Question Mac Protection

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IceMan7

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Mar 19, 2025
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My wife insisted that she no longer wants a new laptop with Windows 11. Now she wants a Mac.
I have never used this software. It is known that it is safer than Windows, but that does not mean it is a safe.
How can it be more secure?

The plan is to use Mac, its software. Browse the Internet on Safari and Firefox. Without an email client, because we have been receiving emails on the browser for years. We log into the account, delete emails that we do not like (so everything is not downloaded to the computer by the email client).
What can you advise? Some AV like Bitdefender/Eset? Or maybe something else? Another AV, different software altogether? Browser protection is welcome.
I do not know about Fsecure on Mac, because we already know how it ended on Windows.

BTW
I've looked through the forum and I see that the most recommended AV is Malwarebytes Free. But does it have browser protection?
 
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MacOS is generally more secure due to its Unix-based architecture and Apple's strict app store policies. However, like any system, it's not invincible.

For your usage, consider using built-in Mac security features first, like Gatekeeper and XProtect. For additional protection, Bitdefender and Eset are good choices as they offer comprehensive protection including browser security.

Malwarebytes Free is recommended due to its effectiveness in removing malware. However, it doesn't offer real-time protection or browser security in the free version.

Remember, the best security practice is safe browsing habits and regular system updates.
 
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macOS is significantly more secure than Windows and doesn't necessarily require antivirus software. However, if you'd like some extra peace of mind, I’d recommend ESET, or—as another user already mentioned—Malwarebytes for occasional scans.

Many viruses and trojans are still primarily targeted at Windows users—for example, those relying on macros in Adobe or Office products. These typically won’t run on macOS, thanks in large part to Gatekeeper, which acts as a strong line of defense.

Instead of focusing on antivirus, I’d recommend setting up regular Time Machine backups. Additionally, macOS often requires fingerprint or password confirmation before executing certain actions or launching apps, which already puts you a step ahead in terms of security—especially compared to Windows, where many users disable UAC altogether. 😄

Let’s be honest: when you're just asked to click "Allow" or "Deny," most people instinctively click "Allow." But when you're prompted to enter your password, it makes you pause and think—adding an extra layer of protection. 😄
 
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IMO there is / have been mac malware so you should run some type of AV product. I run bitdefender & haven't had any issues. The mac version is a lot more barebones than their windows offering (which is a + for me). I remember trying Kaspersky some years back & I had to email their support multiple times. They would fix it but then another issue would be introduced again. Kaspersky tries to add everything the windows product has which caused issues. I also tried avast free & it caused issues. For some reason it broke my network timemachine backups. I also tried eset & even though it didn't cause any issues it was a lot heavier than their windows product.
 
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As already mentioned mac has a number of built-in protection tools including own antivirus Xprotect.
However, Xprotect is not fully configured antivirus as we expect it today. XProtect is simple signature based AV product were antivirus signature are available in clear text in its configuration directory. XProtect lacks behavior analysis/protection, it does not monitor network activities etc. It is also unknown how fast Apple updates XProtect signature etc.
I personally installed an AV product on my mac just in case: even MacOS is much more secured compare with Windows, nothing is "bullet proof".
 

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