Question & answer

Do Macs need antivirus?

The short answer

Not necessarily, but the old idea that Macs don’t get viruses is wrong. macOS has solid built-in protections that cover careful users. Mac malware does exist and is growing. Most of it is adware, browser hijackers and infostealers. If you want active protection, choose a Mac specialist like Intego or a multi-platform suite.

In detail

Apple builds real security into macOS. XProtect scans for known malware. Gatekeeper blocks unsigned apps. Notarization checks what developers distribute. If you install software only from the App Store and known vendors, that baseline plus regular updates is a sound setup.

The threat picture has changed, though. Infostealers on the Mac have grown sharply in recent years. This malware grabs passwords, browser data and crypto wallets. It usually spreads through cracked apps, fake installers and malicious ads. Adware and browser hijackers are still the most common Mac complaints. The built-in tools handle known threats well, but they are cautious and quiet. They add no web protection layer and show you little of what happens.

If you want more, choose software that is really built for the Mac. Intego has made Mac-only software since 1997 and knows macOS threats best. Bitdefender and Norton cover Macs reasonably well in their multi-device plans. That makes sense for households with a mix of devices. We would not pay Windows-level prices for a thin Mac version. Check what the Mac version includes before you buy.