There is no denying that Macs are less prone to being infected with viruses and malware than PCs. In fact, due to the built-in tools that the macOS come with, many users are convinced that they need no further protection against wrongdoers. Unfortunately, this is the exact reason why criminals have started targeting Apple users with highly sophisticated malware that can easily get through the basic defenses of any Mac. However, with Mac security software on board, any computer can be turned into an impenetrable fortress, giving you enough protection online and offline.
‘But what exactly is a Mac security solution?’ you may ask. It’s a question that needs further explanation, as these apps are a bit more than just basic antiviruses. So, by clarifying the most common questions surrounding Mac security solutions, picking the software that fits your individual needs will be hassle-free.
To this day many people believe that a Mac cannot be infected at all. However, this cannot be further from the truth; regardless of the platform and the device’s nature, anything that connects to the internet or has an external port can fall victim to cyber attacks. Intego, a company based in Washington, realized this early on and has been providing various Mac security solutions ever since. Although each product has its own merits, purchasing them together as part of the Intego Mac Security Bundle X9 provides the best experience. However, having all five of its Mac security apps – including bespoke parental controls and multifaceted optimization functions – is actually just the beginning. Each program included in the bundle comes with a straightforward interface and various options with which it’s possible to increase your Mac’s overall security without breaking a sweat. But the real icing on the cake is that Intego Mac Security Bundle X9 has an outstanding pricing policy that offers many discount options – including Intego’s and Best Reviews’ joint offer – as well as a 30-day free trial.
When it comes to protecting Macs from cyber attacks, users want a solution that both averts any kind of malware no matter where it comes from, and is simple enough for even the least tech-savvy people to use. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac fully meets these requirements. Don’t be fooled by its simplistic aspect, its straightforward interface and lack of unnecessary features could easily make anyone believe that Bitdefender’s solution is nothing more than a basic antivirus tool. However, it’s quite far from that. Not only is it equipped with extras that, for instance, give you suggestions about how to improve your Mac’s security, but it also comes with a VPN and an online command center to remotely initiate virus scans and, as a nice addition, monitor your child’s online activities via the free parental control tool. For many people, getting three solutions for the price of one is already convincing enough, but Bitdefender manages to up the ante with its outstanding prices and free trial options.
There are many internet security solution providers out there, but none of them have been more synonymous with the protection of computers than Avast. Although the company’s main profile is providing various security apps for PCs running Windows, it also offers specialized solutions for Mac enthusiasts who want to make their devices an impenetrable fortress against cyber attacks. Avast Security for Mac is one such tool that, although mostly an antivirus with additional internet security features, provides sufficient protection against all sorts of issues, whether that is related to malware, vulnerable networks, or the safeguarding of important files. Admittedly, this doesn’t seem too much when compared to what other Mac security companies put into their internet security suites, but Avast became a market leader for a reason. As such, Avast Security for Mac can be enjoyed with all the benefits that other Avast products come with, such as the outstanding discount policy – which relies on a more-the-merrier philosophy – the 60-day free trial of the Pro version, and a money-back guarantee that ensures that nobody is left unsatisfied.
Since Mac security solutions exist in many shapes and forms, picking the right software isn’t as easy as it seems. That’s why it’s best to think about what you and others (if necessary) truly need and choose accordingly. Free antiviruses, for instance, are perfect for the basic protection of individuals, and often they can be upgraded at any time. On the other hand, paid solutions are always equipped with more specialized features and are usually offered as part of an internet security software bundle, so they can truly provide a solution for all kinds of cyber security threats.
When it comes to compatibility, the situation is quite simple. Mac security solutions are often adapted from their Windows counterparts, meaning that if you want protection for a PC as well, then you can simply download the sister product of a Mac antivirus.
With usage, however, things get a bit complicated, because not all people have the same needs and the same system. In that regard, opting for the most complete internet security suite could solve the issue. These bundles not only contain all the security apps that a particular company has to offer, but they also come with multiple licenses and can be installed on all supported devices.
One of the best ways to decide whether any given solution is ideal for you is to check out the opinion of internet security experts. Visiting AV-TEST’s website gives good insight into how well Mac security programs perform in different situations, but for the whole picture it’s best to read up on the software in detailed reviews like the very ones we provide. For a truly first-hand experience, however, downloading the free version of the software or testing the full software for a limited time will give you the very best insight.
Even though installing an antivirus on a Mac is a good start, cyber security threats are so versatile that a single, specialized internet security app is far from enough. Thankfully, internet security companies have realized this, which is why even the most basic Mac antivirus apps have extra features that go beyond just busting malware. For instance, many of them are capable of monitoring your internet activities either on their own or via a browser add-on, but they can also protect your most important files should you be the target of a ransomware attack.
However, not even a beefed-up antivirus can battle against certain other cyber threats like cryptojacking, password sniffing, or online predators. And this is the exact reason why a Mac security solution shouldn’t just be a single app but rather multiple programs, each tailored to deal with a specific internet security issue. Although being forced to install a standalone solution for each security problem seems bothersome, this way your Mac truly becomes an impenetrable fortress. Besides, software bundles give you the freedom to select which internet security apps you need or even substitute the bundle’s in-built solutions with other third-party choices.
Since being safe online is no laughing matter, there are various internet security solutions that are available free of charge. Granted, these free apps are always limited in one way or another, but since they all possess the core features of paid counterparts, they are perfect for the average user that hopes to be protected on at least one device. Antiviruses and password managers in particular always have free versions – with an option to upgrade – but depending on the chosen solution there may be additional features to enjoy without paying, whether that’s a basic VPN, a manual software updater, and so on.
That doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself only to free, basic programs all the time, though. In fact, the vast majority of Mac security software providers allow users to test their solutions without limitations for a short period of time either via a trial or a money-back guarantee. This often means that all apps included in the bundle have to be downloaded one by one and there may still be instances where certain functionalities aren’t available, but this at least way it’s possible to get a clearer picture of exactly what you can expect from the paid version.
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