In search of reliable malware and virus scanner software

Antivirus: Absolutely not

Malware: MalwareBytes is effective particularly for Browser Hijacks where your searches are being redirected, and would only recommend a single scan if that has been noticed by you. I would still not recommend to have it installed to run constantly on your computer to use valuable resources.

Your Mac already uses XProtect to run 3 different types of scans on your computer at regular intervals. In addition you have Gatekeeper that will block Malware from being installed and you will see a message on startup if a file was unable to be scanned for Malware and protect your computer from installing files that are not signed.

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support (BH)

NEVER EVER install any of the following types of third party apps:

• Antivirus
• Security
• VPN
• Cleaning
• Maintenance

Mac OS simply needs to be kept up-to-date and to restart the computer about 1x per week. Other than that simply enjoy and use your Mac. If you install any of the above apps, Mac OS may be modified resulting in a slow, unstable, machine that offers unwanted behaviors that make Mac OS appear buggy. They can also damage Mac OS.

On these forums we have dealt with thousands of users complaining of buggy, slow Macs and the problems have been traced back to installing some type of of one (or more) of the types of. apps noted above.

I work in a corporate environment where AV is mandated and controlled by IS. We use Sophos and it has worked just fine on both Mac and Windows. I'm not a big advocate of AV and don't think it is strictly needed but a reputable developer isn't as much of a problem as some might contend.

Intego VirusBarrier Scanner is free on the App Store and also works well, if you want something lightweight.

Finally, check out the security apps from Eclectic Light, there are some good ones available.

You don't need one; instead, keep the OS up to date and avoid downloading software from sources other than the App Store and the developer websites. If you must get a separate product, download and run the free version of MalwareBytes.

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mechanic1357 wrote:

Lawrence Finch wrote:

And NOTHING is free from malware issues; what is critical is identifying them and blocking them. Security is not a wall that you build once that keeps everything out. It is an arms race, and Apple keeps ahead of it better than any other provider.

Agree, and for those needing more balanced info, and not wanting to wait for the next Apple OS update to fix vulnerabilities, there are sources like:

It has nothing to do with a balanced approach, it is the simple fact that users flock here for the trouble they are having with their computer after it has been installed. The most common issue we see here is when a user allows a Website Notification inadvertently and they see a pop up in the upper right side of their computer that says they have a virus. The only thing that needs done is to remove the authorization for Notifications on that website, and ironically the Anit-Virus software does not even prevent that. It does highlight the nefarious tactics used by these companies to get you to download their software.

You really should be aware that the link to the article you posted is a "Sponsored Article". I read MacWorld as well, but with any source you have to evaluate any information provided. They run many articles where they are paid for the reviews and get a kickback for any purchases made from their article. Not what I would really considered a balanced approach and they would not even suggest that what they are selling is really not needed. Their top rated AntiVuris in the article is Intego Virus Barrier and you need to look no further than this website for the problems that users have experienced:

• INTEGO VIRUS PROTECTION PROBLEM - Apple Community
• Intego Virus Barrier quit unexpectedly, h… - Apple Community

I don't fault MacWorld for running these advertisements and they also label them as "Sponsored Content", although it is in fine print. Without these paid advertisement there would not be a MacWorld website. I also take any other advertisements on their page with a grain of salt and that is advice everyone should be aware of that is not specific to MacWorld.

[Edited by Moderator]

Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community explains the reasons you do not need and should not install anything of the sort.

mechanic1357 wrote:

The moderator on here won't allow links but there is an affiliate-link-policy page on the site you can review.

That does not change the fact that you posted a link that claimed to be a review for Sponsored Content. That alone says it all and it really makes no difference what affiliate policy they have. The truth is that without advertisers, they would be without jobs and no one wants to be the employee that loses an advertiser or in these case an entire category of paid advertisers.

It is also difficult to ignore the actual users who have posted on this site.from the links already provided with the problems they have experienced using that websites number one pick, and as for the category as a whole, searching the site will reveal many more:

• Thoughts on Intego for Mac - AntiVirus So… - Apple Community
• Is an Intego Subscription a good thing? - Apple Community
• Can't Remove AVG Antivirus Completely (MA… - Apple Community

P.S. - There are no ads on any of the links provided and no user was paid for anything that was posted.

While the answer to the OP's question is s simple NO!, For those who are interested in the security protections already provided on their Mac, there is quite a bit that can be learned.

• Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support
• System security overview - Apple Support
• System Integrity Protection - Apple Support
• Gatekeeper and runtime protection in macOS - Apple Support

macOS built-in anti-virus is all you need.

3rd party antivirus apps are not needed and they only produce obscure errors.

Malwarebytes manual scan might be an exception but personally I have not used that.

None of that junk-ware is needed with Mac's. Have a look at > macOS - Security - Apple

r4lf wrote:

The most important thing to do is to keep your device updated to the latest OS. For example iOS 18.4.1 has important security patches that address exploits. These are zero day updates that should be installed asap to stay secure.

iOS 18.4.1 is the system software for an iPhone. The OP has a Mac Mini. So, while the advice to keep the software up-to-date is good, the specifics are off. The current version of macOS is 15.4.1.

In my opinion, and in my personal experience, there is not a lot of additional value from installing 3rd party tools when it comes to security.

It seems as if we all agree on that.

As everyone else has told you there is no need and I wouldn't pay for AdGuard.

Malwarebytes is safe and free but in the last decade that I have been using it on my Macs it has never found anything because Macs are pretty bullet-proof to begin with.

Unscrupulous people make money from preying on your imaginary fears.

The most important thing to do is to keep your device updated to the latest OS. For example iOS 18.4.1 has important security patches that address exploits. These are zero day updates that should be installed asap to stay secure.

It's also recommended to use Safari as your browser, as it goes hand-in-hand with the OS to address any potential security issues.

In my opinion, and in my personal experience, there is not a lot of additional value from installing 3rd party tools when it comes to security.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

r4lf wrote:

The most important thing to do is to keep your device updated to the latest OS. For example iOS 18.4.1 has important security patches that address exploits. These are zero day updates that should be installed asap to stay secure.

iOS 18.4.1 is the system software for an iPhone. The OP has a Mac Mini. So, while the advice to keep the software up-to-date is good, the specifics are off. The current version of macOS is 15.4.1.

In my opinion, and in my personal experience, there is not a lot of additional value from installing 3rd party tools when it comes to security.

It seems as if we all agree on that.

You have touching faith in Apple/support/developers to keep released Mac versions free from malware issues. There are so many problem issues raised here that tend to show otherwise.

mechanic1357 wrote:

.

You have touching faith in Apple/support/developers to keep released Mac versions free from malware issues. There are so many problem issues raised here that tend to show otherwise.

Please tell us about them. Most problems are from installing garbage AV, “helpers”, speed up apps, memory optimizers, etc

And NOTHING is free from malware issues; what is critical is identifying them and blocking them. Security is not a wall that you build once that keeps everything out. It is an arms race, and Apple keeps ahead of it better than any other provider.

Lawrence Finch wrote:

And NOTHING is free from malware issues; what is critical is identifying them and blocking them. Security is not a wall that you build once that keeps everything out. It is an arms race, and Apple keeps ahead of it better than any other provider.

Agree, and for those needing more balanced info, and not wanting to wait for the next Apple OS update to fix vulnerabilities, there are sources like:

• this includes some info on available applications, which I think the OP was after.

There are other sources no doubt, but after a while you realise that there has to be a risk/reward tradeoff here that is a matter for each individual user.

[Edited by Moderator]