iMac Thirds Party Antivirus/Security Software?

[Joe94]

Hi All,

Currently I have McAfee installed on my 2020 iMac 27” and only installed it as I still have an active subscription from my previous windows pc.

However after installing Big Sur, I have found certain things in McAfee are not useable (like firewall) and so it’s got me thinking if I really need to have it installed? Iv always thought large antivirus software like that can be bulky on any system (windows or Mac), but after reading macs are suppose to have no need for external software thanks to its internal security system, yeah I just wondered how true this was? Or if there is a mother small software people use, iv also read things about Malwarebytes?

So yeah just interested to hear of your thoughts.

Many Thanks

 

[Stephen L]

Hi All,

Currently I have McAfee installed on my 2020 iMac 27” and only installed it as I still have an active subscription from my previous windows pc.

However after installing Big Sur, I have found certain things in McAfee are not useable (like firewall) and so it’s got me thinking if I really need to have it installed? Iv always thought large antivirus software like that can be bulky on any system (windows or Mac), but after reading macs are suppose to have no need for external software thanks to its internal security system, yeah I just wondered how true this was? Or if there is a mother small software people use, iv also read things about Malwarebytes?

So yeah just interested to hear of your thoughts.

Many Thanks

Theoretically any operating system can be targeted by a virus. However, most virus writers target Microsoft. Mac's operating system is certainly very secure but not totally invulnerable, plus emails you receive with a virus may not infect your Mac but if you, say, forward that mail on, it could still carry the virus. The choice is yours, but I use Sophos. I did extensive investigations into a/v software, albeit very many years ago, when I was an IT Security manager, and ended up buying over 30,000 licences for the organisation I worked for.

 

[Joe94]

Theoretically any operating system can be targeted by a virus. However, most virus writers target Microsoft. Mac's operating system is certainly very secure but not totally invulnerable, plus emails you receive with a virus may not infect your Mac but if you, say, forward that mail on, it could still carry the virus. The choice is yours, but I use Sophos. I did extensive investigations into a/v software, albeit very many years ago, when I was an IT Security manager, and ended up buying over 30,000 licences for the organisation I worked for.

Thank you Stephen, very much apreciated. Thinking about it, your probable right that its going to be safer if I have one than not, but I think I need to look for one that's lighter & better suited for Mac OS, as McAfee is just too obtrusive, so I will certainly give Sophos a look

 

[Pound Coin]

There's a Firewall built into Macs, System Preferences : Security & Privacy : Firewall

OSX has quite a few security safeguards by default, so the old paradigm of needing Anti-virus software isn't anything like as valid as it used to be.
There are restrictions on opening applications, installing them, opening stuff in Safari, and so on.

I use Little Snitch (network activity reporter) because I like to see what access applications are asking for on the network) and MalwareBytes to look for Malware. (The Free version.)

Gave up on anti-virus a long time ago, because of the drain on the system and the fact that all the viruses caught were PC ones. They can protect themselves, thanks very much

 

[Joe94]

There's a Firewall built into Macs, System Preferences : Security & Privacy : Firewall

OSX has quite a few security safeguards by default, so the old paradigm of needing Anti-virus software isn't anything like as valid as it used to be.
There are restrictions on opening applications, installing them, opening stuff in Safari, and so on.

I use Little Snitch (network activity reporter) because I like to see what access applications are asking for on the network) and MalwareBytes to look for Malware. (The Free version.)

Gave up on anti-virus a long time ago, because of the drain on the system and the fact that all the viruses caught were PC ones. They can protect themselves, thanks very much

Thank you for your thoughts, very much appreciated

 

[john.margetts]

In three years of running my iMac, with anti-virus software in action, I have yet to have any virus or other nefarious software come my way. I continue to run the anti-virus software but it clearly not required.

 

[Joe94]

In three years of running my iMac, with anti-virus software in action, I have yet to have any virus or other nefarious software come my way. I continue to run the anti-virus software but it clearly not required.

Thank you John, appreciated

 

[Stephen L]

In three years of running my iMac, with anti-virus software in action, I have yet to have any virus or other nefarious software come my way. I continue to run the anti-virus software but it clearly not required.

This reminds me of when I worked for a major store chain. The MD insisted on all stores having their fire sprinkler systems removed, because, as he rightly said, “we’ve never had a fire in a store”.

 

[Pound Coin]

The last time I saw a Mac virus was in the early 90s. Granted, I've seen adware since, but that's why I have Malwarebytes (and occasionally another for a double check.

Anti-virus companies want your money.

 

[Pound Coin]

This reminds me of when I worked for a major store chain. The MD insisted on all stores having their fire sprinkler systems removed, because, as he rightly said, “we’ve never had a fire in a store”.

Interesting, not heard that before, which chain was it? I'd imagine that they could only do that in standalone stores, and not any that were part of larger complexes. I imagine the insurance went up a bit...

 

[Joe94]

The last time I saw a Mac virus was in the early 90s. Granted, I've seen adware since, but that's why I have Malwarebytes (and occasionally another for a double check.

Anti-virus companies want your money.

Just to ask, do you have the free version or paid? Iv been looking and I notice there are these options? Not sure what the true difference is though?

 

[Joe94]

Also on a slight different note, eaither way I’m going to uninstall McAfee, but aside from using its uninstall application, how can I ensure all hidden deep files are also removed, without using a third party cleaner type app?

Or are small hidden files like that not a problem?

I won’t through a similar thing with Adobe a short while ago, used its uninstall programs which removed all the main stuff, but still find the odd hidden support type file

Many thanks

 

[Stephen L]

Interesting, not heard that before, which chain was it? I'd imagine that they could only do that in standalone stores, and not any that were part of larger complexes. I imagine the insurance went up a bit...

Naming no names, but the head office (where I worked) is in the north of England. The MD was eventually persuaded by the board that it was not his best idea. He left within a year.

 

[Stephen L]

The last time I saw a Mac virus was in the early 90s. Granted, I've seen adware since, but that's why I have Malwarebytes (and occasionally another for a double check.

Anti-virus companies want your money.

Any company wants your money.

 

[Craikeybaby]

I use Bitdefender, from the App Store on my Macs.

 

[Pound Coin]

Just to ask, do you have the free version or paid? Iv been looking and I notice there are these options? Not sure what the true difference is though?

The free one needs you to keep on your toes and resist the imploring messages and buttons to upgrade.

in fact I used the free one for many years, then decided to give them money.

 

[Joe94]

The free one needs you to keep on your toes and resist the imploring messages and buttons to upgrade.

in fact I used the free one for many years, then decided to give them money.

Aha okay, thank you