Jump to content

Mac AntiVirus


Dr. Nathan Parker

Recommended Posts

Now that I'm back on a Mac, I'm not extremely worried about my Mac itself getting too much malware. I use Gatekeeper, only install Mac apps from reputable sources, am careful when browsing the web, and use FileVault, backup with Time Machine, and macOS Firewall and Little Snitch.

 

However, I am interested in keeping some form of basic antivirus software on my Mac to scan for especially Windows viruses to ensure I'm not unknowingly transmitting viruses to my Windows-using brethren.

 

Here are some of the options I have either used or are looking into, and I'd love to hear some feedback from people concerning them:

 

1. Malwarebytes: I used the basic edition of Malwarebytes in the Mac in the past. Seems the new version offers a free and paid version. I wasn't sure if I should go for the paid version.

 

2. Avast: I've used the free version of Avast in the past, but I'm leery that using a free product, am I sacrificing my privacy with it and am I "the product"? I've also had issues where Avast Proxy conflicted with Little Snitch.

 

3. Intego: I used them years ago in the past, and the product was always solid, but I wonder if it's overkill for my needs today.

 

4. Thirtyseven4: I've used them as well, and I like the fact it's affordable and from a Christian-based company. However, Thirtyseven4 for Mac is 32 Bit only at the moment, so I am concerned about if they'd have a 64 Bit version ready before the next major release of macOS (Thirtyseven4 is built on QuickHeal).

 

5. Kaspersky: I've heard a ton of good about Kaspersky, but I've also heard in the news about the whole Russian government/Kaspersky incident (although I know a lot of rumors travel around in the news). I also haven't back from Kaspersky yet when I messaged their sales team.

 

6. McAfee: I could signup for McAfee through T-Mobile on my T-Mobile bill which would be convenient, but when I messaged McAfee sales, they put me in touch with McAfee chat support, and they didn't seem to understand basic questions I had for them, so I have a bad vibe about them.

 

7: Webroot: I have an active Webroot license (through February) from Best Buy that was linked to my Surface Book. Webroot has already freed up the license and sent me over the info I need to download Webroot on my Mac and re-register the key (support was super fast). Scans are super fast as well. 

 

Mainly I'm looking for basic antivirus, mainly to ensure I don't spread Windows viruses on, and something that won't tax my system performance too much.

 

Thanks!

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use Bitdefender

 

I like that it doesn't slow down my system and seems to be about the most-capable application of its kind on the Mac. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use sophos

 

-dan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We know that Google monitors personal user google docs for contents that would be of interest to the U.S. Government as well, there is no good reason to assume that Russia is the only country that uses anti-virus software to monitor and/or peoples computers.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/10/31/a-mysterious-message-is-locking-google-docs-users-out-of-their-files/?utm_term=.d2a6d8428b98
 

Russia too, recently had to ban usage of Windows on Russian Government computers for similar reasons. As far as research can tell, it appears that Microsoft (and thus the government by subpoena as well) has the ability to remotely access any computer with the latest windows software without user consent. (Well technically its in the terms and conditions, so you have technically granted them permission)
 

5. Kaspersky: I've heard a ton of good about Kaspersky, but I've also heard in the news about the whole Russian government/Kaspersky incident (although I know a lot of rumors travel around in the news). I also haven't back from Kaspersky yet when I messaged their sales team.

Edited by Ιακοβ
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We know that Google monitors personal user google docs for contents that would be of interest to the U.S. Government as well, there is no good reason to assume that Russia is the only country that uses anti-virus software to monitor and/or peoples computers.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/10/31/a-mysterious-message-is-locking-google-docs-users-out-of-their-files/?utm_term=.d2a6d8428b98

 

Russia too, recently had to ban usage of Windows on Russian Government computers for similar reasons. As far as research can tell, it appears that Microsoft (and thus the government by subpoena as well) has the ability to remotely access any computer with the latest windows software without user consent. (Well technically its in the terms and conditions, so you have technically granted them permission)

 

 

The clouds of Microsoft too. They even send it to the FBI if they found some suspect material.

 

 

Greetings

 

Fabian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use sophos

 

-dan

 

http://home.sophos.com/ Just thought the link could be good to have as it is free and and works well....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info! I'll check out these tools.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have an active Webroot license from when I had a Windows PC. I've transferred it to my Mac to see how it goes. I'm also looking at the free version of Malwarebytes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know about those but I use Bitdefender which I have learned gets very high ratings from independent Malware/Antivirus reviews. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Been testing my Webroot license on my iMac. So far so good. Performance is excellent even on a 2011 iMac, and I've read reviews where Webroot still gets high marks (Kaspersky is a little higher at times, but Webroot is no slouch). Since I mainly need it so I don't spread on Windows viruses, I may just keep running with it.

 

On the Objective See tools, has anyone had any experience with these two? https://objective-see.com/products/blockblock.htmland https://objective-see.com/products/ransomwhere.html

 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...