In addition to detecting both Windows- and Mac-specific malware files during all of our tests, Intego also has an excellent firewall that automatically changes security settings based on whether you’re using your home network, work network, or a public Wi-Fi. While Intego’s not 100% free, it comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to use Intego and see if it’s the best choice for you. Intego is my favorite Mac antivirus in 2022 - it has perfect malware detection rates, a wide range of useful extras that improve upon Apple’s built-in security, and it’s super easy to use.
But if you’re looking for comprehensive internet security protection, and you don’t want to fall victim to things like ransomware or advanced malware attacks, you’ll need to invest in a paid antivirus.
I’ve researched and tested all major antivirus software designed for Macs to find the best 100% free products available to help you stay protected.Īnd while there are a handful of decent free Mac antiviruses, they all have frustrating limitations. That’s why it’s important that you find a product that has been extensively tested and that is guaranteed to offer at least a basic level of protection without compromising your cybersecurity.
And there are also free antiviruses that are actually spyware in disguise, designed to steal user data.
I tested every single free Mac antivirus program on the market, looking for software that could provide decent anti-malware protection for macOS without forcing users to upgrade to the premium version. Most antivirus brands that offer free products usually make you “pay” with intrusive ads, limited features, and serious vulnerabilities that leave you and your Mac unsecured.
XProtect defends Macs against various types of malware, by scanning downloaded files for signs of infection, but it needs to be regularly updated to recognize new or emerging threats - and it won’t help you if you unwittingly land on an infected or unsafe website.Ī digital certificate is always seen as proof of a file’s security and a surefire sign that the file contains no malicious code, but cybercriminals can still plant malicious code at the file completion stage, exploit security gaps to sign their malicious files with valid digital certificates, and more.
The macOS, or Mac OS X system, has existed for 40 years in various forms - it’s robust, and because of its regular updates, malware developers find it hard to keep up with the changes and write viruses that will successfully infect the Mac operating system.Īpple's basic malware detection is built directly into its Mac OS X operating system.