I get asked this question a lot when I’m working with clients. It seems that every Windows User knows they need an Antivirus (although they often don’t have one that’s properly installed and updated), but Apple users are more hesitant about it, and I get asked:
Should I be using Antivirus on my Mac?
There is a good reason for people to be confused about this as well. Even Apple can’t seem to fully make up their mind about the issue. There was a time that I could point to an article written by Apple and available on their website that clearly stated that they recommend using an Antivirus product. But that article has beenwas taken down.
Macworld.com has published that they reached out to Apple about the article being taken down and were told that the article was simply outdated. Since that time Apple has said that running Antivirus on your mac is a good idea. They certainly don’t market that fact though. And why would they? The high security of MacOS has been a selling feature for years. Microsoft doesn’t exactly go around advertising that you should run antivirus on Windows 10 either, so let’s move on from marketing talk and look at the real world.
Simply put, the world of cybersecurity is evolving quickly. Gone are the days where viruses were written almost exclusively for Windows-based PCs. Gone are the days when viruses were written more for fun and the challenge than for profit and exploits. And gone are the days when viruses are the only thing to worry about.
With Cyber Criminals using trickier tactics, including ones that work no matter what operating system is being used, a good security software is more important than ever! MacOS specific strains of Ransomware and Trojans have become more common. With this rise in Mac Malware, Y-Not Tech Services recommends all MacOS users have a solid Anti-Malware software.
Why Isn’t Security Software for Macs Recommended More?
Before getting to a recommendation for what software to use, let’s explore just where the myth that Macs don’t need Antivirus came from. It’s true that MacOS has good built-in security and in the past, that was enough to keep its users safe, but the real reason Apple computers were mostly free from malware for so long was that it wasn’t worth it for the cybercriminals making the viruses. MacOS had such a small market share overall that it didn’t make sense to develop malware for a Mac when you could more easily hit Windows PCs and potentially reach 95% of all computers online. As MacOS has gained more market share, it has become a much more juicy target to hit. This is why we are seeing more and more viruses for Macs and why it’s important to have a good Anti-malware program running on your Mac today.
Which Antivirus Program Should You Use?
There are a lot of programs on the market. We’re only going to recommend one of them, but that doesn’t mean the rest are all useless. If you choose to use a different one, just make sure to do some research. There is a lot of Malware out there that masquerades as Antivirus Software. Additionally, some free antivirus programs will actually gather and sell your personal information!!! Whichever Security program you choose, make sure it’s updated and scanning regularly.
Magtech IT is confident in recommending Malwarebytes for Mac Premium. We’ve partnered with Malwarebytes so that we can sell and install Malwarebytes for Mac as an authorized partner. Contact Us to set up an appointment to get your Mac secured.
Thanks to our friends at ynottechservices.com for these valuable insights.
Ransomware Viruses are Viruses that completely encrypt or lock all the files on your Business computer in seconds, accounts, documents, pictures, outlook email attachments, client contact lists, Excel Spreadsheets, bookkeeping and payroll software databases. Hackers that gain access to your company network can install Ransomware on the network server or individual PC’s and spread via network shares between computers.
