Written by Adam Stevenson - Technical Content Editor Updated on July 15, 2021 |
Apple's Macbook has historically been considered to be safe and secure for a number of reasons, but in recent years that has shifted. Although Apple has security measures in place, it is always important to have extra security at hand.
Written by Adam Stevenson - Technical Content Editor Updated on July 15, 2021 |
We provide you with recommendations for the best security software for the Macbook.
Make sure your information stays secure!
The easy answer is, yes they do.
All devices need to be protected. Apple's Macbooks have been regarded as safe and secure from viruses compared to other platforms for a long time.
When compared to particularly Windows, it is easy to think that it is safe. Well, no device is safe. Apple MacBook threats might once have been less common, but that’s no longer the case.
You need to have a good antivirus solution for Macbook if you want to keep your personal information safe. Cybercriminals are everywhere and a good antivirus solution will prevent them from infiltrating your device.
Norton 360 Deluxe delivers lab-certified Macbook antivirus protection along with a two-way firewall, a password manager, and a full-powered VPN.
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Supported Devices | Norton 360 Standard - 1 year or 2 year option / 1 pc, mac or mobile device Norton 360 Deluxe - 1 year or 2 year option / 5 devices, pc, mac or mobile device Norton 360 Premium - 1 year or 2 year option / 10 devices, pc, mac or mobile device |
Operating Systems | macOS, Windows, Android, or iOS devices |
Pricing Plan | Norton Antivirus Plus - $9.99 Norton 360 Standard - $24.99 Norton 360 Deluxe - $24.99 |
Subscription Options | 1, 2, 3 Years |
User Type | Home or Office |
Norton Deluxe costs more than a simple Mac antivirus, but it's well worth the price
For more info on how Norton could protect your Macbook, visit our detailed Norton Review.
Intego is one of the leading providers of Mac cybersecurity software. It consistently scores high marks in independent testing labs and offers great features.
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Intego Specifications
Operating Systems | Mac |
Supported Devices | 1 Mac/ 1 or 2 years 3 Macs/ 1 or 2 years 5 Macs/ 1 or 2 years |
Pricing Plan | From $34.99/1-year, Free Trial Available |
User Type | Home and Business |
Need more info? Check out our detailed Intego Review.
McAfee is packed with many security features and extra add-ons. It’s effective at blocking most zero-day attacks and widespread malware.
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Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Supported Devices | Single device package - 1 device/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS device. Individual package - 5 devices/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices. Ultimate package - Unlimited Devices/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices. Family package - 10 devices/ 1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices. |
Pricing Plan | From $34.99/yr, Free version available |
Subscription Options | 1-year or 2-years |
User Type | Home |
McAfee is a familiar name in the antivirus community, but the fact is, it is a good antivirus solution for Macbooks, but not the perfect one.
Take a look at our expert McAfee Review including info on additional features.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac laptops come with features like VPN protection, online tracker blocking, and ransomware protection to name a few.
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Bitdefender Specifications
Supported Devices | Bitdefender Total Security - 1 year/ 5 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices Bitdefender Premium Security - 1 year/ 10 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices Bitdefender Small Office Security- 1 year/ 10 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices |
Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Pricing Plan | From $17.99/yr , Free Version Available |
User Type | Home or Office |
When you go seeking antivirus protection for your Macbook, consider relying on a company that’s made its mark in the Windows arena, like Bitdefender.
Visit our Bitdefender Review and find out about other features.
AVG AntiVirus offers easy-to-use software and the ability to customize it to run the way you want it to.
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AVG Specifications
Supported Devices | Free for 1 device - Compatible with any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS device |
Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Pricing Plan | Free download for Mac |
User Type | Home |
AVG AntiVirus doesn't slow down a Macbook too much and offers a versatile file shredder.
Want to know more? Read our AVG Review
Remember, A MacBook antivirus is different from a PC antivirus. A MacBook antivirus needs to improve upon the already built-in macOS security features and provide value by fighting other kinds of malware that are unique to Macs.
Here are the factors to keep in mind;
All Mac users should be using one of the best Mac antivirus programs, even if that program is free. A computer virus is so-called because it is capable of replicating itself and spreading. A virus is only one type of malware of which there are many, and unfortunately, there have been cases on Apple's Macbook Pro. When purchasing antivirus for yours, make sure that you keep the main features in mind, as mentioned above.
When it comes to choosing antivirus solutions for your MacBook Air, it is not that much different from the needs of a MacBook Pro. The important factors like real-time malware detection, comprehensive antivirus scanner, ransomware protection, network firewall, anti-phishing and mac cleanup, and optimization tools are all necessary for good antivirus solutions.
There are a few things you can do from your side to make your device safer. We have compiled a list to help you get into the habit of keeping your device safe;
There are various other things you can do to keep your device safer, these are just the minimum.
Apple does a lot to keep your Mac safe, but you have to work with it, installing updates when they arrive, not clicking on suspicious links in emails, not installing Flash, and so forth. You can choose a good antivirus solution for your laptop and do your part to keep your device safe.
1. Do MacBooks have viruses? |
Yes, all devices connected to the internet can get infected with viruses. |
2. How can I check my MacBook for viruses? |
To help identify malicious programs, you should consider using malware-detection software. |
3. Can having an antivirus on a MacBook endanger my privacy? |
No, antivirus solutions will only make your device more secure. |
4. Do I need anti-malware protection for my MacBook? |
If you choose the right antivirus solution, anti-malware protection will be included. |
5. Is there a difference in security between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air? |
No, there is no difference. The only difference is the spec of the device. |