Do Macs get viruses? Do Macs need antivirus software? The answer isn't as simple as it may seem. In this article, we look at the dangers faced by Mac users and the pros and cons of using Mac. If there is a major change in the malware affecting Mac users (in which case I will note it here) If you decide to install anti-virus software, do some research before installing it. There is a lot of very bad anti-virus software out there. Many AV packages are renowned for their ability to bring a healthy Mac to its knees.

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

The platform simply doesn’t have a large enough user base to make it worth the time for attackers to custom-build specific attack packages for the operation system’s unique features. The Unix-based macOS operating system is fundamentally different from Windows in a number of ways, meaning that any attacker hoping to infect Macs would need to create custom code tailored specifically to the operating system. Furthermore, macOS runs in a sand-boxed environment, making it more difficult for errant programs to take control of your system. Since Macs still represent only a sliver of market share, an enterprising hacker would get more bang for their buck by focusing on the most popular operating systems.

Like spam and phishing attacks, virus distribution relies on the law of large numbers. Without a specific target, attackers will get the greatest benefit by distributing compatible malicious code to as many computers as possible. This increases the likelihood that they’ll encounter a vulnerable system, improving the odds that their attack will succeed.

While any computer can benefit from the protection of well-made and updated antivirus software, it’s not an essential operating requirement for Macs. This has lead to from Apple on the topic, which is sort of ironic. If the Mac was more popular, the machines would likely need more robust antivirus protection.

Do Mac Viruses Exist? Mac os x ps2 emulator gs. Mac viruses definitely exist. Back in 2014 a hacker used the to create a nearly 20,000-member botnet. The of 2012 affected more than 500,000 Macs, so many that Apple was forced to issue a security update to OS X Lion and patch the vulnerability. More recently, the inside a popular BitTorrent client for macOS. And according to antivirus vendor Malwarebytes, Mac malware has increased by over 2016.

Macs certainly can get viruses, and Mac-specific viruses do exist. They’re just less common than the Windows equivalent. Are Macs Vulnerable to Other Attacks?

The thing with viruses is that they’re probably the least popular form of computer attack vector these days. Far more common are things like phishing attacks to crack email accounts and siphon password resets. And while Macs don’t require antivirus software, they’re still vulnerable to these attack vectors. This includes email-based phishing attacks or browser-based cross-site scripting or man-in-the-middle attacks. And potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like Mac Defender are voluntarily installed by the user but include malicious features and can’t be easily removed. Even if they’re unlikely to get viruses, Mac users must still practice safe browsing habits.

What Antivirus Software Should I Get? For security-conscious users, there are several reliable options for macOS antivirus software.

It’s not mandatory, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.: this antivirus software stands at the top of antivirus rankings, blocking 100% of threats in those tests. It also has little impact on your system, so you won’t see slowdowns while scanning or during real-time protection. It’s also not cheap, clocking in at $40 for a license.: Windows or Linux users might be familiar with this open-source, multi-platform suite for detecting viruses and malware.