Best Program For Scanning Mac For Malware

 

Yes, Macs can get malware. Beyond traditional viruses, worms, and Trojans, there’s now a thriving ecosystem of adware and spyware programs that bombard you with ads and spy on your web browsing, just like on Windows.

Systweak Anti-Malware for Mac is one of the best Anti-Malware software for Mac as it is easy to use and keeps your Mac safe and secure. It detects and quarantines malicious content on your Mac whether it is an unwanted program or infected files. We've tested nearly 100 anti-malware apps to help you find the the best malware protection and removal software for all your devices. Mac Malware Remover for Mac is a simple program that effectively scans for a few known Mac viruses, but lacks the features of a full security program.

Macs do have some integrated protection against malware, but it isn’t perfect. Crucially, that protection against malware doesn’t block all the adware and spyware bundled with application downloads.

Use Malwarebytes for Mac

RELATED:Mac OS X Isn’t Safe Anymore: The Crapware / Malware Epidemic Has Begun

Malwarebytes makes well-regarded security utilities for Windows. Malwarebytes originally expanded into the Mac security software arena by purchasing and rebranding a popular application named “Adware Medic” that we and others have used successfully in the past.

There are now two versions of Malwarebytes for Mac, a free version and a premium version. The standard scanner that checks for malware on your system and removes it is free. Anyone can manually initiate a scan and remove malware with Malwarebytes for Mac without spending a penny. The Malwarebytes Premium features that will monitor your Mac for malware and spyware, prevent infections before they occur, and automatically download updates do cost money, but Malwarebytes does provide a 30-day free trial.

If you want to remove malware, spyware, and other garbage software from your Mac, we recommend you download and run Malwarebyes. The free version is fine if you just want to check for and remove malware. If you want something that runs in the background, automatically scans your downloads, and monitors your system, you’ll want the paid version.

We’ve been happy with Malwarebytes on Windows for years and recommend it, and the Mac version also seems solid. We recommended it back when it was just an “Adware Medic” tool that could only manually scan your system for malware, and we’re happy the automatic protection features are now available for people who want them.

How to Avoid Malware on a Mac

RELATED:How to Protect Your Mac from Malware

Yes, obnoxious junk software is still a problem on a Mac. Macs do have an anti-malware feature known as “XProtect” or “File quarantine”, but it only blocks a handful of the most nasty pieces of malware after they’ve become widespread. It won’t necessarily block anything new, and it won’t stand in the way of all the adware and spyware out there. You need to follow good online safety practices to avoid malware on a Mac, just like you do on a Windows PC.

Much of the nastiest adware arrives the same way it does on Windows, via junkware-packed installers from application-downloading sites like download.com or via shady advertisements that push you to an unofficial, tainted installer. Get your applications from the Mac App Store or the developer’s website. Avoid running unsigned software—that means only allowing apps downloaded from the “App Store and identified developers”.

Unlike on Windows, there’s no Add/Remove programs window where you can go to see what’s installed and quickly uninstall it on a Mac. On Windows, most of the “legal” crapware allows you to uninstall it from here. On a Mac, it can be tough to know how to uninstall this junk. Malwarebytes should be able to find and uninstall this junkware automatically, which is why it’s so useful.

What About Full Mac Antivirus Programs?

Quite a few antivirus companies are now also creating (and selling) full antivirus programs for macOS. These applications are similar to their Windows equivalents, featuring full background-scanning of all the applications you run and files you access as well as other features. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac now functions in this way, too.

We’ll be honest here—we’re not completely sure what to recommend if you’re looking for a more traditional antivirus program. There haven’t been as many tests that compare Mac antivirus software as there have for Windows antivirus software. Malwarebytes for Mac is a great quick removal tool and now offers automatic scanning features if you want them. It will remove most of the obnoxious software out there, which makes it our main pick. On Windows, most of the antivirus programs won’t even remove this obnoxious adware and spyware (called “potentially unwanted programs” or “PUPs”), so we’re not even sure a full antivirus would even be as good as Malwarebytes at battling the most entry points.

If you do stick to the Mac App Store and keep your software updated, you’re probably fine. On the other hand, if you download a lot of software from the web and potentially even bypass your Mac’s protections to install unsigned applications from unknown developers, an antivirus with full background scanning might be a better idea. However, like on a Windows PC, an antivirus that’s always scanning in the background can make your Mac a bit slower and drain battery life.

We recommend Sophos Home for Mac as the top free antivirus for Mac. AV-TEST gave it good grades and it doesn’t try to install any additional software on your PC. It just requires you create a free Sophos account before you can download it. Give it a try if you’re looking for a free, full-featured antivirus with on-demand scanning. If your Mac is already infected, this application can perform a full system-scan for malware, just as they can on Windows.

“Macs don’t get malware” and “you don’t need antivirus on a Mac” are old pieces of advice that aren’t necessarily true anymore. Macs are vulnerable to malware. For example, the Flashback Trojan at one point infected over 600,000 Macs around the world. Macs also now have a problem with adware and other junkware provided in software installers, just as Windows does.

Malwarebytes for Mac is a solid tool in any Mac user’s toolkit. Full antivirus applications aren’t necessarily as mandatory as they are on Windows yet, but you might want them if you download a lot of applications from the web and are particularly worried.

READ NEXT
  • › What Can I Do with My Old iPhone?
  • › How to Stream UFC 242 Khabib vs. Poirier Live Online
  • › Free Download: Microsoft’s PowerToys for Windows 10
  • › How to Overclock Your Computer’s RAM
  • › What’s New in Chrome 77, Arriving September 10

Regardless of the digital world being overrun bycybercriminals, Mac users consider themselves safe due to a common misnomer. Therefore, some Mac users do not agree with the fact that they should also have a third-party security software on the Mac.

But the fact is if you are a heavy internet user and exchange files very often over the internet then you can be a victim of cyber-attack. So, if you are aMac user then you should have a reliable malware removal software installed on it. On the app store, you will find number of malware protection software. But to make it easy for you we are listing 15 best anti-malware software for Mac.

List of Contents

Best Anti Malware For Mac – Malware Removal Software For Mac

Best Program For Scanning Mac For Malware

1. Systweak Anti-Malware

Systweak Anti-Malware for Mac is one of the best Anti-Malware software for Mac as it is easy to use and keeps your Mac safe and secure. It detects and quarantines malicious content on your Mac whether it is an unwanted program or infected files. Moreover, it keeps a check on start-up items for malware and threats. It enables you to scan your Mac in three ways – Deep and Quick Scan. It keeps the virus database up to date to ensure 24*7 security on your Mac. It also allows you to schedule the scan time, date and scan type according to your preferences.

2. Intego

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is an online protection designed for Mac exclusively. In a test result released in December 2016 it was found that the software was able to detect 96.8 percent Malware. This malware removal tool for Mac automatically scans the attachments as soon as you receive them and other files as soon as you attach a flash drive or an external hard drive to your Mac. If you require a technical support you can submit a request form given on the product website.

3. Sophos Home

This is one of the best malware removal for Mac that is used for malware removal. It protects Mac against viruses, malware, worms and more. This malware cleaner software comes with several features including Parental Web Filtering that allows you to restrict the content your children can view online and Web Protection, which protects you from accessing malicious sites.

It also has a feature of Remote Management to secure multiple devices in any location from a web interface. This anti-malware software for Mac by Sophos is definitely an efficient product for the purpose of malware removal on Mac.

4. Panda

Another in the list of our best anti-malware for Mac is Panda. It is useful for the users who often connect their system to the internet. It slightly makes your system to work slow but if you are having high end hardware and fewer apps you may not feel the difference. Panda security suit comes with a searchable knowledge base on which you can find solution common issues as well.

5. Norton Security


When it comes to cyber security, Norton by Symantec is a well-known name among best Mac anti-malware software. Norton is providing cyber security from years. In the standard subscription, you will get a money back guaranteed protection, under this protection you can protect one Mac. The app claim to protect your Mac from viruses, spyware malware and other online threats. This malware removal software for Mac also safeguards your identity and online transactions.

6. Bitdefender

Another best anti-malware software to protect your Mac from malware attacks is Bitdefender. Comparatively, it quickly detects and blocks phishing threats and viruses. Bitdefender scans received files and emails or messages quickly to ensure that there is no harmful component in them. It destroys malware for both Windows and Mac because malware for Windows cannot destroy your Mac but it can travel through emails or messages and can harm Windows computer of your friends which makes it the best Mac anti-malware software.

7. Kaspersky

Kaspersky is much focused on internet security. It is tested over many parameters and can be considered as a strong anti-malware protection software. There is an extra feature in Kaspersky which helps you to monitor the online activity of your children. This software is also loaded with other useful features such as real-time scanning and virtual keyboard, which helps you to complete your online shopping and transactions safely.

8. McAfee Total Protection

This malware removal software for Mac is capable blocking malware, ransomware, spyware and all other unwanted programs on your Mac. It comes with safe web browsing that helps & prevents you from visiting malicious sites, downloading dangerous content and from phishing attacks as well. Within the app, there comes a password manager with which you can manage all the passwords from one single app. McAfee Total Protection is an all in one combo with several functionalities. And prior to all it has perfect scan engine for virus detection and malware removal.

Best Program For Scan Mac For Malware

9. Avast

Scan For Malware On Mac

With Avast, you can regularly scan your system and it can also scan your files as soon as you open them. You can experience a little bit dip in the performance of your system but if you have set your Mac on gaming mode then you can watch videos and play games without any interruption.

Avast Mac malware removal tool comes with 24-hour telephone support and in addition to that you can also find online knowledge base and FAQs.

10. AVG

If you are looking for a free protection software for your Mac then AVG will be the best anti-malware for Mac. It is having both paid and free version available on its website you can choose according to your requirements free version is having limited capabilities but if you are not a heavy user then it is also enough for you. In the free version, you will find basic protection from the virus spyware and ransomware, Blockage of unsafe download, links and email attachments. You can also scan your removable disks and drives in the real time.

11. ESET

Because of increasing number of Mac users’ hackers cannot ignore them and because now they are also targeting Mac users you need an efficient security software for your Mac. Eset is fit for all the basic security requirements of your Mac and at the same time you will notice your system lagging much. It is loaded with features which are best suitable for home users such as it is having gamer mode which allows you to enjoy your favorite games and online videos without any interruption which makes it the best malware removal software for Mac.

Malware For Mac Free

12. Avira

Another choice for you, if you are looking for free security software, is Avira. A free version is enough to protect you from basic threats and also comes with some basic optimization utilities. You will also find paid version over the website with some add on features such as parental control and device controls which helps you to protect your Mac from unauthorized access through external devices.

13. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Trend Micro has various products for system security, but the best malware protection software by McAfee is Antivirus for Mac. It protects your Mac from ransomware, malware, and all the other online viruses. It comes with email protection that keeps spams out of your inbox so that no malicious content could reach you in the form of an email. Also, protects you from viruses which enter into the Mac to steal personal data. It is one of the most used malware removal software for now. Make sure, you get one now.

Scan My Mac For Malware

14. F-Secure Anti-Virus

Best Program For Scanning

Next in the list of best Mac anti-malware software is F-Secure. Like other security software F-secure protect your system from harmful infections. It is having other features too such as gaming mode and transaction protection but the security is a little bit less rigid. It is also having internet security which keeps you protected online. This malware removal tool for Mac scans your incoming email, messages attached pen drives and allows you to create a safe backup. You can get support over the phone on weekdays until midnight.

15. Total AV

Best Program For Scanner Mac For Malware

This anti-malware software for Mac is a package that provides you with several features. It defends your Mac from ransomware, spyware, adware, malware and all other online viruses. It comes with real-time protection that scans your downloads and installs every time you access them. It also has a remote firewall that allows you to block and unblock connection requests. Total AV malware removal software protects your Mac from phishing and spoofed websites that can steal your data and personal information.

Best program for scanner mac for malware

Best Program For Scanning Documents

So, these were the best anti-malware for Mac you can choose any one of them as per your choice and requirement. Because of emerging cybercrime, it is better to have an extra layer of security on your system because you store your personal financial and professional data on your Mac so you should not take a chance with its security.