here's how you can clear Safari history and website data on your iPhone:

Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and scroll down to find "Safari" in the list of installed apps.

Tap on "Safari" to access its settings and scroll down to locate the "Clear History and Website Data" option.

Tap on "Clear History and Website Data" and confirm your decision when prompted. This action will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other site data stored on your device.

By clearing your browsing history and website data, you effectively erase any traces of potentially harmful websites or scripts that may have contributed to the presence of viruses on your Safari browser. This step serves as a reset for Safari, allowing you to start with a clean slate and minimize the chances of encountering security threats during your browsing sessions.

It's important to note that clearing your browsing history and website data may log you out of websites and remove saved preferences, so be prepared to re-enter login credentials and customize settings as needed. However, the trade-off is a more secure and optimized browsing environment, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data.

In addition to clearing history and website data manually, you can also consider enabling the "Private Browsing" mode in Safari, which prevents the browser from storing your browsing history and website data. This can be particularly useful when you want to browse the web without leaving a trail of data on your device, enhancing your privacy and security.

By taking the proactive step of clearing Safari history and website data, you contribute to a safer and more secure browsing experience on your iPhone, setting the stage for further measures to remove viruses and fortify your device against potential security threats.

Step 3: Disable JavaScript and Pop-ups

Disabling JavaScript and pop-ups in Safari on your iPhone can significantly enhance your browsing security and protect your device from potential virus infections. JavaScript is a programming language commonly used to add interactive features to websites, but it can also be exploited by malicious actors to execute harmful scripts. Pop-ups, on the other hand, can be used to deceive users into clicking on fraudulent content or downloading malicious software. By taking the following steps to disable JavaScript and pop-ups, you can reduce the risk of encountering security threats while browsing the web on your iPhone.

Disabling JavaScript:

• Tap on "Safari" to access its settings and locate the "Advanced" section.
• In the "Advanced" settings, toggle off the "JavaScript" option to disable it.

By disabling JavaScript, you prevent potentially harmful scripts from running in Safari, reducing the likelihood of encountering malicious code that could compromise your device's security. While this may impact the functionality of certain websites that rely heavily on JavaScript, it provides a proactive layer of protection against malicious activities that exploit this programming language.

Disabling Pop-ups:

• In the "Safari" settings, ensure that the "Block Pop-ups" option is enabled. This setting prevents intrusive pop-up windows from appearing while you browse the web.

By blocking pop-ups, you shield yourself from deceptive or malicious content that may attempt to trick you into engaging with harmful websites or downloading suspicious files. This proactive measure enhances your browsing safety and reduces the risk of inadvertently exposing your device to security threats.

It's important to note that while disabling JavaScript and blocking pop-ups can bolster your browsing security, it may impact the functionality and user experience of certain websites. However, the trade-off is a more secure and controlled browsing environment, where the risk of encountering harmful content is significantly reduced.

By taking the proactive step of disabling JavaScript and pop-ups in Safari on your iPhone, you contribute to a safer and more secure browsing experience, minimizing the potential for virus infections and enhancing your device's overall security posture.

Step 4: Reset Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings on your iPhone can serve as a powerful tool in combating viruses and restoring the browser to a clean, default state. This process effectively eliminates any customizations, preferences, and potentially compromised configurations that may have contributed to the presence of viruses or malware. By initiating a reset of Safari settings, you can create a fresh starting point for your browsing experience, free from the remnants of security threats and unwanted modifications.

Here's how you can reset Safari settings on your iPhone:

Below the "Clear History and Website Data" option, you'll find the "Advanced" section. Tap on it to access advanced Safari settings.

In the "Advanced" settings, you'll find the "Website Data" option. Tap on it to view the stored website data on your device.

Scroll to the bottom of the "Website Data" screen and tap on "Remove All Website Data." Confirm your decision when prompted.

By following these steps, you initiate a comprehensive reset of Safari settings, clearing all stored website data and returning the browser to its default state. This action effectively removes any potentially compromised data, cookies, and website preferences, providing you with a clean slate for your browsing activities.

It's important to note that resetting Safari settings may log you out of websites, remove saved preferences, and impact certain customizations you've made to the browser. However, the trade-off is a more secure and optimized browsing environment, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data and configurations.

In addition to resetting Safari settings, you can also consider clearing website data and cookies regularly to maintain a clean and secure browsing environment. By incorporating these proactive measures into your browsing habits, you contribute to a safer and more secure experience on Safari, reducing the risk of encountering viruses and malware while protecting your iPhone from potential security threats.

By taking the proactive step of resetting Safari settings on your iPhone, you create a foundation for a more secure and optimized browsing experience, minimizing the potential for virus infections and enhancing your device's overall security posture.

Step 5: Install a Reliable Antivirus App

In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats continue to evolve and proliferate, installing a reliable antivirus app on your iPhone is a crucial step in fortifying your device against viruses and malware. While iOS is designed with robust security features, including sandboxing and app isolation, the proactive deployment of an antivirus app can provide an additional layer of defense, offering real-time protection and threat detection capabilities.

When selecting an antivirus app for your iPhone, it's essential to choose a reputable and trusted solution from a recognized developer. Look for antivirus apps that offer comprehensive features such as on-demand and real-time scanning, malicious website blocking, and regular updates to combat emerging threats effectively.

Once you've identified a reliable antivirus app, follow these steps to install and configure it on your iPhone:

App Store Search : Open the App Store on your iPhone and use the search function to find the antivirus app of your choice. Ensure that you select an app with positive reviews and a proven track record in mobile security.

Download and Installation : Tap on the antivirus app's listing and initiate the download and installation process. Once the app is installed, launch it to begin the setup and configuration.

Configuration and Scanning : Follow the app's on-screen instructions to configure its settings, including enabling real-time protection and scheduling regular scans. Take advantage of any additional security features offered by the app to enhance your device's protection.

Update Definitions : Ensure that the antivirus app's threat definitions are up to date by allowing it to download the latest updates. Regular updates are essential for staying ahead of new and emerging threats in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity .

Real-Time Protection : Keep the real-time protection feature of the antivirus app enabled at all times to detect and block potential threats as you browse the web and use various apps on your iPhone.

By installing a reliable antivirus app on your iPhone, you empower your device with proactive defense mechanisms that can identify and neutralize potential security risks, including viruses, trojans, and other forms of malware. This proactive approach to mobile security complements the built-in safeguards of iOS, creating a robust defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing and app usage experiences.

Incorporating a reliable antivirus app into your iPhone's security framework not only helps in removing existing viruses from Safari but also serves as a proactive measure to prevent future infections, ensuring that your device remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

In conclusion, safeguarding your iPhone from viruses and malware is essential for maintaining a secure and enjoyable browsing experience. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you've taken proactive measures to remove viruses from Safari on your iPhone and fortify your device against potential security threats. From updating Safari and iOS to installing a reliable antivirus app, each step contributes to a layered defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing activities.

By keeping Safari and iOS updated, you ensure that your device is equipped with the latest security enhancements, reducing the risk of encountering viruses and malware while browsing the web. Clearing Safari history and website data serves as a reset, eliminating potentially compromised data and minimizing the chances of encountering security threats. Disabling JavaScript and pop-ups provides a proactive layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of encountering harmful scripts and deceptive content. Resetting Safari settings creates a clean slate for your browsing experience, free from the remnants of potentially compromised data and configurations. Finally, installing a reliable antivirus app empowers your device with real-time protection and threat detection capabilities, ensuring that your iPhone remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

By incorporating these measures into your iPhone's security framework, you've not only addressed the immediate concern of virus removal from Safari but also established a proactive defense strategy to prevent future infections. This proactive approach to mobile security complements the built-in safeguards of iOS, creating a robust defense strategy that prioritizes the safety and integrity of your browsing and app usage experiences.

As you continue to explore the digital landscape and engage with online content, maintaining a proactive stance towards security and staying informed about emerging threats will be crucial. Regularly reviewing and updating your device's security settings, staying vigilant against suspicious activities, and being mindful of the websites and apps you interact with can further enhance your device's security posture.

By taking the initiative to remove viruses from Safari on your iPhone and fortify your device against potential security threats, you've demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding your digital experiences and ensuring a safer and more secure browsing environment for yourself and others. With these proactive measures in place, you can navigate the digital realm with confidence, knowing that your iPhone is equipped to handle the challenges of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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Best Antivirus for Mac 2024: Top Security Software Compared

It’s typically Windows computers that get all the news headlines for attracting computer viruses, which can mean it’s all too easy to forget that Macs are vulnerable to malware, too. Our pick of the best Mac antivirus software will help keep you and your Mac or MacBook safe from whatever rogue software comes your way.

Macs have traditionally been a far less tempting target for malware writers, leading some to believe that Macs don’t even need antivirus , but their increasing popularity means they’re not immune from viruses and other types of malware – don’t find this out the hard way.

Get our no.1 Intego Mac Internet Security

Not everyone is a security expert, or necessarily knows how to check their Mac for viruses , but you also don’t need to be a security expert to keep your Mac safe. Apple does include some built-in antivirus protection , but a good Mac antivirus product will do it all for you, protecting your Mac from new and known malware, blocking ransomware , protecting older systems from security vulnerabilities caused by outdated software, and so on.

The most difficult decision for you as a Mac user is deciding which of the multiple Mac antivirus programs on the market is going to do the best job of keeping you and your data safe, and which ultimately offers the best value.

Our Macworld experts are here to help, and no-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac (the clue is in our name). We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective, and use a combination of our own testing data and AV Comparatives/AV-Test lab data to ascertain which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. These are the security products our own editors would (and do) choose for their own machines, so you can place your full trust in our Mac antivirus recommendations.

Our top pick right now is Intego Mac Internet Security . But depending on the type and number of devices you want to protect, and your budget, you may prefer one of the other Mac antivirus recommendations in our list below. You won’t find every Mac antivirus product we’ve tested here, only the very best contenders, meaning you can be sure that any of these products will do a decent job of protecting your Mac. We’ve also included some free options for those of you looking for the best free antivirus for Mac.

If value is the most important criteria for you, we also recommend looking at our best Mac antivirus deals round-up . And if you’re running Windows and macOS, also check out the advice from our sister site PC World for the best Windows antivirus .

Best Mac Antivirus: Reviewed and Ranked

1. intego mac internet security x9 – best overall mac antivirus.

• Built for Mac with useful features and effective overall malware protection
• Easy to set up, with reliable antiviral and network scanning tools
• Two-way firewall
• Includes whitelists for files and customization tools for network profiles
• Missed one file in our malware-removal tests
• Safe Browsing does not protect from phishing links in email
• AV Test, June 2023: 99.2%
• AV Comparatives, June 2023: Approved

It may not be perfect, but sometimes a software company gets its utility completely right, complete with a focus that deserves additional attention. Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 falls into this category, the utility bundling the company’s VirusBarrier and NetBarrier applications to act as both an antiviral protection program as well as a network traffic filtering program.

Simple to download, install, and configure after granting the application full access to your Mac’s files, the program then checks for the latest viral definitions, downloads them, and gets to work setting up real-time scanning features as well as intuitive network monitoring that allows you to see and work with both incoming and outgoing Internet connections on your Mac.

While Mac Security X9 doesn’t try to offer every feature under the sun, it offers an impressive amount of configuration and customization to both its VirusBarrier and NetBarrier tools. VirusBarrier does an impressive job of keeping its virus definitions up to date, it offers access to a whitelist/list of trusted files that can be created, it’s easy to quickly scan an external volume such as a USB thumb drive on the fly, scheduled scanning works well, it offers both Quick Scan and Full Scan options, and real-time scanning jumped in every time I mounted an external drive. VirusBarrier was able to remove just about all the infected files on my MacBook Pro, leaving only the questionable Free Download Manager behind, which had to be removed manually.

NetBarrier impresses and it’s easy to see both incoming and outgoing Internet connections to services such as Apple, various application updaters, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, and other companies. The application allows you to create settings for your home, work, or public connections and either allow or deny connections as needed. The setup can be as simple or as intricate as desired, and it’s easy to set up rules for each connection wherein the application will allow the connection, block it, or ask what to do with it. A real-time network protection feature can be enabled or disabled as needed, and it’s helpful to see what connections your Mac is processing.

There were a few issues to address. A running counter tracks the number of files processed in a VirusBarrier scan, but a timer would also be a helpful. It’s impressive that the application caught dozens of infected files, but this needs to be 100% in the future. Another issue is that while NetBarrier sets up a Safe Browsing feature within your installed web browsers, it still allows traffic to the questionable websites linked to in spam messages offering the usual phishing-based scams.

To its credit, Mac Security X9 doesn’t try to upsell you as to Intego’s other suites and services, which given some of its competitors, is saying something. The tools in place are effective, work well, and make this worth your consideration,

Intego’s Internet Security bundle costs $24.99/£20.00/CA$31.99 for the first year (if you use this link ). There’s also a free VirusBarrier Scanner, which you can download on the Mac App Store , we have reviewed that here: Intego VirusBarrier Scanner review .

You can get Intego Mac Internet Security X9 here .

2. Avast Premium Security – Best Mac antivirus for malware protection

• Doesn't generally impact performance
• Caught all problem test files
• Slow manual scanning
• No option for single device license
• AV Test, September 2023: 100%

There are four Mac antivirus products from Avast. The paid for Avast Premium Security for Mac and Avast One , and the free Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential . If you want just a virus scanner, Avast’s Free Antivirus, which is the free version of Avast Premium Security, is a good option. Avast One Essential is the free version of Avast One, and offers some additional functions compared to Avast Free Antivirus. It includes options such as ransomware protection, privacy protection, recommends cleaning up the hard drive without being asked, and searches for data leaks. There’s also a free VPN service with 5GB data volume per week, but, you can only select the location in another country for an additional charge.

Avast Premium Security for Mac ($50.28/£39.99/CA$52.80) does a great job keeping your Mac secure. It’s a well-featured suite that will protect from all sorts of nasties including watching for browser script hacks, potential ransomware and other remote attack activity. Avast Premium Security offers various modules: Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, and Quarantine. These are all easily accessed from the home screen.

Virus scan options include Smart Scan, Deep Scan, Targeted Scan, or External Storage Scan. Once suspect files are found, they can be readily quarantined and/or deleted. The Traffic Monitor shows how much data you’re using and where your bandwidth is going. Network Inspector scans the network you’re on, gauges its safety, offers a list of which devices are on the same network, and alerts you as to when an unfamiliar device joins the network.

We tested the Core Shields feature with a fake website that spawned from a random text message regarding an undelivered package. Avast’s Real Site feature prevented the site from loading and triggering software.

The software installed quickly and ran well on macOS Sonoma. It’s frustrating that it’s necessary to grant the program full hard disk access and permission to filter network content, but that is standard with AV software.

The main frustration is the subscription-based model, but again, that tends to be standard these days. There are some features that are only available on the Avast Ultimate subscription tier.

If you’d prefer to save your money, or get an idea of what’s on offer before parting with your cash, you might like to try the two free Antivirus for Mac solutions from Avast. Just because they are free doesn’t mean these solutions are ineffective. In a test by  AV-Comparatives in June 2023 , Avast’s Free antivirus for Mac was among the best products, detecting 100 percent of Mac malware, 99 percent of potentially unwanted applications and 100 percent of Windows viruses. Avast also performed well in AV-Test’s investigations in June 2023, scoring full marks for protection, performance and usability.

When we ran the free version of Avast we experienced no slowdowns and no negative effect on system performance. One of the biggest challenges was installation. In order to be able to check files, a virus scanner must install some background programs and needs access to the file system, so you will have to jump through some hoops to allow access. None of this is Avast’s fault, of course.

As for the interface, we found the three-column overview with all the listed functions to be very cluttered and a bit overwhelming, but by far the biggest annoyance was the exaggerated warnings about alleged security gaps, with Avast One classifying our home WLAN as insecure and recommending the use of a VPN.

You can get Avast Premium Security for Mac here . Also consider Avast One , Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential .

Read our full Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential for Mac review

3. Norton 360 – Best value Mac antivirus

• Easy-to-use & effective
• Multiple device cover
• Minimal performance impact
• No backup on macOS
• Didn't spot threats in zip files

Norton 360 is a security utility that performs a range of different monitoring and safeguarding operations to keep your Mac free from threats such as browser hacks and search engine hijack scripts to intrusion attempts and actual malware.

There are various options. Norton 360 is available in Plus, Standard and Deluxe (there is also an Advanced edition in the U.K., and a Select +LifeLock edition in the U.S. both of which support up to 10 devices). The core Norton 360 protection features do a good job, but the cloud backup benefits are missing from the Mac edition. If you go beyond the Standard edition you get Dark Web Monitoring, Parental Control and School Time, and licenses for up to five devices (for the Deluxe edition) or 10 (for the Advanced or Select versions).

Norton 360 focuses on catching unwanted software, but it also offers some useful additional features including a VPN for securing personal data while online, and a tool for managing passwords, bank card details and similar data. You’ll also get protection against identity theft with some editions, Norton calls this Dark Web Monitoring. The service regularly checks whether your email, telephone number, credit card number or other contact details have fallen into the wrong hands. Note that the Cloud Backup feature doesn’t work on macOS, but that is more of an extra rather than a vital part of the package.

There is also protection against unwanted, uninvited and possibly malicious software. A Norton Password Manager utility that also helps manage wallet data for autofill payments, addresses, notes and favorites. Much of these are things that macOS does already, but the clear interface makes it easy to understand.

Beware that the first year is discounted, so you will be charged more in subsequent years. The price starts at £24.99/$49.99/CA$39.99 for the first year (renewing at a higher price, as is so often the case with antivirus suites). Note the UK and Canada have the option of Norton 360 Standard but in the U.S. only Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock, is available.

Norton performed well in tests and was efficient at spotting unwanted and potentially risky software, from browser search engine hack scripts to actual trojans. In a test by the auditors at AV-Test in June 2023, the program’s detection of Mac malware was recognized with a 5.5 out of 6 score for protection, full marks for performance and usability.

You can get Norton 360 here .

4. AVG Antivirus Free for Mac – Best free Mac antivirus

• Capable basic protection for a free product
• Quick and easy installation
• Clean and helpful dashboard
• Occasional prompts to convince you to upgrade to the paid version
• Lacks the ransomware, phishing, and fake website protection built into the paid product

AVG Antivirus for the Mac is one of a handful of free antivirus for Mac programs. As such it is basic, but it’s effective at protecting you from viruses, spyware, and malware.

Despite being free, AVG covers all the bases: blocking viruses and malware from websites, downloads, and email attachments. AVG will scan applications and check every file and remove threats from your Mac. It auto updates so you shouldn’t miss out on protection from the latest threats.

In the AV-Test for 2023, AVG was certified and was considered Outstanding for protection, performance and usability. AV-Comparatives June 2023 tests saw AVG Antivirus Free for Mac score 100% for Mac Malware Protection, 99% for Mac PUA Protection, and 100% for detecting Windows malware, which were better results than some paid-for options.

Though it lacks the advanced features of paid antivirus products, it handles the core tasks cleanly and seamlessly. However, if you need to resolve any advanced issues you will need to pay to upgrade to the full version of the software, which is about $2/£2 per month for a one-year subscription. There is a 60-day free trial though, which could be enough for your purposes.

All in all, this is a great option, despite being basic. You get much more than you ‘pay’ for.

You can get AVG Antivirus for the Mac here.

5. Bitdefender Total Security & Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

• Doesn't slow down your Mac
• Effective real-time protection
• Unobtrusive browsing protection
• No password manager
• Very limited VPN
• No identity protection

Bitdefender is another maker of antivirus solutions that has a number of solutions for the Mac, including a free option. There’s Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac , which offers basic protection for up to three Macs, Bitdefender Total Security , which protects up to five devices (macOS, iOS, Windows and Android), and Bitdefender’s free Virus Scanner for Mac . We’ve looked at them all.

Bitdefender Total Security covers five devices for $69.99/£69.99/CA$69.99 for the first year and then $99.99/£99.99/CA$69.99) is an effective tool for keeping your Mac safe, and it will also protect Windows PC, an iOS and Android devices. The bundled VPN is very basic and gives you only 200MB of data per day, but the rest of the suite of tools is effective and easy to manage.

But when you compare what the Mac version offers compared to the Windows version, you’ll feel quite hard done by. There’s no password manager, no social network protection, no webcam or microphone protection, no Wi-Fi security advisor and plenty of other features that Windows users get for the same price. If your goal is simply to keep your Mac protected from malware, then Bitdefender does a great job. But you can find better value elsewhere.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac covers 1 device for $29.99/£24.98/CA$29.99 for the first year and then $69.99/£39.99/CA$69.99. It offers good virus detection (of both Mac and Windows viruses). Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac performed well in AV Comparatives tests for 2023, detecting 99.7% percent of Mac viruses as well as 100 percent of Windows and 98 percent of PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac also got top marks in all categories in AV-Test’s June 2023 tests.

It also offers additional security features such as VPN, identity theft protection, and ransomware protection, but these are not necessary for most home users.

The free Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac (reviewed here) can be easily installed via this Mac App Store link . The free version must be manually run. Once on your Mac, it offers Quick Scan, Deep Scan, and custom location scan options, which allow for a quick overview scan of critical components, a deep scan of every file and archive on your drive, and the ability to scan custom folders or external volumes as needed.

While Bitdefender Virus Scanner can locate, quarantine, and delete malware, there were instances in which the application was unable to delete infected files and instead held them in quarantine at which point we had to go hunting for them as the Reveal in Finder button didn’t work. Ominously, Bitdefender has retired the free Virus Scanner for Windows, so the free Mac version’s days may be numbered.

6. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

• High malware detection rate
• Monitors for ransomware-style attacks from unknown software in specific folders
• Wouldn’t detect some malware in real-time in our tests
• Fewer extra features compared to less-expensive or similarly priced higher-rank competitors

Trend Micro Antivirus is a good program with well-rated antivirus protection and a simple, straightforward interface that users will appreciate.

Anyone looking for additional features will be disappointed with this suite, but it offers good protection at a fair price.

In June 2023 AV-Test gave Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac full marks for protection, performance and usability. In their tests AV-Comparatives gave Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac 100% for Mac malware protection, 99% for PUA protection and 100% for Windows malware detection.

Our own spot checks produced similarly good results. Lining up against the Objective See malware library Trend Micro had no trouble detecting most threats. However, in a few cases, it didn’t detect all the malware contained in a folder until a scan had been run.

Trend Micro is an excellent choice for those looking for something that’s simple and easy to use. There are options with better protection, but Trend Micro’s protection is still good and pricing is fair starting at $29.95/£19.94/CA$29.95 for one Mac for the first year (then $39.95/£49.95/$39.95 a year).

7. Avira Prime & Avira Free Security for Mac

• Easy to use
• Won't slow down your Mac
• No fine-tuning scan options
• AV Test, September 2023: 99.8%
• AV Comparatives, June 2023: 99%, Approved

Like Avast, Avira makes a paid-for and a free version of its antivirus solution. Avira Prime is a security utility designed to keep your Mac safe from potentially unwanted programs; which covers everything from simple scripts designed to compromise and redirect your browser searches through to actual malware. Prices start at $59.99/£51.99/CA$67 for 5 devices for the first year, then $104.99/£90.99/CA$118 a year.

While Avira Free Security for Mac lets you run a quick scan to check out system files and other vulnerable areas, or a full scan to analyze your entire Mac for malware, but not much else.

Avira Prime is designed around several modules: Virus Scans (including Quick Scan. Full Scan and Custom Scan), Protection Options, Quarantine, VPN, Passwords, Cookie Cleaner, Identity Assistant, Junk Cleaner, Uninstaller, and Startup Apps. A single large window presents the various features, from scans to app management and cleanup, although a couple of its features use a separate panel for a web-based console. In our tests, it detected all our compromised files and installers–although we were concerned that it missed the problematic Wave web browser virus. It doesn’t look inside zip archives or disk images, but it pounces as soon as items are extracted from these.

Even while Avira Prime is actively scanning for trouble it has such a small impact on the general performance of our Mac that we wouldn’t notice it without comparing timings.

Avira Prime scored well in AV Comparitives June 2023 tests scoring 99% for Mac Malware protection and 99% for Mac PUA Protection, while AV Test gave Avira 99.8% in September 2023.

You can get the basics of the security features with Avira Free Security, but Prime’s annual subscription provides useful additional capabilities, including an unlimited VPN, if you can stomach the cost.

Avira Free Security for Mac seems to offer a lot of features for free. But most actually require a paid subscription, so the product’s overall usefulness is limited and the constant sales pitches are annoying.

The free app will run scans daily, weekly, or monthly. You can also create a custom scan. There are also real-time virus protection scans to scan new files saved to your computer or downloaded from the internet. You have to pay to scan a USB drive. Malware discovered is automatically quarantined. Avira was effective at detecting and stopping malware when we tested it.

The free version of Avira also includes the junk cleaner that can identify issues via a smart scan, but you need to pay to actually clean up anything beyond the junk files.

You can get Avira Prime here. Also consider Avira Free Security for Mac .

Read our full Avira Free Security for Mac review .

8. McAfee Total Protection

• Good, customizable set of security tools for multiple devices
• Background scanning feature comes in handy
• Program feels laggy when initially launched
• McAfee demands your credit/debit card to create an account and download and use the software, even on a 30-day trial basis

McAfee Total Protection continues to be steadily updated and offers a good suite of anti-viral, anti-malware, identity protection, VPN, and scheduling tools. Prices start at $39.99/£34.99/CA$44.99 for the first year.

It is simple to use; once you’ve walked through the guided steps for giving it permission to work behind the scenes it is essentially something you can just leave to get on with its job.

The software can perform a full scan of your hard drive as well as scan custom locations such as external volumes, and schedule scan times. You can control what Total Protection does when it finds suspect files, such as notifying you, quarantining them, or deleting the files. During our tests, it located and quarantined two suspected virus files I didn’t know about, thereby earning its keep.

Other features include an ID Protection tool that compares your email address to known data and password breaches, a firewall, and a Secure VPN feature that lets you quickly set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

McAfee’s Total Protection package extends up to five devices on one account, so it’s easy to add the app to other Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android-based phones and tablets as needed. It’s worth noting that the Windows version offers features that you don’t get in the Mac app.

We noted some occasional performance impacts as it ran in the background, but it was largely unobtrusive in its efforts. Our only other grumble is the lack of simplicity if ending the trial.

You can get McAfee Total Protection here .

9. BitMedic Pro Antivirus

• Fast, simple to use, handy set of modules to work with.
• One-time $10/£10 payment, no need to worry about annual subscriptions. 
• Good external drive scanning and scheduling tools.
• Clunky user interface, lack of description as to where infected files are or what their effect can be. 
• Buggy, occasional application crashes under macOS Ventura 13.5.1, drop-down menus refused to function at times. 
• Overbroad web browser extension removal tool favors deleting all extensions as opposed to specific ones. 

BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a good antiviral program, albeit with some shortcomings that need to be worked through, not lest the fact that this hasn’t been updated since 2020.

The program, which retails for $9.99/£999/CA$9.99 on the Mac App Store , features a nice complement of tools, including an Antivirus Scan module, an Adware Cleaner module, a Result Log, a Custom Scan module, a Browser Privacy module, and a System Settings module that allows you to schedule deep scans, customize system behaviors, and create a whitelist of files not to scan.

Initial tests with the Antivirus Scan module’s quick scan and deep scan went well and BitMedic Pro Antivirus was able to find several phishing-based emails. The application crashed twice during testing though. Frustratingly, there was a lack of specific descriptions as to what the infected files were and their full location, even after a drop-down arrow was clicked.

The inclusion of an Adware Cleaner module is a nice touch, performs well, and runs quickly. The Browser Privacy module functions as a quick and easy way to clean up your history, auto logins, bookmarks, remove all extensions, and reset the preferences on your browser, but this is an all-or-nothing option and we’d prefer to disable or delete individual extensions.

The $10/£10 price point with no subscription, is very appealing, but there are a few elements that let it down.

10. Sophos Home Premium for Mac

• Effective protection
• Reasonably priced
• Confusing setup process
• Configuring software and running scheduled scan is cloud-based

Sophos used to offer a free version of its Home product with antivirus protection and website protection, but in 2021 that version was discontinued, leaving Sophos Home Premium as the only option for personal use.

There’s now a 30 days full trial, but after that it costs $44.99/£37.46/CA$44.99 for the first year and $59.99/£49.99/CA$59.99 for each subsequent year. You can install on 10 Macs or PCs though.

Setup was confusing. Initially, the software guides you through the process, but then setup stops and you have to sign into your Sophos Home dashboard to complete setup (it’s not clear that you need to do this step).

There’s also no Dock icon to launch the program, instead, you use a menu bar icon to access the online dashboard where you can control the five types of protection including:

• Antivirus protection – real-time scanning for local and network drives, perform a manual scan or schedule one, plus a quick scan can be triggered from the menu bar icon.
• Web protection
• Ransomware protection
• Privacy protection
• Malicious traffic detection
• Web filtering

A 2017 evaluation of macOS security software by AV-Test gave Sophos Home outstanding grades for protection, performance, and usability, however, Sophos hasn’t been tested by the team at AV-Test since.

When we tested, we ran the EICAR test, which simulates a virus, and Sophos detected and blocked it with no trouble. The website filtering worked well.

Sophos Home Premium provides effective protection, but the setup process and cloud-only features are drawbacks. It needs a clearer set up and the ability to do more locally.

11. ClamXAV

• Effective antivirus protection
• Charges an annual subscription for basic malware protection with no other features

Installing ClamXAV from the  ClamXAV website  is quick and easy. Either click the Free Trial button or sign up for a $29.95/£23.99/$42.95 a year subscription and the installation file is automatically downloaded. After the initial setup, where you need to grant permission to access the Downloads folder and modify security settings, you are all set.

You can run a manual scan from the main screen, but there are several other options. A quick scan checks system files and other areas on your Mac, you can select just your hard drive to run a scan on all folders and files on the disk, and dragging and dropping a single folder or file onto the scanning pane checks it for malware. You can also select an external drive or connected USB stick for scanning. There’s also a real-time scanning component–Sentry–that is always on guard.

It is possible to schedule any type of scan to run on specific days and times. By default, any malicious files are automatically quarantined, but you can decide whether or not to quarantine infected files. You can open the quarantine folder to see what files were caught.

ClamXAV scored perfectly in AV-Test’s June 2022 tests, but hasn’t been evaluated since.

ClamXAV proved effective at detecting and stopping test malware files, but there’s nothing more to the program beyond the basic antivirus scanning and options. ClamXAV is certainly effective at virus scanning, but that’s a capability found in many free and equally effective security products for the Mac.

12. Malwarebytes Premium for Macs

• Offers all the basic types of security
• Mac version missing certain features compared with its Windows counterpart
• Excludes any mention or advice on the Malwarebytes browser extension

Malwarebytes comes in both free and premium editions for personal use. Unfortunately, the Mac version falls short of many of the features of the Windows version. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac includes the basic virus and malware scanning as well as the ability to detect malicious apps, or PUPs (potentially unwanted program). The real-time protection constantly monitors your system for security threats, automatically blocking and quarantining anything that could infect your computer.

But it doesn’t directly come with protection against malicious links and phishing attempts. Nor does it offer safeguards against ransomware and zero-day exploits.

There is a free version of Malwarebytes, but that just includes just basic virus scanning. Malwarebytes Premium starts at $44.99/£29.99/CA$51.99 billed annually for one device. There’s a free 14-day trial.

Malwarebytes Premium on a Mac is accessible through a menu bar icon. Clicking the icon displays a menu with options to start a scan, temporarily turn off the malware protection and malicious app blocker, update the program, view and tweak its settings, and open the management console.

From the management console, you can trigger a manual scan and set up scheduled scans to run on a recurring basis. A detection history displays all quarantined items. There’s an Allow list to add legitimate files or programs that were mistakenly flagged as malware to.

The Window’s version of Malwarebytes Premium got almost top marks from AV-Test in April 2023 (but fell short with 5 out of 6 for protection). The Mac version of the software hasn’t been tested by AV-Test. During July to October of 2022, AV Comparatives tested Malwarebytes and gave it 99%, but the software hasn’t been tested since.

It’s just a shame that the Mac version feels like an also-ran compared with the Windows edition.

13. F-Secure Total for Mac

• Includes virus protection, secure browsing, ID monitoring, a VPN, and a password vault in one package
• Effective and flexible VPN
• Missing key capabilities such as a quick virus scan and a scheduled scan
• Certain options unavailable in the Mac version vs the Windows version
• No notification for malware infections
• No way to view malicious or quarantined files
• Charges a hefty annual subscription

F-Secure Total for Mac is a simple-to-use security software suite that works on macOS, iOS, Windows and Android devices and protects your data from a wide range of threats. It includes several useful features, but lacks certain key options, especially in virus scanning.

The program is $69.99/£59.99 a year for one device, which is steep, but there’s a free 30-day trial that requires no credit card and even gives you free technical support if you need it.

Clicking the Scan button runs a full virus scan that checks your entire system, while clicking the link for Viruses & Threats takes you to another screen where you can scan just specific folders. But there are no options to run a quick scan or even to schedule a scan, unlike the Windows version which includes a quick scan. It provides real-time virus and spyware scanning to automatically block malware, and ‘DeepGuard’ monitors applications for any changes indicative of a malware infection.

You can set up ID monitoring to check your email address for data breaches among your online accounts. The VPN is another defense and includes tracking protection to prevent advertisers from monitoring your online activity and a kill switch to quickly cut off all internet traffic.

F-Secure offers a password vault that creates and stores secure logins for all your accounts. The password vault requires an extension that supports Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Safari isn’t yet supported.

Unfortunately, F-Secure doesn’t let you review blocked or deleted malicious files, and no setting allows you to quarantine files instead of removing them.

F-Secure’s Safe (which was the old name for F-Secure Internet Security) was tested by AV-Test in June 2023 and scored 5 out of 6 for protection, 5.5 out of 6 for performance and 6 for usability.

Best Free Mac Antivirus

We’ve included our pick of the best free options above, but here are our top five recommendations:

• Avast Free Antivirus
• AVG Antivirus for the Mac .
• Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac .
• Avira Free Security for Mac
• Intego VirusBarrier Scanner

Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison

Best mac antivirus: buying advice, do macs even need antivirus software.

Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don’t require protection. We’d argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident.

Not long ago, the Silver Sparrow malware was detected on Macs powered by the M1 processor and infected hundreds of thousands of Macs. And it’s just one example.

The bad guys are absolutely targeting Mac users – and they’re getting smarter and greedier. Cyber security is something you can’t afford to ignore, and good Mac antivirus will help keep you safe.

Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areas of the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible.

More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips ; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac .

What features should I look for in Mac antivirus?

All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Mac’s processor power to prioritise the scan, so it’s worth selecting a convenient time.

Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives – perhaps via an email or a downloaded file – your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. You’ll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing).

The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice.

Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a user’s home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust.

Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldn’t.

Different vendors offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features.

Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN?

One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while we’d recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing – just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product.

What is the best value Mac antivirus?

Value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal.

That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, there’s nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money – and why not: it’s not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you won’t need it.

Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices – and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving.

How do I spot fake Mac antivirus software?

Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook.

At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper .

What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from?

Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too.

First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews.

Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate.

Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering.

How we test Mac antivirus software

Each software package is evaluated creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations don;t interfere with new ones – sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection.

In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware:  AV Comparatives  and  AV-TEST . These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware).

The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware.

Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following:

• A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection
• Ransomware monitoring
• Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy
• A high score on Windows malware detection

Author: Karen Haslam , Editor

Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld two decades ago. 

Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.

Recent stories by Karen Haslam:

• How to back up a MacBook or Mac
• Apple Events 2024: Apple’s event plans
• Apple Spring event: Date, time, product launch rumors

Best antivirus software for Mac of 2024

Protect against malicious attacks

• 1. Best Mac antivirus overall
• 2. Best Mac antivirus with firewall
• 3. Best multi-device Mac antivirus
• 4. Best of the rest

It's a common misconception that Apple products are completely immune to viruses and, as a result, there's no point in getting antivirus for your Mac and MacBook . That isn't exactly true, however.

Think about how many people own a Mac or MacBook—the sheer volume of users is an irresistible target to hackers and cybercriminals. MacOS is Unix-based, which is sandboxed, so it can be challenging for viruses to do any real damage, but malicious programs targeting Macs and MacBook Pros have become increasingly common and even more potent.

Additionally, malicious web-based injections aim to attack flaws not in macOS itself but in the software running on it. These attacks especially target browser exploits, such as vulnerabilities in JavaScript. 

You'll need Mac-specific antivirus software designed to work with the unique demands of macOS to protect your device. After all, Apple products aren't cheap, and you won't want your pricey device crippled by a cyberattack. Heck, even one of the best free antivirus options is better than nothing.

The TechRadar team has tested many of the best antivirus apps on the market to figure out which ones you can trust. In this guide, I'll walk you through the best Mac antivirus software specifically designed to protect Apple systems—though you might want to check out the best Mac VPNs , too.

Bitdefender is today's #1 best Mac antivirus Bitdefender is my gold standard when it comes to malware spotting, blocking, and clearing—and it's nice and easy to use, even for beginners.

The premium provider comes with a lot of handy extras, too, like ransomware protection, anti-phishing, and super secure web browser protection.

Click here if you're in Australia

The best Mac antivirus in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Check out my top antivirus picks for Mac, as well as my analysis of each provider's key features, test results, and potential reasons to avoid. I'll also take a look at how they compare to one another.

The best Mac antivirus overall

1. Bitdefender Antivirus

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is one of the most accurate virus protection suites for Apple devices out there, built on a sterling antivirus engine that is consistently rated among the top performers by independent testing labs - and it boasts fast scan times, too. 

It’s not just about core antivirus defenses, though, because Bitdefender also lays claim to a broad set of features. That includes multi-layer ransomware protection, solid anti-phishing capabilities, and very robust AI-powered web browser protection delivered via an extension. 

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac also offers an adware blocker and performs well when it comes to scanning and detecting Windows PC malware. Why is that useful? Well, it'll help defend against the possibility of you transmitting a Windows virus to any friends or family using a Windows 10 PC.

Time Machine protection is a valuable addition, too, as an extra safety net to keep backups safe from ransomware attacks. Another nifty extra is the integration of Bitdefender VPN. However, keep in mind that it's pretty limited—you'll only get 200 Mb of data a day, which isn't a lot, so it's better suited to very occasional use. Still, it’s certainly better than nothing and handy in a pinch.

If you’re concerned about viruses and the other nastiness floating around on the internet, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the best software for Macs. Note that even though this is a standalone Mac antivirus, you can also get protection for your Mac as part of Bitdefender Total Security, the firm’s flagship security suite (which covers Macs, Android, and iOS devices, plus Windows PCs—up to 10 devices in total).

Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus review .

The best Mac antivirus with firewall

2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Intego is a veteran antivirus provider which has been defending Macs for well over two decades now. So, if there's any software provider that knows exactly what kind of security Apple machines need, it's Intego.

Mac Internet Security X9 provides good antivirus protection against the latest threats. The independent testing labs have generally rated it highly in the past (although it isn’t always covered at AV-Test, but in the last roundup where Intego did feature, it received full marks). I found that scans are pretty quick, which is always nice, and strong protection against Windows malware is another handy benefit.

Outside of that robust core malware defense, Internet Security X9 boasts an intelligent firewall with anti-spyware countermeasures with the latter keeping a close watch on outgoing internet traffic. In addition, Intego helps shore up privacy levels by defending against third-party apps attempting to hoover up your data. On top of all that, Mac Internet Security X9 offers a neat interface, and it’s nicely user-friendly.

There are a couple of downsides, however. Some of Intego's bonus features can't match the top competition in terms of power, and the lack of a recent evaluation at AV-Test is a disappointing gap in coverage—but shouldn't be read into too deeply.

Of course, Intego does offer a lengthy 30-day free trial, so you can take Mac Internet Security X9 for a test drive to see if it meets your personal approval. Finally, note that there’s also a full Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 which consists of Internet Security X9 plus a whole host of extras, including backup, performance optimization, and parental control features.

Read the full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review .

The best multi-device Mac antivirus

3. Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton is another well-respected brand in the antivirus world and provides excellent malware detection for Mac computers. Indeed, Norton 360 Deluxe, the brand's best choice for multi-device users, delivers protection for Macs, Windows PCs, or mobile devices – up to five of them per license. So, if you’ve got plenty of Macs or MacBooks to cover, or perhaps a Windows laptop as well, and of course your smartphone, Norton will have your back across all bases.

You get quite the helping of features here, including impressive antivirus protection, anti-ransomware, a smart firewall, and some neat extras like a password manager (although you want to use the best password manager instead) and dark web monitoring (in certain regions), alongside a significant bonus in the form of Norton Secure VPN (with unlimited access) to help maintain better security and privacy when online.

So, while you get a host of benefits on the security front, one thing to be aware of is that Norton 360 does have more of a noticeable impact on your system performance than some rivals in our experience. Also worth bearing in mind is that Mac owners don’t get a couple of features, namely cloud backup and parental controls (but you can use these on Windows PCs).

Furthermore, the cost of this security suite is on the pricier side by default. However, there are usually offers knocking a substantial amount of money off. At the time of this writing, you can get a pretty good deal on a subscription – particularly when you consider the number of devices covered.

Read the full Norton 360 Deluxe review .

The best of the rest

4. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is another good choice to keep your Mac secure, and its antivirus engine is well thought of by the independent testing labs – generally speaking it’s up there with the best of them (even if Trend Micro slipped just a touch in AV-Comparative’s Mac rankings for 2021).

This program’s feature-set includes ransomware protection (courtesy of Folder Shield), parental controls, camera plus microphone protection, anti-phishing defenses, and a social media privacy checker that monitors social network usage for the many increasingly severe threats delivered via these channels. This package is also easy to get to grips with and generally user-friendly.

On the downside, Trend Micro suffers from a greater level of system slowdown than most rival suites going by recent testing. Also, the app only covers a single Mac, so lacks the added value of extra licenses that many of the competition offer.

Furthermore, some rival antivirus suites offer more features. For example, Trend Micro lacks a firewall or protection for the likes of online banking – the firm’s Pay Guard secure browser is reserved for the Maximum Security for Mac suite.

That said, note that at the time of writing, you can get the latter suite for not much more than Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac – and it also provides extended coverage for up to five devices (including Windows PCs, Android, and iOS mobiles, plus Chromebooks, as well as Macs). Indeed, discounts on pricing like this seem to be around quite often, so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for a good deal on the Trend Micro Maximum Security suite.

Read the full Trend Micro Antivirus review .

5. Avast One

Avast One is the firm’s all-in-one security package which provides a host of defenses for Macs and other devices, offering coverage for up to five pieces of hardware with the Individual plan - so that's for Macs, Windows PCs, Android and iOS mobiles.

Mac users get a whole lot of features here - over and above basic antivirus protection - with a dedicated anti-ransomware layer, a high-quality Web Shield to keep you safer online, as well as an integrated VPN (with unlimited usage) to further bolster levels of online safety. No, the VPN isn’t the fastest offering out there by any means, but it’s solid enough, and a great addition to the overall value of this suite.

On top of this, Avast One provides a load of privacy-protecting extras, such as tracking protection, data breach monitoring, and features like a network advisor which recommends turning on the VPN based on what sites you might be visiting or in situations such as when you’re connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi.

The Avast antivirus engine is very strong as well, and going by recent ratings from the independent test labs, this is one of the top-performing Mac defenders.

Admittedly, Avast One on the Mac doesn’t quite carry all the features seen with Windows PCs, in terms of lacking some PC maintenance and speed-up tools – though it does have a basic clean-up function, and as we’ve seen, there’s still plenty packed into this suite. It’s well worth a look, then, for those who want good all-round coverage for a number of devices. And remember if you have loads of hardware, the Family plan covers up to a staggering 30 devices, too.

Clario aims to be an all-encompassing security package, and it succeeds in that goal, providing antivirus and a lot more. Bitdefender, our top-rated provider, powers the main antivirus engine, so unsurprisingly, Clario does well here, and is rated pretty much identically to Bitdefender in more recent tests from the independent labs.

As mentioned, you get a whole host of security extras here. That includes a fully integrated Mac VPN service (powered by NordVPN, a well-respected provider), identity theft protection, secure browsing, anti-tracking countermeasures, and more.

The Mac app is smartly designed to be very easy to use for beginners, although on the flip side, it pushes ease of use so much that tech-savvy types may be put off. The other main drawback here doesn’t apply to Mac users because the Mac app works well – but the mobile apps are disappointingly basic. Yes, Clario also supports iOS or Android devices (but not Windows) – up to three or six of them on the monthly or yearly subscription plans respectively.

The asking price is more than some of the rival suites on this page. However, having high-quality antivirus and Mac VPN protection rolled together in a beginner-friendly package will appeal to some Mac users.

Read the full Clario review .

7. Avira antivirus

Avira Antivirus Pro is a solid option for Mac users that provides protection for up to five devices (also including Windows PCs). It’s rated highly by the independent test labs on the whole, although AV-Test is slightly more enthusiastic than AV-Comparatives with its Mac-based evaluation of the product – but one way or another, you’re certainly getting strong core antivirus protection here.

However, features are somewhat thin on the ground compared to the Windows version. On top of the fundamental antivirus defenses, there’s web protection to block malware-laden websites, as well as capable anti-phishing tech, an ad blocker, along with a browser tracking blocker to better maintain your online privacy. But that’s about your lot.

There are alternative products in this list which offer more in the way of extras, though what Avira tackles, it does a good job of. And if you want more, you could always consider upgrading to the Avira Prime suite, which boasts a built-in VPN (a pretty decent one, too) with no data limits, and extras like a password manager, plus some performance and maintenance tools.

Read the full Avira Antivirus Pro review .

8. ClamXAV for Home Users

ClamXAV doesn’t have the catchiest of names, but it’s the best Mac antivirus for many IT professionals – not least because the firm only creates AV for Apple computers. That doesn’t mean it’s overly complicated – there’s a Home version of the app targeted at the average consumer, and we found ClamXAV’s interface to be one of the most simple and easy-to-use out of all the Mac antivirus software on this list.

It’s particularly adept at catching viruses in email attachments, and while ClamXAV hasn’t been rated often by the big independent labs in recent times, it has performed decently in the few evaluations which have taken place.

Do bear in mind that ClamXAV doesn’t come with some of the internet safety tools seen in other suites, but it’s still a good choice for protecting your Mac, particularly on the value front – its various subscriptions are priced competitively compared to rivals. The ClamXAV for Home Users edition of the software allows for up to three Macs to be protected, or up to nine if you choose the Family Pack plan.

Editor's note: Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac used to appear on this list. Considering the current climate however, we've taken the decision to remove the provider. Although much of the company's core processes are now take place in Switzerland, the fact that its headquarters remain in Moscow and there have been previous allegations around government coercion, it feels prudent to use the provider with caution. And, when there are so many other excellent providers to choose from, it's impossible to whole-heartedly recommend Kaspersky at this time.

The best free Mac antivirus

1. Avast Free Mac Security

Avast Free Mac Security goes the extra mile to protect your Mac with an unusually lengthy feature list. The core antivirus engine offers real-time protection to catch threats when they appear, for instance. You can run on-demand full system scans if you suspect a problem, or launch a more targeted check on specific files, folders or drives. It's even possible to schedule scans to run automatically when you're not around. 

A Web Shield warns you about malicious websites, blocks dangerous downloads and email attachments, and protects your privacy by eliminating intrusive ad tracking. There's an unusual extra in Avast's wireless network scanner, which quickly checks your network, router and connected devices, alerting you to any vulnerabilities.

Mac antivirus software isn't often checked by the independent testing labs, but Avast's most recent results were good, with AV Comparative's 2018 test finding the package detected 100 percent of sample threats. If you'd like even more, upgrading to Avast Security Pro gets you ransomware protection and instant alerts of Wi-Fi intruders or changes in your network security.

2. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

While many antivirus companies try to win you over by piling on the features, Avira Antivirus for Mac takes a simpler, more lightweight approach. There's no web filtering, no network scanning or other security extras: it's purely focused on keeping your system malware-free. 

That doesn't mean the package is short on power. We found its real-time scanner to be incredibly effective, checks any file the system accesses, picking up threats before they can do any harm. The scheduler enables setting up the app to scan your system automatically, or you're able to check your entire system whenever you like. 

As a bonus, the app doesn't just protect against Mac threats. It also uses Avira's Windows experience to pick up any PC-related malware, ensuring you won't share any files that might endanger your friends. 

The main testing labs haven't evaluated Avira Free Antivirus for a while, but AV Comparatives last report found the Avira engine blocked 100% of test malware (tying with Avast). With Avira's strong record on the PC we've no doubt that this is an app you can trust. 

Although this list is all about free Mac antivirus, Avira deserves a mention for its commercial Avira Antivirus Pro product. It includes tech support and protects up to three devices with one license (Mac, Windows and Android).

Read the full Avira Antivirus solutions review .

3. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac

Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a lightweight free malware hunter that can track down and remove both Mac and Windows-related threats. A simple and straightforward interface makes the app extremely easy to use. We appreciate the status display that keeps you up-to-date on how your system is doing. As we do the four buttons that enable running a quick scan of critical locations, an in-depth check of your entire system, or speedy scans of running applications or a folder of your choice. 

Although this looks all very basic, use Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac for a while and you begin to notice some very neat touches. The app doesn't force you to wait a day for your next virus signature updates, for instance. Bitdefender issues updates every hour and Virus Scanner always fetches the latest version before it starts a scan. 

An option to exclude files and folders from the scan - network shares, system backups - is another plus. It reduces the work the engine has to do and significantly speeding up your scan times. 

What you don't get here is any form of real-time protection or web filtering, essential tools for a complete security solution. This simplicity also reduces the chance of conflicts with other apps, though, suggesting Bitdefender Virus Scanner could be a useful second opinion tool that you run alongside another security app. 

Read the full Bitdefender review .

4. Malwarebytes for Mac

The best Mac antivirus isn't just about detecting the latest most deadly ransomware, or other high-risk threats. Most tools can also strip out adware and other potentially unwanted programs which may not be highly dangerous, but are wasting system resources and slowing your Mac down. 

Malwarebytes has been eliminating the full range of Windows threats since 2006, and the Mac edition is just as simple, straightforward and effective. The app is such a lightweight installation, the size of three digital music files, that we've barely noticed it's there. And while the lack of real-time protection means Malwarebytes can't stop attacks - only remove existing infections - it also ensures there's no real impact on your system resources and the app is unlikely to conflict with other antivirus tools. 

Performance is another highlight, with Malwarebytes claiming the average system is scanned in less than 15 seconds. Set it running when you check your emails in the morning and it'll be finished before you are. 

Installing Malwarebytes for Mac also gets you a 30-day trial of the Premium edition which is able to detect and block threats as they appear. If you're not interested in this, ignore it; real-time protection will disappear when the trial expires and you'll get on-demand scanning only.

Read our full Malwarebytes Antivirus review .

5. Sophos Home for Mac

The free antivirus market is highly competitive and it can be difficult for individual companies to stand out from the crowd, but the British vendor Sophos has found a way: it gives you more features in its free products than many competitors provide in their paid editions. 

On-demand scanning to clean up infected systems? Check. Real-time protection to prevent attacks in the first place? Of course. Browser filtering which blocks access to dangerous sites? Naturally. Parental controls to define the content your child can access online? Yep. Oh, and you can cover up to three Mac or Windows devices with a single account, and remotely check and manage their status from a central web console - potentially very useful when protecting the whole family. 

Sophos isn't just piling on these extras to disguise a weak antivirus engine, either. AV Test's December 2017 Mac detection rate tests showed Sophos delivered the same level of protection as products from Avast, Bitdefender, Kaspersky and other big names. 

This works for us, but if you need more, Sophos Home Premium does have some worthwhile extra features: advanced ransomware protection, monitoring of access to your webcam and microphone, live chat and email support, and the option to protect up to 10 devices. It has a strong feature set and is competitively priced. 

Read the full Sophos Home review .

How to choose the best Mac antivirus

Choosing the best Mac antivirus for you is not to be taken lightly. You cannot simply go with the most convenient option because it's cheap or it's what your friend is using. The protection you need might be, after all, different from others.

The first thing you need to decide is how much you're willing to spend on a subscription or if you're willing to spend any money at all. It's worth remembering that while free antivirus products are effective at protecting against threats, they also lack certain premium features. 

If you have multiple systems on your network, for example, you're at a higher risk of cyberattacks. More users means more endpoints to target. Additional management tools, typically available behind a paid subscription, let you set policies can help mitigate this risk.

Speaking of which, you do need to consider all the security features you need, from basic ones like real-time protection, parental controls and a password manager to access to secure VPN and dark web monitoring.

Finally, you need to find out just how big of an impact the antivirus software you're considering has on your system. Some of them take up considerable bandwidth, which can be taxing on your computer especially if you're regularly performing taxing tasks.

How we test Mac antivirus

While the amount of Mac malware is still considerably less than that targeting Windows, its still 100 times higher than what experts predicted just a few years ago.

The excellent AV-TEST regularly puts antivirus programs through their paces, and their most recent tests took place in December 2020 on macOS Catalina. They test three key areas: malware detection, false positives and performance.

For Mac malware, seven packages achieved 100% detection without false positives.

We combine AV-TEST's findings with our own product research and reviewing. We focus further into the usability of the products, their features and how good they are to use and live with on a day-to-day basis.

What is the best Mac antivirus?

Right now, our answer to that question is Bitdefender for Mac (also available as part of the firm's all-singing all-dancing Bitdefender Total Security plan ). It combines faultless virus protection (as verified by independent test labs) with a whole host of features and a Mac antivirus client that's ridiculously easy to set up and use.

Do I really need Mac antivirus?

That really depends on you. The risk of infection remains pretty remote, and if you practice basic security measures and don’t fall for common scams then you’re very unlikely to suffer from any problems. Even ransomware can be defeated with the cunning tactic of having a backup of anything important. 

That said, if you’ve ever experienced the mess malware can make on a Windows system you’ll know that just getting things back to normal can be an incredible time thief, especially if key data has been damaged. Perhaps the question shouldn’t be whether Mac antivirus is worth the money, but whether your time is more valuable than the cost of a security app.

Mac antivirus: what’s the effect on performance?

Most of us believe that virus protection software has a negative effect on performance, but chances are it’s much less negative than we think: in their tests, AV-Test found that there was no measurable performance drop when using providers like ClamXav, MacKeeper, Kaspersky or Norton.

There was a measurable difference with Sophos and Trend Micro (two per cent of additional system load), and with ESET and Bitdefender, which added around four per cent to the overall system load.

Recent updates

This update saw no significant differences between our top picks, and no new events in the industry for us to report on. As such, we double-checked the pricing, deals, server locations, and unblocking capabilities to make sure the information on this page was as accurate and up-to-date as possible. 

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Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he's written a book, ' The Making of Tomb Raider '. His second book, ' 50 Years of Boss Fights ', came out in June 2024, and has a newsletter, ' Springboard '. He's usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.

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The best Mac antivirus software in 2024

Yes, your Apple computers actually do need the best Mac antivirus software

• Best overall
• Best features
• Best interface
• Best for beginners
• Best for multiple devices
• Best on a budget
• How to choose
• How we test

The list in brief 1. Best overall 2. Best features 3. Best interface 4. Best for beginners 5. Best for multiple devices 6. Best on a budget How to choose How we test

The best Mac antivirus software can help keep all of your Apple computers safe from malware, viruses and other cyberthreats. 

While Macs had a reputation for getting less viruses than their Windows counterparts, that’s no longer the case as hackers now make a point of targeting Apple’s computers. The iPhone maker does include a built-in malware scanner in macOS called XProtect but it lacks many of the features and extras included with the best Mac antivirus software.

To help you choose the right protection for your Mac, we thoroughly tested and reviewed six of the most popular Mac antivirus solutions available today. We did this by installing and using them on our own Mac mini while running benchmarks to see how they impacted overall system performance. At the same time, we also evaluated each Mac antivirus based on their interface, how easy they were to install and use and whether or not they included useful extras like a password manager , system optimizer or even a VPN .

Whether you’re looking to protect your Mac on a tight budget or want all of the bells and whistles, these are the best Mac antivirus software solutions to help keep you and your Apple devices safe online.

The quick list

Below you'll find everything you need to know at a glance about the best Mac antivirus software you can buy today. Whether you need every single feature or want to protect multiple Macs, there's something here for every budget.

Best Mac antivirus software overall

Bitdefender Premium Security for Mac has excellent malware protection and an unlimited VPN and password manager. This antivirus offers fast system scans without using too many resources and it also has an intuitive interface.

Read more below

Best Mac antivirus software for features

Norton 360 Deluxe is a feature-packed antivirus software suite for your Mac. In addition to very good malware protection, you also get access to a VPN and dark web monitoring to help keep you safe online. While full scans may take a while but they impact your Mac's performance the least when compared to other Mac antivirus software.

Best Mac antivirus software interface Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 has a simple and easy to use interface with good malware defenses. In addition to cloud backup, a firewall and parental controls, it's the only Mac antivirus that can scan an iPhone or iPad for malware though your device does have to be plugged into your computer via a USB cable.

Best Mac antivirus software for beginners Avast Premium Security offers an easy way to protect your Mac from malware thanks to its simple interface. An online account isn't required to use this antivirus software but scans can be slow. Avast's Web Shield can also keep you safe from dangerous websites and its Network Inspector looks at every Wi-Fi network you connect to find backdoors and weaknesses. 

Best Mac antivirus software for multiple devices McAfee Total Protection Premium is the best Mac antivirus software if you have multiple Apple computers you need to protect. Its Protection Score lets you know how to improve your online security and a VPN is also included.

Best Mac antivirus software on a budget Trend Micro Premium Security provides an inexpensive way to protect your Mac from malware. Although it's the best budget option on this list, there are plenty of extras included like webcam protection, browser extensions, ransomware protection and a secure browser to help keep you safe online. While initial scans can be slow, the software learns what to focus on and what to ignore over time.

The top 3 best Mac antivirus brands

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. Bitdefender has the best antivirus for Macs Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac combines great malware protection with a barely noticeable system-performance impact.

2. Norton has the best feature set Norton 360 Standard includes a password manager, unlimited VPN data, a firewall and dark web monitoring, features you don't often see with Mac antivirus software.

3. Avast offers the best free Mac antivirus Avast Security for Mac may cost nothing, but it doesn't cut corners. Its malware protection is top-notch, its system impact is minimal and it has dialed back the annoying ads upselling you to a paid version. 

The best Mac antivirus software you can buy today

1. Bitdefender Premium Security for Mac

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Bitdefender Premium Security for Mac may lack some of the features of the Windows version but it provides excellent protection for your Mac with fast scans with low overhead, an unlimited VPN and a new cross-platform password manager. Upgrading to the top suite also gets you identity theft protection with up to $2 million in insurance. 

If this is your first time using a Mac antivirus program, Bitdefender Premium Security has one of the easiest interfaces to learn. In addition to Mac viruses, it can also detect Windows ones as well. Bitdefender can stop adware from slowing down your Mac while its AutoPilot feature automatically adjusts your security stance to take account of new and potentially dangerous threats. It also provides suggestions on which features you should enable. 

Since our last review, Bitdefender has removed the restrictions from its VPN and added in its all-new password manager. In our own testing and the results from AV-Test and AV Comparatives, Bitdefender stopped both new and old threats and prevented Potentially Unwanted Apps (PUA) from being installed. It’s a really solid choice if you want the best protection for your Mac.

Read our full Bitdefender Premium Security review and save on plans with our Bitdefender coupon codes .

2. Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360 Deluxe may not be the cheapest option to protect a Mac but it does an excellent job with comprehensive malware scanning, real-time monitoring and a global VPN. However, it goes a step further than some of the other Mac antivirus programs on this list as Norton also includes dark web monitoring and a way to erase your personal information from data brokers.

During our testing, full scans took a long time but affected system performance the least of all the Mac antivirus products we tried in this round of testing. Norton 360 Deluxe’s Quick Scan is much faster but takes a heavier toll on your system. Also, in AV-Test’s latest round of examinations, Norton’s software had a perfect score when it came to finding and eradicating malware.

Norton 360 Deluxe also packs in plenty of extras like SafeWeb browser extensions, a firewall, Norton Secure VPN and a password manager. While cloud storage is also provided with your subscription, unfortunately it doesn’t work on Macs. Identity theft protection can also be added as an add-on to your current plan. 

Read our full Norton 360 Deluxe review and save on subscriptions with our Norton coupon codes .

Best Mac antivirus software interface

3. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 as the name suggests includes a number of different apps to keep your Mac safe online. These include the company’s VirusBarrier X9, NetBarrier X9, Mac Washing Machine X9, Personal Backup 10.9 and ContentBarrier X9. From backup software to parental controls , Intego’s premium suite offers quite a lot but it doesn’t include a VPN (though one is available as an add-on) nor is there a dashboard to tie all of these different apps together.

During our testing, Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 had a very small impact on passive performance but its Full Scan took a heavy toll on system performance. By contrast, its Quick Scan used less resources. Still, both scan types were surprisingly fast with a Full Scan taking less than two minutes and a Quick Scan was finished in just over two seconds. 

We were very impressed with the interface of Intego’s animated firewall which showed how data flowed into and out of our test system with color coded arrows. One thing that sets Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 apart from all of the other Mac antivirus programs on this list is that it can scan an iPhone or iPad for malware when they are connected to your Mac via USB cable. However, Intego has trouble competing with Bitdefender and Norton as they both offer more extra features.

Read our full Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 review .

Best Mac antivirus software for beginners

4. Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security provides good defenses against malware with only a modest impact on system performance both when scanning and while idle. Surprisingly, it doesn’t require you to sign up for an online account and for Mac antivirus newbies, it has one of the easiest interfaces to use. 

During our testing, Avast’s Deep Scan was quite thorough and impacted system performance less than Intego or McAfee did but took an hour and a half to scan the system. However, its Smart Scan was much faster and took less than a minute to look at the files most likely to be infected. 

Although Avast lacks browser extensions to keep you safe from malicious websites, its Web Shield contains a database of dangerous sites and can also help you avoid duplicate websites that use DNS spoofing. Best of all, it works with any browser. Avast’s Network Inspector looks at every Wi-Fi network you connect to in order to find potential backdoors and weaknesses that can be used in attacks. You also get unlimited access to the company’s SecureLine VPN but it needs to be installed separately.

Read our full Avast Premium Security for Mac review .

Best Mac antivirus software for multiple Macs

5. McAfee Total Protection Premium

McAfee Total Protection Premium is the best choice if you have lots of Macs or other computers you want to protect as it supports an unlimited number of users. You also get access to a VPN based on infrastructure from TunnelBear and can add identity theft protection if you want. Meanwhile, Ransom Guard monitors for suspicious file changes and if it notices something suspicious, it makes copies of those files so you have a backup.

Although McAfee doesn’t participate in third-party evaluations from AV-Test and AV Comparatives for its Mac products, in our own testing no malware managed to slip past the program. There was a moderate impact on system performance with a full scan taking almost two hours. McAfee doesn’t offer a quick scan either but you can do a custom scan of apps or a single folder.  

To help you improve your cyber hygiene, McAfee includes a Protection Score but there’s also a firewall to protect data flowing into and out of your computers. The company also offers a money-back guarantee but in order to get it and unlimited VPN access, you need to enable auto-renewal. Still though, McAfee Total Protection Premium is the best option for those with large families and dozens of systems they want to protect.

Read our full McAfee Total Protection Premium review and save on plans with our McAfee promo codes .

Best budget Mac antivirus software

6. Trend Micro Premium Security

Trend Micro Premium Security for Mac provides the most comprehensive and thorough way to check for malware on a Mac. Its suite also includes browser extensions to help you avoid dangerous websites and its ID Security feature provides you with a Personal Data Protection Score to help you improve your cyber hygiene. While the Mac version lacks a full set of parental controls, Trend Micro Premium Security’s Website Filter makes it easy to block content based on your child’s age. 

The software’s comprehensive scans do come at a cost though. During testing, our first Full Scan took over three hours to complete. Fortunately, the software learned what to focus on and what to ignore and the second scan was finished in just over 30 minutes. As for third-party testing, Trend Micro had almost perfect scores at 99 and 99.6% on evaluations carried out by AV-Test and AV Comparatives. Trend Micro Premium Security for Mac also had a small system impact both when idle and while scanning in our tests.

An unlimited VPN is included with Trend Micro Premium Security but VPN Proxy One Pro needs to be downloaded separately and isn’t integrated into the main program. However, Trend Micro’s suite lacks a firewall, a password manager and backup software. Still, it's an inexpensive way to protect a Mac with a low performance impact on your system.

Read our full Trend Micro Premium Security for Mac review .

7. Sophos Home Premium for Mac

Sophos Home Premium for Mac is a good choice if you have a Mac and other devices from PCs to smartphones you want to protect without breaking the bank. Its Intercept X malware scanner features three independent layers of protection and instead of relying on browser extensions to protect you from dangerous websites, the program can block them itself.

Just like with Malwarebytes and McAfee, Sophos’ Mac products don’t undergo third-party evaluations from AV-Test or AV Comparatives. While its Windows antivirus programs do reasonably well in these tests, the effectiveness of its Mac software is an open question. During our testing though, Sophos Home Premium didn’t find any malware on our system. As for scanning our system for malware, a Full Scan took over three hours and didn’t improve with time. However, Sophos Home Premium looked at over 2.5 million items during a Full Scan and its Quick Scan decreased to just over two seconds after several scans.

Sophos Home Premium is a bit different from the other Mac antivirus programs on this list since you need to use the company’s online portal to start and schedule scans as well as to use other features. This may be a dealbreaker for those without a strong internet connection or those who prefer to control these features locally. At the same time, Sophos Home Premium lacks many of the features found in other Mac security software including a VPN, a password manager and a firewall. However, it’s a bargain for those who need to protect multiple systems.

Read our full Sophos Home Premium for Mac review .

8. Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy combines ultrafast malware scanning with a global VPN but lacks extra features like a firewall, parental controls and a password manager. The software also does things a bit differently as there’s no choice between a quick or full scan, just a single scan option is available. However, Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy scans a Mac quite fast since only items that it thinks are likely to be infected due to the current threat landscape are looked at. 

As we mentioned before, Malwarebytes for Mac doesn’t undergo any third-party effectiveness testing from either AV-Test or AV Comparatives like the company’s Windows products do. In our own testing, no malware was found during our evaluation period and our initial scan took just six seconds while subsequent scans were completed in a little over a second. 

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy is available at a low price but this could be why the software does without a password manager, parental controls or a firewall. There is a VPN though that supports up to five users but it’s a separate app that isn’t integrated into the main program. Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy’s simple interface and fast scans are a big plus but it runs the risk of missing something along the way.

Read our full Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy review .

How to choose the best Mac antivirus software for you

Before you buy or install Mac antivirus software, you first need to figure out what you really need. Fortunately, this process is quite similar to how to shop for Windows antivirus software .

Do you have and use both Macs and Windows PCs at home? If so, you should consider a multiplatform, multi-device bundle like Norton 360 Deluxe, Sophos Home Premium or McAfee Antivirus Plus. Likewise, Bitdefender and Kaspersky also offer internet security suites that ship with the same software we’ve highlighted here.

Do you only have Macs at home? Then no need to go overboard: the one- or three-device versions of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac or Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac should cover your needs just fine.

Do you have young children or teenagers at home? Consider Mac antivirus software that comes with parental control software or web-content filters like Sophos Home Premium.

From here, you then need to figure out how much you can afford. If your budget is tight, then try Avast Security for Mac or the free tier of Sophos Home. The trade-off though is that these aren’t as good as many paid programs.

However, if you can afford to spend $50 a year, then you’ve got a lot of options. Most antivirus companies frequently offer discounts of up to 60%, both straight from their websites or through online retailers, at least for the first purchase.

How we test the best Mac antivirus programs

In order to determine which of the programs above is the best Mac antivirus software, we evaluated each of them based on ease of use, interface and performance impact. We installed each program on the same Mac Mini with a 3.2GHz M1 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (with 223GB unused). 

We conducted our own tests based on how much each of the best Mac antivirus programs affected the Mac Mini’s performance. This was done using the Geekbench 5 benchmarking tool (focusing on the Compute score) which was run before and after each program was installed. However, we also ran it once more while doing a full scan and then a final time while doing a quick scan.

We assessed how easy each of the best Mac antivirus programs were to use as well as the number of useful extra features they offered (including free add-on software).

To gauge how effective each program was at stopping malware, we used the results of comprehensive testing conducted by AV-Test (a well-regarded independent product-testing lab in Germany) and AV-Comparatives (a similarly well-respected testing company in Austria). We use test results from both labs for the best Android antivirus apps too. 

For more details on how we rate and review antivirus products, check out our how we test antivirus software and apps guide as well as our more general how we test page for Tom's Guide.

iOS antivirus apps

A lot of iPhone and iPad users want antivirus software for iOS and iPadOS. However, the truth is that this software doesn’t exist . The reason why is that Apple won’t let third-party apps examine other iOS apps or even inspect new apps after they’ve been installed. Any app or service that claims to be antivirus software will get swiftly kicked out of the App Store. The only Mac antivirus software capable of scanning your iPhone or iPad for malware is Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 but your device must be connected to your Mac using a USB cable.

Many major antivirus vendors, including F-Secure, McAfee, Norton and Trend Micro, do have “security” apps on the App Store. However, these apps check for links to known malicious sites, locate lost devices or help further protect your online privacy. None of them can scan an iPhone for malware.

While there has been iOS malware which affects non-jailbroken devices , it’s still quite rare. In each instance that this has occurred, Apple has pushed out a new version of iOS to stop the malware in a matter of days or weeks. As a general rule of thumb, if you keep your mobile devices from Apple updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, you should be safe. 

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Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

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Does your Mac need antivirus software in 2024? We asked the experts

It’s an age-old question among Apple fans: Does your Mac need antivirus software? Traditionally, the popular answer has been no — Macs have strong built-in protections, the argument goes, and antivirus apps can potentially slow down your computer. In the end, the trade-off didn’t seem to be worth it.

• ‘Insufficient to protect Macs’

Taxing your system

The apple silicon era, is the app store safe, more than just antivirus.

But is that still true today? After all, Macs are increasingly becoming a target of cybercriminals , with some Mac malware strains supposedly even being created by nation states. In that kind of situation, has the game changed?

To find out, we approached a raft of experts, from antivirus pros to security bloggers, to find out where things stand right now and whether your Mac needs that extra layer of protection.

• I never knew I needed this mini Mac app, but now I can’t live without it
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‘Insufficient to protect Macs’

Even without an antivirus app, Macs aren’t defenseless. They come with XProtect , which uses signatures to recognize and thwart malware, and Gatekeeper , which prevents untrustworthy software from running if it hasn’t been signed by Apple. Mac apps are also sandboxed , which means they (theoretically) can only do what they’re supposed to and are blocked from accessing restricted parts of the operating system.

That all sounds like a lot of armor, but it’s not a remedy to every single Mac malware problem. So, the big question is this: Are these safeguards enough, or do Macs need standalone antivirus software as well?

You won’t be surprised to hear antivirus developers say that virus scanners are a must, but their justifications make sense. For instance, Michael Covington, VP of portfolio strategy at Mac security and management firm Jamf , argues that “XProtect is signature-based and is only as good as the last update to its malware definitions. This means that XProtect may not detect new malware families or effectively identify older malware variants that have been altered just enough to fool the detection rules.”

Joshua Long, chief security analyst at Mac antivirus outfit Intego , agrees that XProtect is “insufficient to protect Macs from today’s malware.”

Long also says that Gatekeeper is similarly limited in that a user can simply bypass it with a couple of simple clicks. If someone has been tricked into doing that by a clever piece of social engineering, Gatekeeper is powerless to protect them.

Howard Oakley, a macOS developer, freelance journalist and blogger who frequently posts deep dives into Mac security topics , takes a slightly more nuanced approach. He believes that the need for antivirus software “depends entirely on the user’s assessment of threat and risk.”

He continues: “For a conscientious user on the lookout for phishing attacks, who doesn’t engage in high-risk activities, I believe that macOS Sonoma does now provide good protection, and additional third-party products shouldn’t be necessary.” Ultimately, this relies on Mac users keeping their devices up to date and not turning off important features like System Integrity Protection (and leaving them off permanently), Oakley says.

That touches on an issue alluded to by Long: the person controlling the Mac, rather than the Mac itself. As Covington says, “the Mac is only as secure as the user sitting at the keyboard … if the user falls victim to a dangerous or unsafe link, like a phishing attack, there are no built-in protections to prevent web threats from putting the user, device, or organization at risk. Adding tools that prevent web-based threats from reaching the device is critical in this connected age.”

On hearing those words, however, you might well be skeptical. After all, antivirus apps have a reputation for burdening Macs and tanking their performance. Is the trade-off worth it?

“Most release versions of anti-malware products are pretty good,” Oakley says. “If you let them loose to perform a scan of your entire boot disk, then naturally things get slow for a while.” While he noted that he’d once had a Mac become almost unusable when a macOS update sent his antivirus app haywire (with the problems vanishing once the virus scanner was updated), Oakley concedes that he doesn’t think it’s a common problem.

He also emphasizes the importance of getting software from “Mac specialists with good Mac engineers.” However, he points out that some people need cross-platform software that works on Mac and PC (especially if their employer mandates it), meaning things aren’t quite so simple.

For Covington, “Users should never have to trade performance and reliability for security, but it’s not uncommon for some solutions that were initially designed for another operating system to cause problems when they’re ported to macOS … Developers that build for Apple first know to build using Apple-exposed frameworks that ensure key features are achieved without disrupting end user experience.”

Long, however, believes that the idea of antivirus apps slowing down Macs is mostly a relic of the past.

“It’s largely a myth that antivirus software slows down Macs,” he says. “This may have been more of a concern 15 to 20 years ago, but it’s not something that Mac users need to be concerned about today — especially if they’re using antivirus software developed by a Mac-focused company.”

If you are going to get an antivirus app for your Mac , the experts we spoke to said it should be one built by a Mac-focused development team, rather than one that builds Mac antivirus apps as an afterthought to their Windows counterparts. As long as you use a virus scanner that is designed for macOS by people who understand the operating system, you shouldn’t have a problem.

What has changed in recent years, and why are Macs becoming more of a target for hackers and malware writers? Has Apple’s switch to its own ARM-based processors made a difference?

Neither Covington nor Long would be drawn on whether Apple Silicon has made Macs more or less secure, although Long did note one particular issue: current Macs’ ability to run old Intel-based apps using Rosetta 2 , which can potentially allow old malware to gain new life on a modern Apple computer. However, he adds that this is not an especially noteworthy vulnerability since “today’s Mac malware developers typically design their malware to run natively on both Intel Macs and Apple silicon Macs.”

For Oakley, however, there are many security benefits to Apple silicon. He points out that “Because of Secure Boot, the boot process of Apple silicon Macs is far more secure than Intel EFI … Recovery from malware is also far better with Apple silicon Macs, as you can wipe and perform a full restore in DFU mode, which is as deep cleaning as possible, and even takes care of malware that could have penetrated the firmware.”

For now, Apple silicon Macs have another advantage, Oakley says: “Most malware developers know Intel well, and few know ARM.”

Over the past year or so, complaints have consistently been raised about the App Store and Apple’s policies surrounding it. But instead of high commissions, the experts we spoke to were concerned about something else: the propensity for dangerous apps to make it past Apple’s reviewers and into the App Store.

Lewis Duke, threat intelligence lead at antivirus developer Trend Micro , argues that, “Although we have seen an increase in malicious applications found in Apple’s App Store, it is still generally safer than other app stores.” However, he sounded a word of caution that “Apple’s vetting process is one of the better ones out there, but it’s certainly not infallible.”

Long, however, was scathing about Apple’s review process. “Apple’s app review team frequently lets dangerous apps into the App Store,” he said. This is problematic for macOS users, he says, because, “By design, no Apple-provided tool or macOS component protects against harmful App Store apps. If a malicious app has already slipped past Apple’s review team, then any macOS built-in protection will recognize it as safe, even if it really isn’t.”

The implication from Long is that an antivirus app is a must because it might catch malicious apps that slip through Apple’s fingers. The number of nefarious apps that do this (compared to the general population of safe apps) is likely to be low, but the idea is it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Given the protection you get — and the known gaps in Mac’s armor — it can be a good idea to install an antivirus app on your Mac to bolster your defenses in case something makes it past Apple’s own systems. But it’s not as simple as just booting up the first antivirus app you see and leaving it at that. There are other considerations to remember.

As Oakley alluded to, you need to understand your own actions. If you lean toward the riskier side of things — “if someone engages in crypto trading or downloads ‘warez’ or software from dubious sites,” as he puts it — then you need more than what macOS provides. But regardless of whether that sounds like you, everyone needs to be careful online, and that means refraining from using pirated software, downloading mysterious email attachments, and the like. That alone can help.

But even if you take plenty of precautions, it only takes one slipup (or one malicious app getting past Apple’s app review team and onto the App Store) to ruin your day. That’s where an antivirus app can potentially have your back. As long as you get one made by developers that understand Apple’s systems and know how to write Mac-first software, the chances of a virus scanner tanking your Mac’s performance are fairly low.

Do that — and maintain a healthy level of common sense online — and you should be able to keep most digital nasties safely at arm’s length.

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ChatGPT feels pretty inescapable right now, with stories marveling at its abilities seemingly everywhere you look. We’ve seen how it can write music, render 3D animations, and compose music. If you can think of it, ChatGPT can probably take a shot at it.

And that’s exactly the problem. There's all manner of hand-wringing in the tech community right now, with commenters frequently worrying that AI is about to lead to a malware apocalypse with even the most green-fingered hackers conjuring up unstoppable trojans and ransomware.

It’s a long-held belief that Macs are less at risk of malware and viruses than Windows PCs, but how true is that? Well, a new report has shed some light on the situation -- and the results might surprise you.

According to threat research firm Elastic Security Labs, roughly 39% of all malware infections happen on Windows PCs. In good news for Apple fans, only 6% of breaches occurred on macOS, making Mac systems far less vulnerable than their Windows counterparts.

Every year we get a new version of macOS, and that usually comes with an assortment of tweaks and features. But with the massive uptick in interest in generative AI, 2023 isn't like any other year in the world of tech.

Apple hasn't commented on or announced anything in response to tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney, making it one of the few big tech companies that haven't dipped their toe in yet. But WWDC 2023 is just around the corner, and rather than focus on all the iterative features Apple likely has in the works, generative AI will feel like the elephant in the room if it isn't addressed in macOS 14.

Microsoft pulls fix for Outlook bug behind ICS security alerts

Sergiu gatlan.

• April 23, 2024

Microsoft has rolled back a fix for a known Outlook issue that was causing incorrect security alerts when opening ICS calendar files after installing the December Outlook Desktop security updates.

Affected Microsoft 365 users are seeing unexpected warnings that "Microsoft Office has identified a potential security concern" and that "This location may be unsafe" when double-clicking ICS files saved on their devices.

The December security updates triggering these alerts patch an Outlook information disclosure vulnerability ( CVE-2023-35636 ) that can let attackers steal NTLM hashes via maliciously crafted files and use them in Windows pass-the-hash attacks to access sensitive data or move laterally on the network.

Microsoft fixed the issue in early April and started shipping it with Outlook for Microsoft 365 Version 2404 Build 17531.20000 to Office Insiders in the Beta Channel.

"The Outlook Team found issues with the fix while it was being tested in the Insider channels," the company said in a support document updated on Tuesday.

"Currently the fix has been disabled and will be re-enabled after some modifications. We will update this topic as soon as the fix is available again for testing."

​For users experiencing the issue, a temporary workaround is available until the fix is released, which requires using a registry key to disable the false security notifications.

However, it's important to note that this temporary fix will also stop security prompts for all other potentially dangerous file types.

To apply the workaround, you have to add a new DWORD key with a value of '1' to:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\common\security (Group Policy registry path)
• Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Security (OCT registry path)

Affected Outlook users can also eliminate the warnings by following instructions in the ' Enable or disable hyperlink warning messages in Office programs ' support document.

Last month, Microsoft resolved another known issue , causing some Outlook desktop clients to stop synchronizing with email servers via Exchange ActiveSync.

The company also fixed a bug in February that generated connection problems for Outlook.com users on desktop and mobile email clients.

Related Articles:

Microsoft fixes Outlook security alerts bug caused by December updates

Microsoft fixes Outlook clients not syncing over Exchange ActiveSync

Microsoft warns Gmail blocks some Outlook email as spam, shares fix

Microsoft releases Exchange hotfixes for security update issues

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 block on some Intel systems after 2 years

• Known Issue
• Microsoft 365
• Previous Article

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