Here’s Why You Need Antivirus Software On Your Mac®
Despite the fact that Macs may be attacked less often than other platforms such as Windows, they are not invincible.
It’s true that Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren for two reasons: Technically, Macs are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs. Apple is very security-conscious and its operating systems tend to be harder to infiltrate than Windows ones.
The second reason is that there are fewer Macs than there are Windows PCs. So when it comes to Macs, there are fewer targets for cybercriminials to exploit and these are harder to hack. A few years ago, Mac® users simply weren’t big enough fish to fry.
However, Macs are growing in popularity, so if you own a Mac®, don’t let the above make you overconfident. The threat of malware has increased for Mac® users in a short space of time. Detected threats are up by more than 60% from the fourth quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019. Adware is also becoming more prevalent, with an increase of over 200% for the same period.
Cybercriminals are becoming smarter and greedier. Worldwide, it has now been estimated that cyber crime is hauling in more money than the global drug trade!
So the risks are increasing, which is why you need protection. As a result, cyber security is more important than ever, and a good antivirus is the best place to start if you want to stay safe online.
How Antivirus Software Helps You Stay Protected Online
It’s amazing that most people won’t think twice about wearing a seatbelt or a protective helmet when riding a bike, but think they can spend hours surfing the web visiting all kinds of websites without a decent antivirus software to protect them.
A comprehensive antivirus package will keep your Mac® malware-free, will make your device run faster and protect you from any potential ransomware, phishing or other attack on your private files and photos.
The top Mac® antivirus programs we recommend above will run in the background, without clogging up your system, so you won’t even know it’s there protecting you most of the time, while keeping your computer safe from all the usual suspects: viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other forms of malware.
In addition to anti malware protection, a decent security suite also provides plenty of privacy and security features such as two-way firewalls, social media protection and, if you have kids, plenty of parental controls.
A Free Mac® Antivirus Is Better Than Nothing, But Hardly Sufficient
While there are fewer decent free antivirus tools available for Mac® than for windows, it is always better to install a free antivirus than none at all.
Having said that, there are some obvious added benefits to getting a paid premium security suite. A free antivirus will not offer you a firewall, VPN to protect your security, constant security updates in real time, parental control, automatic data back up and email and ransomware protection.
Like everything in life, you get what you pay for and if you want to surf the web without any concerns for you privacy, we highly recommend you spend a few bucks on getting the best security for your Mac®.
The paid versions typically offer annual subscriptions that cost less than $50. If you are still not sure, we currently have a special offer on Intego - our favorite Mac® antivirus. You can buy the full protection suite for only $24.99, reduced from $49.99! That’s a 50% discount which you can grab now via our link.
You wouldn’t leave your door unlocked at home at night. Your Mac® and iPhone also need the best locks in order to keep you safe. In the end, it’s much easier to prevent an attack, than to clean up the damage once you’ve already been targeted.
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