There is no denying that Macs are less prone to being infected with viruses and malware than PCs. In fact, due to the built-in tools that the macOS come with, many users are convinced that they need no further protection against wrongdoers. Unfortunately, this is the exact reason why criminals have started targeting Apple users with highly sophisticated malware that can easily get through the basic defenses of any Mac. However, with Mac security software on board, any computer can be turned into an impenetrable fortress, giving you enough protection online and offline.
- Best Antivirus For Macbook Pro
- Best Computer Security Software For Macbook Pro
- Best Security For Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro Security Settings
- What Is The Best Security Software For Macbook Pro
You want to be one of the 3% of people who has their laptop (or iMac / Mac Pro) recovered, so give serious thought to the following: Register your Mac's serial number with a property database. Set up a guest profile on your Mac. Password protect your user profile(s). Enable your choice of location tracking software. The one serious MacBook Pro security flaw that nobody is talking about. Every MacBook since 2015 and every MacBook Pro since 2016 is at risk. Here's how you can keep your machines safe.
‘But what exactly is a Mac security solution?' you may ask. It's a question that needs further explanation, as these apps are a bit more than just basic antiviruses. So, by clarifying the most common questions surrounding Mac security solutions, picking the software that fits your individual needs will be hassle-free.
Best Mac Security Software of 2020
| Rank | Company | Info | Visit |
| |||
| |||
|
1. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9
It's one thing that Intego's Mac Premium Bundle X9 covers everything that a security bundle should, but it also managed to do so by providing a pleasant interface for all of its five apps, too. However, it's actually the additional tools that make Intego a must-have. For instance, the parental control tool is equipped with everything needed to protect children from online harm, including the appropriately named AntiPredator feature. The Mac optimizer, on the other hand, is actually three solutions in one, providing an effective way of keeping the computer in top shape.
The core programs equally as useful, too. In fact, the antivirus stands out because of the effectiveness of its real-time scans, while the firewall is so simple to use that even the least tech-savvy users will understand it in seconds. The addition of the data backup tool, which gives an extra layer of protection for your data, is just the icing on the cake.
The price of Intego's bundle is just as impressive since it can be used on a single Mac for as low as $59.99 per year. However, by purchasing more licenses over a longer period of time, it's possible to save up to 70% of the original price.
2. Airo
A lighter antivirus software, Airo‘s stylish design and easy setup wows users with a spotless first impression. The software's aim is clear from the beginning: Airo will scan and protect your Mac from any attacks as swiftly as possible. Besides its scanning features, Airo offers a few extras. You can use its Google Chrome extension to detect malware in your web downloads and rest at ease with the software's automatic updates which keep its database informed of the latest viruses and ransomware.
What Airo lacks in extra features, however, it more than makes up for in speed and ease of use. Its 'quick scan' is true to its name and takes exactly one minute to complete. The software's deeper scan is also incredibly unobtrusive, seamlessly running in the background without affecting your computer's overall performance.
While you may find more competitive prices out there, Airo's certainly won't break the bank. The most affordable way to get it is with the Single Suite which covers one Mac at $49.99 per year, which comes out to a little over $4 per month. You can also choose between two upgrade options (Pro and Family Suite) to cover more Macs for a higher premium.
3. Avast Security for Mac
Although Avast is mostly known for releasing PC products, its Mac security solutions are worth trying too. Granted, the antivirus software isn't as feature packed as its Windows counterpart – mostly due to the lack of quick and comprehensive scans – but it does at least have everything that a decent antivirus solution should. In fact, Avast even included the scheduling of scans into the mix alongside network scans and an antiransomware tool.
As for other solutions included in the package, the selection is pretty limited as Mac users can only download SecureLine VPN, Avast Cleanup Pro, Avast Passwords, and two browser add-ons. However, it's worth noting that only the password manager and its extensions are available as free upgrades. For the VPN and the Mac optimizer, additional fees need to be paid. Speaking of which, to have unlimited access to the antivirus – which includes Wi-Fi scanning and the antiransomware shield – there is a charge of $59.99 a year or $53.33 per year should you opt for a longer subscription period.
If you don't need any extras, however, or just want to try things out first, then there is an option to choose between the limited, free forever version, a 60-day risk-free trial, and even make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Choose the Right Mac Security Software
Features
Best Antivirus For Macbook Pro
Since Mac security solutions exist in many shapes and forms, picking the right software isn't as easy as it seems. That's why it's best to think about what you and others (if necessary) truly need and choose accordingly. Free antiviruses, for instance, are perfect for the basic protection of individuals, and often they can be upgraded at any time. On the other hand, paid solutions are always equipped with more specialized features and are usually offered as part of an internet security software bundle, so they can truly provide a solution for all kinds of cyber security threats.
Compatibility and Usage
When it comes to compatibility, the situation is quite simple. Mac security solutions are often adapted from their Windows counterparts, meaning that if you want protection for a PC as well, then you can simply download the sister product of a Mac antivirus.
With usage, however, things get a bit complicated, because not all people have the same needs and the same system. In that regard, opting for the most complete internet security suite could solve the issue. These bundles not only contain all the security apps that a particular company has to offer, but they also come with multiple licenses and can be installed on all supported devices.
Research and Trial
Best Computer Security Software For Macbook Pro
One of the best ways to decide whether any given solution is ideal for you is to check out the opinion of internet security experts. Visiting AV-TEST's website gives good insight into how well Mac security programs perform in different situations, but for the whole picture it's best to read up on the software in detailed reviews like the very ones we provide. For a truly first-hand experience, however, downloading the free version of the software or testing the full software for a limited time will give you the very best insight.
Beyond Virus Protection for Mac
Even though installing an antivirus on a Mac is a good start, cyber security threats are so versatile that a single, specialized internet security app is far from enough. Thankfully, internet security companies have realized this, which is why even the most basic Mac antivirus apps have extra features that go beyond just busting malware. For instance, many of them are capable of monitoring your internet activities either on their own or via a browser add-on, but they can also protect your most important files should you be the target of a ransomware attack. Apple dj software.
However, not even a beefed-up antivirus can battle against certain other cyber threats like cryptojacking, password sniffing, or online predators. And this is the exact reason why a Mac security solution shouldn't just be a single app but rather multiple programs, each tailored to deal with a specific internet security issue. Although being forced to install a standalone solution for each security problem seems bothersome, this way your Mac truly becomes an impenetrable fortress. Besides, software bundles give you the freedom to select which internet security apps you need or even substitute the bundle's in-built solutions with other third-party choices.
Free Security Software for Mac
Since being safe online is no laughing matter, there are various internet security solutions that are available free of charge. Granted, these free apps are always limited in one way or another, but since they all possess the core features of paid counterparts, they are perfect for the average user that hopes to be protected on at least one device. Antiviruses and password managers in particular always have free versions – with an option to upgrade – but depending on the chosen solution there may be additional features to enjoy without paying, whether that's a basic VPN, a manual software updater, and so on.
That doesn't mean that you should limit yourself only to free, basic programs all the time, though. In fact, the vast majority of Mac security software providers allow users to test their solutions without limitations for a short period of time either via a trial or a money-back guarantee. This often means that all apps included in the bundle have to be downloaded one by one and there may still be instances where certain functionalities aren't available, but this at least way it's possible to get a clearer picture of exactly what you can expect from the paid version.
Mac Internet Security 101
How Mac Security Software Works
Using a Mac security app is a breeze because they often focus on creating a user interface that is simple for anyone to use, but also because the core features like on-demand scans, the scan scheduler, and the real-time monitoring tools often require very little input. If you have prior experience with a Windows-based antivirus solution, then you'll get the hang of a Mac antivirus even more quickly.
It's worth adding, though, that since Macs need to be protected differently, certain features like the real-time behavior shield or the sandbox are missing from Mac antiviruses. This is a normal phenomenon, although it also means that Mac antiviruses are actually weaker than their Windows-based counterparts, requiring users to be more alert when performing tasks like surfing the web or opening a file on a USB drive.
Due to this, installing additional security tools like a web monitoring browser add-on or a VPN is highly recommended. Thankfully these apps are often included as part of internet security bundle and, unlike Mac antivirus solutions, the only difference between them and their Windows versions is a slightly modified UI and the lack of irrelevant features.
Built-in Virus Protection on Mac
Where PC users had to wait until Windows 10 for a worthwhile built-in antivirus, macOS has been long equipped with various tools to effectively protect Macs from cyber attacks. The best-known example of that is XProtect, which checks all files downloaded on the Mac against Apple's own malware database and alerts users when opening a file that is a known threat.
The other tool for keeping Macs virus-free is Mac Gatekeeper, which only allows apps to be downloaded from the App Store and/or the websites of identified developers. And to make the deal even sweeter, Macs are also capable of encrypting important files and saving passwords via iCloud Keychain.
Although these built-in security tools are quite promising, there is a huge problem with them: they can be easily bypassed. It's one thing that Apple's malware database relies heavily on user reports, but against the most sophisticated malware it's completely useless. And the fact that Gatekeeper can easily be set to allow untrusted apps to be downloaded doesn't really make macOS's built-in protective tools much better either…
Why You Need Virus Protection for Your Mac
Even if it's been proven otherwise countless times, many people still believe that only PCs can be infected with viruses and malware. Unfortunately, that's a myth; anything capable of connecting to the internet is a potential target for wrongdoers, which is why they must be protected at all cost. What's even worse is that the built-in antivirus tools of these devices are either too weak to withstand the continuously evolving horde of malware or are simply nonexistent. In other words, it's better to have some sort of Mac security solution installed on your Mac than relying on built-in software or, even worse, doing absolutely nothing.
Even the simplest Mac antivirus solutions are intelligent enough to recognize new and evolving viruses because they can match any unknown malware against a continuously updated database. What's even better is that advanced real-time monitoring tools aren't the only line of defense that comes with antiviruses; they also have customizable on-demand virus scans with which any lurking malware can be easily located, quarantined, and eliminated. Although more specialized third-party antivirus apps require the purchase of a license fee, the market is actually full of free solutions that are powerful enough to provide the necessary level of protection for everyday users.
The MacBook Pro is a rather secure laptop, and MacOS is designed with some of today's most advanced technologies. With that said, it isn't entirely secure to modern attempts to breach system security. For this reason, MacBook Pro users frequently adopt tools, software, and upgrades to fortify the platform.
Consumers can upgrade the MacBook's settings, download protective software like Surfshark VPN for MacOS or manage their wireless settings to beef up their computer's security. Likewise, they can focus on frequent data backups to assure ongoing information safety. Whether you're concerned about your laptop's digital integrity or simply want some added protection—these five Macbook Pro data security tips can help.
Tip One: Enhancing System Preferences
Your MacBook Pro is delivered with a variety of settings which are designed to protect your information. These settings, by default, are pretty secure. This said, they can be even better. To access your MacBook Pro's security preferences, simply select the Apple icon on your MacBook Pro's desktop. Select 'System Preferences' and navigate through the various options, as each offers different levels of protection based upon your daily usage.
Depending on your preferred computer use, you can set up your MacBook Pro to require a password upon login—or even when waking up from its sleep mode. It's also possible to dictate when the computer is turned on, as well as when you can log into a user account. These added security measures enhance your computer's core protection—assuring it's logged out when it's inactive. In general, being logged out of your MacBook Pro keeps it safer—so it's a good idea to make sure it's logged out when you're not using it.
Best Security For Macbook Air
Tip Two: Enable File Encryption
If your MacBook is stolen, your data won't be safe when protected by an account password, alone. Modern data thieves and hackers can remove a MacBook Pro's hard drive—connecting it to another computer via an IDE/SATA to USB cable. Then, they can read your computer's hard drive as if it were a plugged in USB or DVD drive. They technically don't even need an account password to see your data—as they've already bypassed the MacBook OS X's file security.
Macbook Pro Security Settings
Fortunately, you can prevent a file breach altogether. By activating your MacBook Pro's built-in FileVault tool, you can encrypt—and later decrypt—your computer's files associated with its profiles. Simple set up a password, encrypt the files and you're good to go. The encryption happens in the background, so you won't be bogged down by meddlesome processes. If your computer is stolen, the thief won't be able to read its data unless they have the matching password.
Tip Three: Install a VPN
Next, you should protect your computer from online threats. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a great place to start. It establishes a digital point-to-point Internet connection via dedicated circuits, or even via tunneling protocols, to keep your computer protected over existing networks.
Great options like Surfshark VPN for MacOS are widely available, each with their own wealth of security benefits to keep you safe online. A VPN hides your computer's IP, and thus your location and important information. It also encrypts and protects your information—keeping your computer's valuable data safe as you browse. Often outfitted with software which wipes out temporary browsing data, a good VPN program keeps each Internet session individualized—so you needn't worry about temporary Internet data becoming accessible during long-term Internet use.
Tip Four: Install Anti-Virus Software
Approximately 15 to 25 percent of MacBook Pro users use anti-virus software—meaning that 75 to 85 percent of MacBook Pro users leave their systems at risk. Anti-virus software assures a computer's comprehensive protection when browsing. Much like a VPN, it fortifies your system from Internet use on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Different from a VPN, however, is an anti-virus program's ability to deflect spyware, malware and other malicious programs from your computer.
There are several great anti-virus software options available, including McAffee, Norton, Kaspersky and Bitdefender. Each offers comprehensive anti-virus protection, and each is compatible with Mac systems. These programs offer robust feature sets, too, so you can customize your computer's protection from the get-go.
It's important to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date, however, running it regularly to install its latest, greatest defense features. Set your anti-virus program up to automatically download, and install, updates. Similarly, set it up to scan your computer at a pre-specified time per day. Don't worry too much about performance issues, either, as a lot of anti-virus programs give users the option to schedule nonintrusive scans which keep the virtual workload at a bare minimum.
Tip Five: Use Password Protection
In terms of protection, sometimes a password-locked MacBook Pro isn't enough. The complexity of your passwords matter, as more complex passwords are frequently tougher to crack. For this reason, it's a good idea to change your password frequently—and each password you use should contain both uppercase and lowercase numbers. Each password should also utilize numbers and special characters to diversify its makeup.
More important, however, is the installation of Password Assistant: a valuable Apple tool which is available on OS X. Password Assistant can help you make strong passwords, making it more difficult for malicious users to steal your computer's data. In a few simple steps, you can dictate how difficult your passwords are—based upon quality and length alike.
What Is The Best Security Software For Macbook Pro
Accessing Password Assistant is easy—simply open your computer's Users & Groups menu, then selecting the Change Password option. Can you upgrade macbook air storage. Once you've accessed the Password Assistant window, you can choose between alphanumeric, numeric, FIPS-181 or random passwords.
Built-in Virus Protection on Mac
Where PC users had to wait until Windows 10 for a worthwhile built-in antivirus, macOS has been long equipped with various tools to effectively protect Macs from cyber attacks. The best-known example of that is XProtect, which checks all files downloaded on the Mac against Apple's own malware database and alerts users when opening a file that is a known threat.
The other tool for keeping Macs virus-free is Mac Gatekeeper, which only allows apps to be downloaded from the App Store and/or the websites of identified developers. And to make the deal even sweeter, Macs are also capable of encrypting important files and saving passwords via iCloud Keychain.
Although these built-in security tools are quite promising, there is a huge problem with them: they can be easily bypassed. It's one thing that Apple's malware database relies heavily on user reports, but against the most sophisticated malware it's completely useless. And the fact that Gatekeeper can easily be set to allow untrusted apps to be downloaded doesn't really make macOS's built-in protective tools much better either…
Why You Need Virus Protection for Your Mac
Even if it's been proven otherwise countless times, many people still believe that only PCs can be infected with viruses and malware. Unfortunately, that's a myth; anything capable of connecting to the internet is a potential target for wrongdoers, which is why they must be protected at all cost. What's even worse is that the built-in antivirus tools of these devices are either too weak to withstand the continuously evolving horde of malware or are simply nonexistent. In other words, it's better to have some sort of Mac security solution installed on your Mac than relying on built-in software or, even worse, doing absolutely nothing.
Even the simplest Mac antivirus solutions are intelligent enough to recognize new and evolving viruses because they can match any unknown malware against a continuously updated database. What's even better is that advanced real-time monitoring tools aren't the only line of defense that comes with antiviruses; they also have customizable on-demand virus scans with which any lurking malware can be easily located, quarantined, and eliminated. Although more specialized third-party antivirus apps require the purchase of a license fee, the market is actually full of free solutions that are powerful enough to provide the necessary level of protection for everyday users.
The MacBook Pro is a rather secure laptop, and MacOS is designed with some of today's most advanced technologies. With that said, it isn't entirely secure to modern attempts to breach system security. For this reason, MacBook Pro users frequently adopt tools, software, and upgrades to fortify the platform.
Consumers can upgrade the MacBook's settings, download protective software like Surfshark VPN for MacOS or manage their wireless settings to beef up their computer's security. Likewise, they can focus on frequent data backups to assure ongoing information safety. Whether you're concerned about your laptop's digital integrity or simply want some added protection—these five Macbook Pro data security tips can help.
Tip One: Enhancing System Preferences
Your MacBook Pro is delivered with a variety of settings which are designed to protect your information. These settings, by default, are pretty secure. This said, they can be even better. To access your MacBook Pro's security preferences, simply select the Apple icon on your MacBook Pro's desktop. Select 'System Preferences' and navigate through the various options, as each offers different levels of protection based upon your daily usage.
Depending on your preferred computer use, you can set up your MacBook Pro to require a password upon login—or even when waking up from its sleep mode. It's also possible to dictate when the computer is turned on, as well as when you can log into a user account. These added security measures enhance your computer's core protection—assuring it's logged out when it's inactive. In general, being logged out of your MacBook Pro keeps it safer—so it's a good idea to make sure it's logged out when you're not using it.
Best Security For Macbook Air
Tip Two: Enable File Encryption
If your MacBook is stolen, your data won't be safe when protected by an account password, alone. Modern data thieves and hackers can remove a MacBook Pro's hard drive—connecting it to another computer via an IDE/SATA to USB cable. Then, they can read your computer's hard drive as if it were a plugged in USB or DVD drive. They technically don't even need an account password to see your data—as they've already bypassed the MacBook OS X's file security.
Macbook Pro Security Settings
Fortunately, you can prevent a file breach altogether. By activating your MacBook Pro's built-in FileVault tool, you can encrypt—and later decrypt—your computer's files associated with its profiles. Simple set up a password, encrypt the files and you're good to go. The encryption happens in the background, so you won't be bogged down by meddlesome processes. If your computer is stolen, the thief won't be able to read its data unless they have the matching password.
Tip Three: Install a VPN
Next, you should protect your computer from online threats. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a great place to start. It establishes a digital point-to-point Internet connection via dedicated circuits, or even via tunneling protocols, to keep your computer protected over existing networks.
Great options like Surfshark VPN for MacOS are widely available, each with their own wealth of security benefits to keep you safe online. A VPN hides your computer's IP, and thus your location and important information. It also encrypts and protects your information—keeping your computer's valuable data safe as you browse. Often outfitted with software which wipes out temporary browsing data, a good VPN program keeps each Internet session individualized—so you needn't worry about temporary Internet data becoming accessible during long-term Internet use.
Tip Four: Install Anti-Virus Software
Approximately 15 to 25 percent of MacBook Pro users use anti-virus software—meaning that 75 to 85 percent of MacBook Pro users leave their systems at risk. Anti-virus software assures a computer's comprehensive protection when browsing. Much like a VPN, it fortifies your system from Internet use on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Different from a VPN, however, is an anti-virus program's ability to deflect spyware, malware and other malicious programs from your computer.
There are several great anti-virus software options available, including McAffee, Norton, Kaspersky and Bitdefender. Each offers comprehensive anti-virus protection, and each is compatible with Mac systems. These programs offer robust feature sets, too, so you can customize your computer's protection from the get-go.
It's important to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date, however, running it regularly to install its latest, greatest defense features. Set your anti-virus program up to automatically download, and install, updates. Similarly, set it up to scan your computer at a pre-specified time per day. Don't worry too much about performance issues, either, as a lot of anti-virus programs give users the option to schedule nonintrusive scans which keep the virtual workload at a bare minimum.
Tip Five: Use Password Protection
In terms of protection, sometimes a password-locked MacBook Pro isn't enough. The complexity of your passwords matter, as more complex passwords are frequently tougher to crack. For this reason, it's a good idea to change your password frequently—and each password you use should contain both uppercase and lowercase numbers. Each password should also utilize numbers and special characters to diversify its makeup.
More important, however, is the installation of Password Assistant: a valuable Apple tool which is available on OS X. Password Assistant can help you make strong passwords, making it more difficult for malicious users to steal your computer's data. In a few simple steps, you can dictate how difficult your passwords are—based upon quality and length alike.
What Is The Best Security Software For Macbook Pro
Accessing Password Assistant is easy—simply open your computer's Users & Groups menu, then selecting the Change Password option. Can you upgrade macbook air storage. Once you've accessed the Password Assistant window, you can choose between alphanumeric, numeric, FIPS-181 or random passwords.
At the end of the day, your MacBook Pro's security is in your hands. If you're downloading a VPN or anti-virus software, it's a good idea to check for future updates online – even if your program offers automatic updates, itself. It'll give you a good idea about what to expect, in the near future, in terms of your computer's digital security. Coupled with frequent Apple news checkups, protective software education is invaluable to your system's health, protection and long-term capabilities.
