Jun 29, 2020  Furthermore, you don't need to install virus protection on your iPad. Unlike a Windows computer, where running real-time virus protection software is almost a requirement, the iPad doesn't need full-time protection from viruses.

• Do I Need Antivirus Software For My Mac
• Do I Need Antivirus Software For Mac
• Do You Need Virus Software For Mac Windows

Best answer: Though Windows malware doesn't affect Mac devices, it's easy to unknowingly send these threats to PC-using colleagues, family members, and friends. During our testing, we used live malware and saw that the protections that come with Mac devices don't always stop them. Several threats are disguised to look like legitimate Mac programs and often sneak in through email messages and network connections. Luckily, a good antivirus program can stop them while keeping your Mac safe.

• Staff pick: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac ($60 at Bitdefender)
• Tech support recommended: Malwarebytes ($40 at Malwarebytes)
• Free Mac antivirus: Avast Essential Security for Mac (Free at Avast)

If you start to notice weird advertisements popping up in strange places on popular websites like YouTube, you might be infected. These ads tend to feature adult content or claim that a virus has been detected on your device and will often appear in places that you don't normally see ads.

You may also discover that your personal email or social networking sites are sending out messages that you didn't write. If this happens, you should immediately change your password to stop any more messages being sent from your account.

If your Mac just isn't responding the way it should, you might have malware planted into your system somewhere. If it takes much longer for your Mac to wake up than it used to, there may be something lurking in the shadows.

You won't always know if you have a virus. Technology has improved for the bad guys just as much as it has improved for the good guys. There are viruses out there that are smart enough to know how to hide deep in your system and work constantly to keep you from noticing it, all while performing malicious attacks. And once you're infected, it super easy for other devices connected to your network to become infected, too.

While you may think you don't need antivirus protection on your Mac, it's more important than ever now that Apple has grown so popular. Even if you use a limited, free version of a program, you'll be doing yourself a favor.

How can I protect my Mac right now?

The Mac operating system includes a number of security tools that help keep adware and malware off your computer, including default restrictions on opening apps from unidentified developers. If you stick to only downloading apps from the Mac App Store and are good about staying away from seedy websites, you can keep your computer secure from most virus issues.

In fact, Apple's security tools are why you'll hear many old-school Mac users say that you don't need anti-virus protection. The Mac is locked down well right out of the box.

However, there is more to protecting yourself than just avoiding bad apps and websites. You never know when you are going to pick something up that could create havoc on your Mac or on somebody else's PC. That's why, for added protection, you should think about getting antivirus software.

Staff pick

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Protection against Mac and Windows malware

Bitdefender runs in the background, deleting and eliminating Mac and Windows malware as it shows up. This protects both your Mac and friends' PCs from becoming infected. Bitdefender stops most threats before they download and includes phishing filters and a VPN.

Tech support recommended

Malwarebytes

Tech support's go-to

Malwarebytes is recommended by tech support at Apple, which downloads this program to user's devices when contacted about performance issues. This software searches out malware and other exploiting viruses and blocks websites that are known to distribute malicious content.

Free Mac antivirus

Avast Essential Security for Mac

Free basic protection

Avast's Essential monitors your email messages for any phishing schemes, malicious links or downloads that could lead to a malware attack or identity theft. It also watches your network connection and stops hackers and snoops as they try to sneak in.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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The days of PCs being viewed as virus-ridden boxes of dismay are long gone. But that doesn't mean there aren't lots of terrible people out there creating malicious programs with the intent to steal something or just create havoc.

Some PC makers will preload antivirus software and try to coerce you into signing up for it because that's how they make money. But you shouldn't ever feel pressured, and you likely don't need whatever it is they're shilling.

But do you actually need antivirus software in 2020? Yes ... but ...

It's not only viruses you need to watch out for

The fact that we still refer to this type of software as 'antivirus' is out of date. No longer do we have to be worried only about nasty viruses infecting our computers and wiping out our personal data. Malware is perhaps more common today, with a different tactic to achieve a still-nefarious goal.

The worst part is that the 'best' malware — if you can really even call it that — will quietly sneak onto your PC without you knowing. It'll maybe lie dormant, hidden from view, but all the while, it will also do something you don't want it to.

Whatever the term for it, the threats out there are still very real.

You have protection in Windows 10

Microsoft takes your security and safety in this permanently-online world very seriously, and it built some very important tools into Windows 10 to keep you safe. And, because it's integrated into the OS, it doesn't hog any additional resources. Microsoft also updates it frequently with new data definitions, all the while looking to keep the latest threats at bay.

If, for any reason, something breaks through and you can't get rid of it, there's a beefed-up version called Windows Defender Offline. You can run this while not connected to the internet from a USB drive, and it should find those harder-to-kill viruses.

Windows Defender is still considered in many corners to be little more than a baseline, though. Whatever your own opinion, it's still a useful tool, and there's no reason not to use it. It's also good to use alongside other software.

You can never be too careful

You might think that you're careful when you're online, visiting reputable sites and downloading from official sources like the Windows Store, or iTunes. But here's the thing: You're never truly careful if you're going online completely unprotected.

Would you ride a motorcycle without a helmet? Even if you're careful, there's potential for disaster.

The people coding viruses and malware know exactly how to get it out to the wider world. That's why it still exists.

Something is always better than nothing

Earlier, we asked if you need to use antivirus today. The answer was yes, and no. The no refers to the fact that you don't have to go and find antivirus software anymore. If you're using Windows 10, and everything is up to date, you already have a solid, free tool built in that won't hog your system resources and will keep an eye on things in the background.

And if you're using nothing at all, immediately go enable Windows Defender. (Do it now!)

Sadly, you do still need antivirus software in 2020. It's not necessarily to stop viruses anymore, but there are all kinds of miscreants out there who want nothing more than to steal and cause mayhem by getting inside your PC. It sounds scary, but because much of our lives are now conducted online, the threat is as real as ever.

Which route you take and which software you use is ultimately your decision. But don't think it won't happen to you. That's precisely when it will.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020

The best protection at the best price

Do I Need Antivirus Software For My Mac

This antivirus monitors your computer in real-time to stop malicious files before they have a chance to start downloading.

Avast Premium Security

A step above the rest

This premium antivirus solution is packed with extra security tools for banking, monitoring webcams, and protecting passwords.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Do I Need Antivirus Software For Mac

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Do You Need Virus Software For Mac Windows

The Microsoft Edge Stable channel is getting another big update today. This latest release brings a bunch of collections improvements, better full-screen navigation, and more.