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Apple is known for making products that are powerful, stylish, and easy to use right out of the box. It also used the be the case that Mac users could feel secure knowing that virus and malware were something only Windows user needed to worry about. But the times, they are changing and even Macs now need good antivirus security software to stay safe.
When Apple was at the start of its meteoric rise in popularity. It's users had inherent virus protection thanks to two factors. First, was having a minuscule fraction of the market compared to computers running the Windows operating system. The second was that Apple kept the source code of its operating system under lock and key.
Before iMacs became the go computer for college students and trendsetters, buying a computer running Microsoft's Windows was a given, especially for business. For a time this kept Mac users safe because their numbers were so small cybercriminals didn't consider targeting them worth the investment.
Now Apple consistently holds 12% of the home computer market, combined with their premium price tag, hackers know that if they can develop a virus for Macs, it will give them more than enough bang for their buck.
Apple has always prioritized the need for security but its popularity has weakened its protection. As more people became powered Mac owners there became more chances for tech-savvy individuals to find vulnerabilities. And of course, just by connecting to the internet every Mac user opens themselves up to attacks and malicious self-installing programs.
All this goes to say that even though Macs might be inherently safer than PCs there is still a need to beef up that protection with a robust antivirus program.
Getting the best antivirus software for you Mac does not necessarily mean getting the most expensive. There is enough competition in the antivirus market that some of the very best can come in at a reasonable price.
Though it is tempting to go for a well-reviewed free option, they will always lack some key features or have other shortcomings. Paid antivirus software often have a free trial so you can test out their features worry-free.
Here are some features you'll want to consider:
Active Scanning - Computers are pretty much always online, so it's important that their antivirus protection always be on. If it's left to you to manually scan your Mac you run the risk of not catching a malware infection in time.
Internet Security - The best antivirus software won't just protect you from a virus that's infected your computer, it will keep the virus from taking hold in the first place. Since the internet is the easiest way into you Mac top antivirus scanners also offer internet security like firewalls and email scanners.
Cloud Database - New versions of viruses and malware are being developed all the time. The top antivirus companies have moved to hosting their databases of virus definitions in the cloud so their clients stay protected without needing to update.
No one can deny that Macs are a good option for those that want good security with very little effort. But relying on Apple alone to protect your Mac leaves it vulnerable to any threats that develop between updates.
Alternatively, the best antivirus protection can be hand for your Mac at a reasonable price, and without sacrificing the performance you're used to. To find out which antivirus software is going to be right for you, you can check out our expert reviews of the top brands.