Do I need to run antivirus on my Mac?
A common myth among owners of Apple Mac devices is that they don’t have to worry about protecting their devices from viruses. Is this relevant in 2026? If you own a Mac and you are not sure whether or not you need a security suite to protect your device, read on.
Macs have long enjoyed an elite reputation for being essentially immune to malware and computer viruses. However, even though they are much more secure than Windows PCs, even today, Apple Macs are still vulnerable to malware. Furthermore, this is a growing problem. With more Apple products being sold, the target audience for hackers is becoming ever more lucrative. This in turn makes it even more likely, that malware will be created specifically to attack Macs, so it makes sense, now more than ever, to think about Mac security software.
Installing backdoors on compromised computers is a common way for some hackers to occupy their time. According to a report in tech news site Ars Technica, sites such as Hack Forums contain threads full of people comparing and trading images of people whose Macs they have broken into and taken control of.
Many of the ways people are compromised these days comes through being fooled into clicking on links in emails, which then downloads malware, or clicking through to fake versions of websites which then ask you to log in, therefore stealing your account details.
iPhones, iPads and even IoT-connected devices are all attractive targets for cyberattackers. Any device that is connected to the internet is vulnerable to malicious software that can infect your system, delete and alter files, steal personal data, or use your Mac’s resources.
You can protect your Mac. You can protect your iPhone. You can even protect every IoT device under your roof. That doesn’t mean everyone else in your family is safe, or that everyone else in your family is diligent. Just because you hesitate before hitting that big download button doesn’t mean your spouse will, and just because you can cruise through the dark net unscathed doesn’t mean your kids should.
Just like when you’re driving a car, it’s not just your own safety that matters – it’s everyone else in the car with you.
Apple continues to boost security in each new version of the macOS operating system. But Macs do not include antivirus or anti-spyware software, although they do have a built-in firewall to block attacks from malicious users online.
The bottom line is: Macs are safer than PCs, but get a decent antivirus software regardless.
Saving $20-$40 per year on one of the best antivirus programs will cost you dearly if you get infected with nasty malware that will risk your privacy and valuable data.
Your Mac could be like a sitting duck for every hacker under the sun (or looming in the darkness), without a proper antivirus program.
TOP ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS 2026
- TotalAV
Best antivirus package overall. Superior performance + Many added features. Save 80% on the newest 2026 Edition via our link!
- Norton
Norton antivirus is a pioneer in the industry and a 39 times winner of PCMag.com's Editors Choice award. The parental control features are also second to none.
- Bitdefender
Look to BitDefender if your goal is unparalleled performance and ease of use. Regardless of your device, or any assortment of devices you currently use, there is a product to suit your specific needs.
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- Avast
Out of the four tests run by AV-Comparatives, Avast earned three Advanced+ and one Advanced rating. That’s good enough in my books. Avast is in the top 10 all the way.
- Avira
If you're looking for all-encompassing protection, Avira has you covered. Surf with confidence knowing you're protected from those who would harm or spy on you. Avira is a winner in our opinion!
- Guardio
Guardio is a lightweight security layer for your browser and phone. It is very good at stopping phishing pages, scam links and risky downloads before they reach you, and it works best next to a regular antivirus program.
- PC Protect
This 'ultimate antivirus' offers an antivirus engine, real-time protection, firewall, ad blocking, disk cleaning, startup program management, a browser manager and more...
- Scanguard
Scanguard's complete protection includes all the features of a top security package. Fast antivirus engine, real-time antivirus protection, and Scanguard-specific technical support. Scanguard also offers superb extras…
- Trend Micro
Reliable protection against scams, malware, and ransomware. Easy to use with solid extra features. Unlock exclusive savings on Trend Micro today!
- Vipre
VIPRE is a security brand with a long history in both business and home antivirus software. Its home products focus on lightweight, real-time protection against malware, ransomware and dangerous websites, without a lot…
- Webroot
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VPN
- Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly versatile VPN that offers a range of advanced features, including WireGuard tunnelling protocol, dedicated IPs, SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and an ad- and tracker-blocking…
Ad blockers
- Cyberghost Ad Blocker
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- ExpressVPN Ad Blocker
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- Norton Adblocker
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- Surfshark Adblock
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- Total Adblock
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Password managers
- 1Password
One of the most popular password managers with over 15 million users, 1Password is trusted by the biggest names in the software industry: IBM, PagerDuty, AppSec Consulting, Inc., GitLab Inc., and more. It uses the best…
- ExpressVPN Keys
ExpressVPN Keys is a password manager built into the ExpressVPN apps and offered as part of ExpressVPN subscriptions. It stores your logins in an encrypted vault, fills them in for you and helps you replace weak or…
- Keeper Security
Winner of Global Infosec Awards for 2021, Keeper Security is a leading zero-knowledge and zero-trust cybersecurity platform. It protects against data leaks, security breaches, and even ransomware attacks with multiple…
- NordPass
NordPass's promise is simple — for users to securely store their passwords in a single place, and log in to their favorite websites and apps with a single click. With NordPass, you can retrieve your passwords safely on…
- RoboForm
Released by Siber Systems in 1999, RoboForm is perhaps one of the oldest password managers. It's more than two decades old, but it doesn't mean it's outdated! It has always been a reliable one-stop repository for all…
- Total Password
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Parental control
- eyeZy
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- Mspy
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- Parentaler
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Identity protection
- Aura
With the long list of online and device security considerations people have to deal with today, Aura offers streamlined software that does it all. The Aura platform is ideal for those who want to ensure they have all…
