The big question out there when it comes to Apple products is, “Can a Mac get a virus?” The short answer? Absolutely.
Apple computers can get viruses and malware just like PCs can. While iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Minis, and iPhones may not be as frequent targets as Windows computers, all have their fair share of threats.
Apr 21, 2020 Performance: Antivirus software is notorious for slowing down computers, blocking the best security features of other apps (such as in the Firefox and Chrome browsers), popping up. Apr 29, 2020 In their reports on Windows, macOS, and Android antivirus products, researchers at AV-Test Institute assign a product up to six points each for. Jul 02, 2018 When a computer is used for crypto-jacking, the performance slows down and execution lag is encountered. The adverse effects may also slow down the home internet connection and the computer CPU fan might run fastly than usual. Install Comodo antivirus software and run a scan.
- Mar 15, 2019 For example, Trend Micro Maximum Security beat Bitdefender, 3.4 percent to 8 percent, for smallest passive system impact, measured while the antivirus software was running but not actively.
- Oct 11, 2011 I had just been doing some research about what anti-virus software I should switch to, mainly based on performance, but I guess I just got all the information I.
- Mar 06, 2020 Compatibility of Norton™ products with macOS ®. The table below is a quick reference for compatibility of Norton products with Mac OS X. A Yes in the table indicates that the Norton product is compatible with the Mac OS X, and a No indicates that it is not compatible.
- Jun 09, 2020 Download the antivirus software: Download and install your antivirus software on your Mac the same way you do any other type of program. A few antivirus programs come on.
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Adware, spyware, ransomware, and hardware and software vulnerabilities are some of the problems now affecting Macs, and not just PCs. Read on to learn more about some of the most common malware and viruses that can affect Apple devices, what the signs are, and what you can do to help protect your devices.
Four types of Apple viruses — and a vulnerability
Apple viruses can range from annoying to outright damaging.
1. Adware on Macs
Adware is a potentially unwanted program that can bombard users with advertising pop-ups. Adware can be both malicious or benign. Some adware can work in conjunction with spyware, a type of software that can spy on and record everything you do online.
Pop-up ads can lead users to malicious websites that could deliver media='(min-width: 992px)'>
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Best answer: Though Windows malware doesn't affect Mac devices, it's easy to unknowingly send these threats to PC-using colleagues, family members, and friends. During our testing, we used live malware and saw that the protections that come with Mac devices don't always stop them. Several threats are disguised to look like legitimate Mac programs and often sneak in through email messages and network connections. Luckily, a good antivirus program can stop them while keeping your Mac safe.
- Staff pick: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac ($60 at Bitdefender)
- Tech support recommended: Malwarebytes ($40 at Malwarebytes)
- Free Mac antivirus: Avast Essential Security for Mac (Free at Avast)
If you start to notice weird advertisements popping up in strange places on popular websites like YouTube, you might be infected. These ads tend to feature adult content or claim that a virus has been detected on your device and will often appear in places that you don't normally see ads.
You may also discover that your personal email or social networking sites are sending out messages that you didn't write. If this happens, you should immediately change your password to stop any more messages being sent from your account.
If your Mac just isn't responding the way it should, you might have malware planted into your system somewhere. If it takes much longer for your Mac to wake up than it used to, there may be something lurking in the shadows.
You won't always know if you have a virus. Technology has improved for the bad guys just as much as it has improved for the good guys. There are viruses out there that are smart enough to know how to hide deep in your system and work constantly to keep you from noticing it, all while performing malicious attacks. And once you're infected, it super easy for other devices connected to your network to become infected, too.
While you may think you don't need antivirus protection on your Mac, it's more important than ever now that Apple has grown so popular. Even if you use a limited, free version of a program, you'll be doing yourself a favor.
How can I protect my Mac right now?
The Mac operating system includes a number of security tools that help keep adware and malware off your computer, including default restrictions on opening apps from unidentified developers. If you stick to only downloading apps from the Mac App Store and are good about staying away from seedy websites, you can keep your computer secure from most virus issues.
In fact, Apple's security tools are why you'll hear many old-school Mac users say that you don't need anti-virus protection. The Mac is locked down well right out of the box.
However, there is more to protecting yourself than just avoiding bad apps and websites. You never know when you are going to pick something up that could create havoc on your Mac or on somebody else's PC. That's why, for added protection, you should think about getting antivirus software.
Staff pick
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Protection against Mac and Windows malware
Bitdefender runs in the background, deleting and eliminating Mac and Windows malware as it shows up. This protects both your Mac and friends' PCs from becoming infected. Bitdefender stops most threats before they download and includes phishing filters and a VPN.
Free Mac Antivirus
Tech support recommended
Malwarebytes
Tech support's go-to
Malwarebytes is recommended by tech support at Apple, which downloads this program to user's devices when contacted about performance issues. This software searches out malware and other exploiting viruses and blocks websites that are known to distribute malicious content.
Free Mac antivirus
Avast Essential Security for Mac
Free basic protection
Avast's Essential monitors your email messages for any phishing schemes, malicious links or downloads that could lead to a malware attack or identity theft. It also watches your network connection and stops hackers and snoops as they try to sneak in.
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