The first thing that might come to mind is why do I need antivirus software for my Mac? I thought Macs cannot get infected by computer viruses? Unfortunately, Macs are prone to viruses and Trojans and the threat is increasing. This is because Macs are rapidly gaining more market share and are garnering more and more interest by hackers. Specifically, for passwords stealing Trojans because Mac users tend to have a higher affluence level. Mac users need to understand that they are vulnerable or a future virus could rain havoc on Mac users because the nomenclature “Macs can’t be susceptible,”exposed here, is false.
Thankfully, the antivirus industry has responded with some antivirus alternatives. Unfortunately, there are only a few free options.
1) Kaspersky Antivirus for Mac - The just released software scans a Mac for Mac OSX and Windows viruses. The goal of the software is to prevent a Mac from spreading PC viruses onto other computers within a home network. The logic is that about 90% of Mac users also own a PC. We like how the software uses only a maximum of 1% CPU power with real time protection enabled.
You can download Kaspersky here.
2) Trend Micro Online Scan – If you go to the Australian and New Zealand Trend Micro site, it states in the requirements that the scan supports Mac OS X. The online scanner has undergown several rereleases so the Mac support is not guarranteed. I have looked through a few blogs to try to find this out. Apparently, the support is available to users outside the United States Try this link out here.
3) ClamXav - We have reviewed this antivirus software before here. The antivirus software is a free nonprofit and open source program. However, we advise you to be cautious about ClamXav only because there isn’t a large antivirus company backing the software. The software doesn't have a full time staff to find the latest viruses. You can download the ClamXav free antivirus here.
4) PC Tools iantivirus - This antivirus is new from PC tools. The company makes a wide variety of other antispyware and antivirus software. This software is highly recommended by us for Mac usage. Download the software here.
5) MacScan Antivirus - This company has a particular advantage because they only focus on Mac viruses and spyware. I like the cookie blocker that blocks about 9000 bad tracking cookies. Download MacScan here.
6) Mcafee Virex Antivirus - Mcafee is another trusted name in the mac antivirus business. The Mcafee Virex software can deployed easily over mac networks. Unfortunately, I haven't always had luck with Mcafee products. Read more here.
In conclusion, its important for a Mac computer to have antivirus installed. Hopefully, these security options will keep Macs and Windows PC's alike safe.