Do Macs have viruses? Should I install antivirus on Mac?

For years, Mac users mistakenly believe that their computer equipment is safe from viruses and malicious content and, therefore, is not necessary to install antivirus.

While it is true that Apple operating systems are far more secure than those made by Windows, it is very important for both of them to protect their computers with programs that can detect and eliminate malware.

Do Macs have viruses? Should I install antivirus? How can I protect my computer from malicious content? In this article, we will try to answer these and other questions.

How was this story born?

The main reason that explains the fact that Windows computers have had a significant impact on computer policy is because they have always had a large number of users.

It's easy to understand why all this time hackers They have focused their efforts on trying to attack the widely used system of the two.

In addition, macOS is based on the Unix operating system, which has several security mechanisms. This may add to the computer security features developed by Apple, which we will deepen later.

However, in recent years, the apple company has seen an increase in its popularity, while also expanding its software harmful affect your products

This was mentioned in a recent report by Malwarbyte, stating that in 2017 the malware Mac grew 230 percent and managed to get into the program through the App Store.

Along the same lines is a study by Avast, which claimed to have blocked more than 250 million threats to its Mac customers last year.

How does Apple protect your Mac?

As we previously announced, Macs have several security programs that protect devices from scratch. Next, we review the four most prominent.

1. Xprotect. All Apple computers come with this automated automatic tool, which scans all the files before opening them to detect potential attacks and prevents those from Apple-approved developers.

When trying to open an infected file, the alert always warns you of this potential danger and specifies its type malware. If so, the user should delete the file immediately.

2. The gatekeeper. The same thing happens when trying to install an unknown program. To only authorize the use of software produced and / or identified by Apple, you can change your preferences in the panel & # 39;Security and Privacy& # 39 ;.

Click & # 39;Normal& # 39; And choose & # 39;App Store& # 39 ;, Allow installation of programs published by Apple only, or & # 39;App Store and Developers Identified& # 39 ;, To allow re-creation of software authorized and not an official store.

3. The sandbox. This app will keep you safe from those programs that, even if approved by Apple, perform non-compliant activities. Therefore, they will not be able to access information from your Mac which they may misuse.

4. Safari. Internet connection through the Apple browser will protect you from certain cheat pages, due to anti-technologyphishing Installed. In addition to restricting access, Safari will notify you of harmful content by notice.

On the other hand, as we will explain later, you should have the latest version of add-ons such as Adobe Flash Player or Java installed, because, for security reasons, they will not work if they are not updated.

How does Apple identify threats to its security?

Given that it is the most important technology company in the world, it is not surprising that Apple also has its own team responsible for identifying any threats to its system security.

On the other hand, it would be surprisingly surprising that they were the last to institute an incentive program to recruit those users or professionals who help them find the vulnerabilities.

The program went into effect in August 2016, three years after Windows, and compensation ranged between $ 25,000 to $ 200,000. It should be noted, however, that these same failures are still the best paid in the world a criminal.

Why and how do you restart a Mac?

One of the recommendations that Apple makes for users to protect their devices is to always have the latest version of their app installed, for the simple reason that most bugs are fixed with updates.

Next, we provide step-by-step information on how to search your Mac and automatically update the program each time a new version is available. Note that in the photos we used Mac OS X and by definition, macOS.

1. Select a menu Apple by clicking on the apple icon you will find in the top left corner of your screen and open the panel & # 39;System Preferences& # 39 ;.

2. Click & # 39;Software updates& # 39; Opening the system settings and the official hardware store.

3. Click the box next to the opción optionCheck for updates automatically& # 39; Allows Mac to search for and notify you about updates automatically.

4. Additionally, click on the box next to the opción optionInstall macOS updates& # 39; Allows Mac to install updates automatically.

If the user likes to do the same process manually, they should make sure the above boxes are not selected and follow the instructions below to familiarize them with the latest updates available.

1. Select a menu Apple by clicking on the apple icon you will find in the top left corner of your screen and click & # 39;About this Mac& # 39 ;.

2. Click & # 39;Software updates& # 39; Access the update list available on the App Store (in our case, no one). This menu can be accessed through the app store app tool.

In both cases, keep in mind that the computer must be restarted after the update. The installation and restart time will depend on each update.

Why install antivirus?

Apple has done an excellent job protecting its users in the content malware. However, from Macworld we recommend installing antivirus because usually the Curertino company doesn't respond as quickly as we would like.

There are a large number of free antiviruses on the market that suit each user's needs. If you need further protection, you can buy Sophos Home for Mac, which will quickly alert you to the threat.

Alternatively, programs like Norton, Avast and Bitdefender will also help you diagnose possible infections when scanning a file manually.

You can check out our antivirus guide this year Knowing what is best for you and avoiding falling into the trap of finding a malicious program hidden in antivirus.

This was the case, for example, with Mac Defender, which in 2011 was acting as an antivirus and eventually became the biggest threat. malware for Mac. Instead, the MacKeeper application was written in error.

On the other hand, if, unfortunately, your Mac is already infected, don't hesitate to take a look at our tutorial on how to remove viruses on a Mac for free.

Other ways to protect your Mac

If you still feel insecure after all, there are other security options for your Mac device.

1. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Others hackers they use social networks to access private information such as passwords of other users. Moreover, others do it by creating their own large areas and shipping as a nearby hotel or bar.

2. Update Java and Flash. Most of the failures in Apple's system come from Java or Flash time lists which is why your Mac always shuts down automatically. So it is always best to install the latest version.

3. Don't fall into the trap of phishing. One of the methods of entry of cybercriminals is what is called email phishing. Protect yourself from him phishing with free programs like BlockBlock or XFence and do not enter anything from them or provide your password.

4. Encrypt your hard drive. The FileVault program protects your internal disk data, without giving you the possibility to encrypt your removable and external disks. Activate this app in the & # 39; Security & privacy panel & # 39; of your Mac options.

5. Don't support crime. As we mentioned earlier, your Mac is vulnerable to malware from the App Store and, by the law of these three, to all illegally downloaded.

To know more about how to avoid or eliminate them malware for Mac, don't hesitate to take a look at our guide dedicated to specific cleaning of infected Mac.