Avg Antivirus Test Mac Security Needs

Usually this is to cover the licensing of the packages, but some can also be used to initiate malware scans and device updates and manage parental control capabilities.

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Whilst it is certainly true that the population of macOS malware is very tiny compared to that for Windows and Android, there have been instances of macOS malware getting into the wild.

Avg Antivirus Test Mac Security Needs

Moreover, Apple Mac security needs to be considered in the wider context of other types of attacks.

Firstly, there is Gatekeeper, which warns when apps without a digital signature are run.

Then there is XProtect, which checks files against known-malware signatures.

Gatekeeper and MRT are essentially invisible to users and have no direct user interface for the user.

System updates are installed automatically using the update process.

The effectiveness of Apples built-in anti-malware features have been questioned, however, and some security experts recommend strengthening the defences by adding in a third-party antivirus package.

Firstly, the approach taken by Apple might be adequate for well-established malware, but might not respond quickly enough to emerging threats.

Secondly, you might want a broader base of malware evaluation.

This year, researchers at AV-Comparatives found a security-related flaw in Apples operating system.

Hence an AV program on your macOS computer could effectively handle Windows and Android malware too.

Of course, there is no method by which Windows or Android malware could directly infect a macOS device.

However, there are scenarios where you might well benefit from scanning for such threats.

For example, if you are given a USB stick of photos by one friend, who asks you to make a copy for a second friend.

There is Windows malware on the USB stick, and you make a copy of all the files.

In this scenario, it is useful to be able to ensure that malware is not inadvertently passed on from one friend to another, even if your own machine is not at risk.

For example, browser extensions can identify web sites which are potentially phishing locations.

Windows, as phishing sites function by deceiving the user rather than by altering the operating system or browser.

It might be for a single computer, or for a laptop and desktop.

There might be a mixture of macOS laptops and desktops, but also other devices too like Windows desktops and laptops, along with iOS and Android phones and tablets.

For this environment, a broader and more flexible licensing package might well be appropriate.

It could also give you the flexibility to transfer licensing from one device to a new item, e.g.

Windows laptop with a new MacBook.

Avg Antivirus For Mac Test