Apple did an excellent job on Mac OS X Security to protect their system. Believe or not, there are at least seven built-in Mac Security Software to protect users from hackers and internet threats. I never knew some of them have existed in my Mac Book Pro. Mac users know Mac FileVault and Mac Firewall but never knew about Mac Anti-malware built in with OS X, called XProtect. What would be ideal security software you need, well to protect Mac from online attacks, you may need a Mac Os X firewall, a good antivirus & anti-malware, encryption software, etc.

• Snipping Tool For Mac
• Kaspersky Removal Tool For Mac

Norton - a worldwide leading brand in consumer cyber security, and LifeLock - the number one most recognized brand in identity theft protection, are now part of one company with one mission, providing identity theft and device protection for your connected life. Theft protection Even if you don’t have a portable Mac, you should be aware that stuff happens, and even if you think that it’s never going to happen to you, thefts are not as unusual as you might think.

Protect a Mac from theft: Mac security tips for your Mac and the data it stores. Theft protection for Mac data gets easier with these tips for safe Mac data and Mac security. MacShiny is all-in-one maintenance tool for Mac OS X. We strongly recommend MacShiny to make your Mac run like new. MacShiny for Mac. Secure your Mac from spyware, theft and data loss. Jack from New York I've used MacShiny at my working Mac for several years. As for 3D designer speed of my laptop is very important.

Here is the list of all built-in security software for Mac and a few of the best alternatives that you can depend on for an additional layer of protection.

1, XProtect: Mac Anti-Malware

Because Apple designs the computer, the operating system, and many applications, Mac is a truly integrated system. And only AppleCare+ gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. As in my old posts, I’ve written about the different anti-theft applications for Android, iPhone, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices and today as security of laptops is also a great issue of concern along with smartphones, I came up with the best and free anti-theft software programs for your Windows and Mac. Anti theft free download - Anti Identity Theft, Prey Anti Theft, Anti theft alarm Pro, and many more programs. Best Video Software for the Mac How To Run. Communications Entertainment.

XProtect is a built-in layer Mac Anti-Malware protection introduced from Mac OS 10.6 and up words. This Mac Anti-Malware is a File-Quarantine System that compares a suspicious file downloaded from the internet against XProtect file (list of known malware) stored in OS X. Mac OS X warns you when you try to open a suspicious file from the internet. The Mac system will keep alive XProtect by updating the new malware definitions with regular OS X updates.

Mac will keep alive XProtect by updating the new malware definitions with regular OS X updates. There is more detailed information in the article XProtect Built-in Mac OS Anti-Malware. There is no need to activate XProtect; it is automatically turned on to protect your system. Apple introduced the Malware Removal Tool (MRT) from OS X 10.8.3. Like XProtect, MRT removes known malware that matches Apple’s malware database.

Anti-malware & Antivirus for Software for Mac

However, you are not 100% protected with this XProtect. This Anti-malware layer can be bypassed by java applets, torrent clients, software from CD or same computer network. There are dedicated and powerful Mac antivirus and malware scanners to protect your entire system from these bypassed apps, latest malware and virus attacks. The latest addition to the threat, recently Ars Technica reported about two attacks that both target MacOS users. Bitdefender Mac antivirus offers cloud-based security that blocks and removes annoying adware from OS X, secures online shopping.

The famous anti-malware, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac scans for and removes code that degrades performance or attacks your system. This Mac Anti-malware has custom-built technology detects and removes adware with a proprietary database that can identify over 160 adware variants. This is the light and cleans Anti-malware for Mac that you can install on OS X.

Third Party Apps Download:Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Malwarebytes Anti-Spyware for Mac

2, Mac Firewall

OS X includes an application firewall you can use to control connections made to your computer from other computers on your network. This per-application basis (rather than a per-port basis) firewall protection and helps prevent unwanted apps from taking control of network ports open for legitimate apps. You can turn on this Mac Firewall, from System Preferences > Security or Security & Privacy > Firewall tab > Unlock the Pane by clicking the paddle lock > Click “Turn On Firewall” > Advanced to customize the firewall configuration.

Firewall Software for Mac

There is no dedicated firewall system we recommend for Mac. Go for a complete Mac internet security software from Mac the include the firewall, adware and several other layers of protection.

We recommend the lightweight security software; Bitdefender Mac Total Security that is coming with a bunch of amazing features Mac malware detection, Anti-ransomware, Wi-Fi security adviser, privacy, anti-theft and data protection and using a very small resource and battery power.

Kaspersky Total Security for Mac keeps your Mac safe from viruses, attacks, fraud, spyware, cybercrime and more. This Mac All insecurity protects OS X from phishing, tracking & spying and adds extra security when you are online shopping or banking. Kaspersky’s one license cover all your device like PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Third Party Apps Download:Bitdefender Total Security 2017 for Mac Kaspersky Total Security for Mac McAfee Total Protection for Mac.

3, FileVault (Mac Disk Encryption)

FileVault encrypts Mac’s entire disk, and nobody can retrieve the data from your drive without knowing the firmware password.

Mac admin can turn on FileVault from System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault tab > Turn on FileVault. Apple’s FileVault full-disk encryption (FileVault 2) uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key helping prevent unauthorized access to the information on your startup disk.

Mac Disk Encryption Tools

FileVault Mac is good enough to provide full disk encryption. The third-party applications are ahead with advanced features like individual file encryption. We see a couple of free and paid encryption software for Mac. Since these are encrypting your hard disk and data, be careful while you select the Mac encryption tool. We would recommend using the Mac built-in tool for the full disk encryption or file encryption for Mac. Those who are looking for third-party disk encryption for Mac then use Norton and individual file encryption Mac, please see this article.

Remote administration tool for mac. Third Party Apps Download:Norton Data and File Encryption Software

4, Mac GateKeeper (Mac File Download/App Installation Protector)

Apple introduced gatekeeper from OS X 10.7.5 version, the second layer of protection for Mac OS X. By default, GateKeeper allows the apps that is digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple to install on OS X. According to Apple, Gatekeeper makes it safer to download apps by protecting you from inadvertently installing malicious software on your Mac.

Mac user chose the right source for apps to download, System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Allow apps downloaded from > Select; Mac App Store, Mac App Store and identified developers, and last one Anywhere (not recommended). More details can refer from Apple OS X: About Gatekeeper. The GateKeeper can easily be disabled by the user, or Malware attacker can successfully bypass it and install software on Mac.

5, Find My Mac (Mac Tracking Tool)

Find My Mac is a tool for most of the Apple products to track the lost device. However, this can’t be categorized into a protection tool but this is a critical tracking tool when you lost your device. With Find My Mac, you can locate and protect your Mac if it’s ever lost or stolen. To use Find My Mac, simply turn it on in System Preferences > iCloud. You need to set up Find My Mac before it goes missing. Please read the more details about this Mac Tracking tool, check to Find My Mac

Mac Tracking Apps

There are a bunch of third-party good tracking apps for Mac. Prey is an open-source free Anti-Theft solution for tracking device & protection that can be used in all your mobile and computer devices for free. With this Prey Tracking tool, you can get pictures, location, data wipe and recovery from missing devices.

Built-In Mac Security Software

Apple did an excellent job in implementing security for Mac at different levels. However, these Mac security software apps are not frequently updating like another third party Mac internet security software. Sometimes, these inbuilt protections are not enough to keep OS X safe. There are thousands of email phishing links, fake ads and URLs, Adware, malware, virus, key-logging scripts, and password-stealing scripts are ready to intrude into your system anytime.

You are not safe anymore and be careful while clicking on links and downloading files. Sometimes, your Mac OS X security software won’t be able to block all of them while you connect Mac online. These third-party Mac Security apps can offer you an additional layer of protection if you are in a zone of high-security alert.

If you're looking to keep your Mac safe from Trojans, ransomware and malicious websites, you'll want the best Mac antivirus software available.

Norton Security Standard is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, so it’s ideal if you have computers running different operating systems that need virus protection.
In partnership with Norton

After all our testing and research, we feel Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the best antivirus protection for Mac users. It does a good job detecting and protecting against threats, including Windows malware.

It has extra security tools like a VPN, and it doesn’t cause your computer to slow down. For Windows computers, we found Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 to be the best antivirus security software.

Why trust us on Mac Antivirus software?

We spend most of the year testing internet security programs, including antivirus software for Mac. We devote hundreds of hours to downloading, using and testing the most popular security programs on multiple devices running different operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7. We test programs that are compatible with mobile operating systems as well. All this helps us understand just how each program works and if any slowdowns, quirks or tools affect performance on each device.

As part of our testing methodology, we research the standards of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) and follow several of these suggestions. The most important standard is to maintain unbiased. This means we don’t talk with program developers, representatives or vendors during testing, and we either purchase each program or download the free trials from the program’s website to make sure the software we are testing is the same version users get rather than one that may have been tampered with to create a more favorable outcome.

We have developed relationships with several experts in the internet security industry, including security analysts, IT technicians and cybersecurity managers. We also follow security blogs and news outlets, receive monthly newsletters from manufacturers, attend trade shows and do all we can to stay on top of new developments and security breaches within the industry. Devoting this much time over the last 15 years has helped us become a leading expert in antivirus and internet security practices. This is why you can trust us when it comes to the best antivirus Mac software.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is our top pick because it effectively protects against Mac malware and automatically removes most threats.

AVG AntiVirus for Mac

AVG AntiVirus for Mac offers free virus protection against malware, even ransomware. It scans any portable drive or device that is connected for threats, including mobile devices.

Norton Security Standard

Norton Security Standard is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, so it’s ideal if you have computers running different operating systems that need virus protection.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: best overall

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Blocked 99 percent of the live threats we used and scrubbed most of them from our system automatically

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

When we tested Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, it blocked 99 percent of the live threats we used and scrubbed most of them from our system automatically. It also did a decent job recognizing Windows threats so they wouldn’t be accidently sent to a PC user.

The vulnerability scanner looks for outdated software then gives you a trusted link where you can download the latest patch or version. This helps cover any weak spots where hackers and ransomware could infiltrate your computer. Bitdefender warns of malicious websites with its safe browsing feature, and it scans USB drives to stop any threats from infecting your computer at that point. It is also one of the only programs that includes a VPN that hides you while online so adware and other trackers can’t see your search history or which sites you visit. The biggest drawback is Bitdefender isn’t the easiest program to set up or use. There are some tools and features that can only be accessed through the online portal while others are only found on the dashboard.

• Read the review:Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

2. AVG AntiVirus for Mac: best free Mac AntiVirus

AVG AntiVirus for Mac

AVG AntiVirus for Mac is an extremely budget-friendly Mac antivirus solution

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

This simple program offers great virus protection, doesn’t slow down your computer and includes a few additional internet security features. It is also free for home use.

This software scans incoming email and anything connected to the USB port, including mobile devices, and removes any threats it finds so your computer isn’t infected. It also scans for outdated software since this is one of the biggest ports of for ransomware and hackers. AVG has phishing blockers and spam filters that keep threats in emails from downloading to your computer or directing you to dangerous sites designed to gather personal information. It is one of the easiest programs to use, with large icons for each tool. Because it is a free program, AVG does have in-program ads that can be distracting. It also requires the vulnerability scanner to be installed separately from the antivirus program, though once it’s installed you can access it from the program dashboard.

• Read the review: AVG Antivirous for Mac

3. Norton Security Standard: best for multiple devices

Norton Security Standard

Norton Security is the best antivirus software if you have computers that run different operating systems

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

It offers the same level of protection to both Mac and Windows machines, easily detects threats on both, and even detects and removes some Windows malware hidden on Mac machines.

Norton Security Standard scans email and USB shared files to make sure they don’t have hidden threats that may infect your Mac. It also looks for out-of-date software that may create a weak spot that hackers and ransomware can use to infect your computer. The antivirus program for Mac includes a password manager and banking tools to shield your important information from identity thieves, keyloggers and other internet tracking programs. The biggest drawback is Norton costs significantly more than other programs and charges a fee for each device you want to protect.

• Read the review:Norton Security Standard

4. Intego Mac Internet Security

Intego Mac Internet Security

It’s designed to look, feel and work similarly to other Mac system programs like Finder or Safari

Intego Mac Internet Security does an excellent job detecting and protecting against Mac threats including viruses, Trojans and ransomware. It’s designed to look, feel and work similarly to other Mac system programs like Finder or Safari, so it isn’t too difficult to figure out. Along with ContentBarrier, the program that protects against malware, Intego Mac Internet Security also comes with NetBarrier, a personal firewall that secures your computer against anyone trying to steal your internet which slows down your speeds. Any cellphones, tablets or other mobile devices attached to your computer through its USB ports are scanned by Intego to make sure there aren’t any threats that can infect your computer as you transfer files. Because it isn’t a premium security program, Intego Mac Internet Security doesn’t come with parental controls or a system vulnerability scanner, but you can purchase these separately.

• Read the review:Intego Mac Internet Security

5. Sophos Home

Sophos Home

During our tests Sophos wasn’t very effective at protecting against Mac malware

We know many Mac users look at Sophos Home as a cost-effective solution since its basic program is free. However, during our tests Sophos wasn’t very effective at protecting against Mac malware, and it is very difficult to figure out how to use. It only detected 78 percent of the threats we unleashed during testing, and a few threats we had to manually remove after following the online instructions from Sophos. But these instructions included disabling the automatic virus protection, which triggered Sophos to reboot. Once we reopened Sophos, the virus protection was on again and we couldn’t continue through all the steps of removing the threats. Ultimately, we gave up, uninstalled Sophos and installed another program to find and scrub our Mac clean of threats. Sophos did a good job of identifying and blocking Windows malware on our Mac machines.

• Read the review:Sophos Home

Do I need antivirus software for my Mac?

The short answer is, yes, you do need antivirus software for your Mac. While Macs are less susceptible to viruses thank Windows computers, Macs are still at risk.

Snipping Tool For Mac

We conduct our own in-house tests using 165 of the nastiest Mac malware to find the antivirus programs that protect Macs best. These threats were tucked inside a zipped file that, when opened, downloaded the files and let them loose. We looked at which point each virus scanner picked up the threats, including Trojans and ransomware, and if the program automatically removed them or placed them in a quarantine folder for us to take care of later. Most of the Mac antivirus programs caught the threats as the files opened and deleted them immediately. Some programs moved each threat into the quarantine folder while others quarantined just those threats that were created to look like legitimate programs. This gave us a good idea of how well the programs protect Mac computers. It also is a good way for us to evaluate how much of our computer’s resources are used while running. During virus scans we perform common tasks, such as sending email, browsing the web, watching movies and playing online games and look for any lag, buffering or slowdown that may be caused by the antivirus software.

While testing we look for how easy the program is to download, install, set up and use. We feel this is important since many users aren’t computer savvy, so an easy setup process ensures that all a program's tools are in working order.

How much does antivirus for Mac cost?

Because Mac antivirus solutions are basic programs without many tools beyond malware protection, you can expect to pay between $30 and $40 for a single user license. Some programs, like F-Secure SAFE, come with a minimum of three licenses to protect multiple computers or laptops at once. There are a few free programs available, but they generally don’t recognize as many threats – plus they bog down your computer and have lots of annoying pop-up ads. If you want more protection with parental controls, a personal firewall or a password manager, check out Mac internet security suites that typically come with these extra tools for around $50.

Which antivirus is best for Mac?

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac and Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac are all great Mac antivirus programs that proved in our lab tests they are excellent at detecting, blocking and protecting against malware, including Trojans and ransomware. Because the most important function of antivirus for Mac is protecting against malware, Top Ten Reviews invests considerable time testing each program using live threats, so we can tell you exactly how the program works and how well it detects and blocks malware.

Windows threats don’t affect Mac devices, but we still test how well Mac antivirus tools detect these threats because they can hide among your files and accidentally be sent on to a PC through email or file sharing. Avast Security for Mac, AVG AntiVirus for Mac and Trend Micro all do an excellent job of detecting both Mac and Windows malware on Mac computers.

After protection, the biggest differences among Mac antivirus solutions are security features. Detection features are where and what the antivirus program scans on your computer. All of the leading programs scan USB drives and incoming email. Some Mac antivirus software includes a system vulnerability scan that looks for weak points in your computer, typically out-of-date software, and prompts you to install the latest version to strengthen those points. Programs such as Bitdefender present you with a legitimate link where you can download newer software rather than chance downloading a malicious link.

Extra security tools include parental controls that let you set up time limits or block family members from accessing dangerous websites. Password managers shield your username and password from key loggers as you log into email, bank accounts and social media pages. And safe banking tools protect you from identity thieves as you bank and shop online. These aren’t typically included with basic antivirus programs but are included with Mac internet security suites.

Mobile protection isn’t included with antivirus programs, but a few solutions, such as Intego and ESET, will scan your mobile phone or table for any threats and remove them if the device is connected to your computer through a USB port.

How do I remove viruses from my Mac?

Kaspersky Removal Tool For Mac

The hardest part of cleaning a threat from a Mac computer is finding what the malware is called and where it is hiding, especially since there are sophisticated viruses that look and function like a legitimate app. There are sites that list common Mac malware and where they can be found using the Activity Monitor on your iOS. Once the threat is located, the next step is to stop the malicious application from running and quickly move it to the trash bin. This will keep the program from restarting. If there are any other folders or files that were installed along with the malicious application, make sure these are placed in the trash too; otherwise these files will continue to drain your computer’s resources and cause frustration. When you empty the trash bin these files will be permanently removed.

An easier way to ensure you quickly find and remove Mac viruses is to use an antivirus program like Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac because it not only locates malicious apps and files, but automatically scrubs them from your computer for you. On top of that, because Mac antivirus programs are paid for through a yearly subscription, you can keep the program installed and use it to prevent a malware attack in the future.