

Yes, these samples can’t affect a computer running macOS, but they could conceivably escape to Windows machines on the network. This lab, too, included a test using malware aimed at Windows. In the macOS malware test by AV-Comparatives, every tested product scored a perfect 100 percent. Most also earned the top score in a test using Windows malware (this test didn’t affect certification). Most achieved the top score, over 99 percent, though a couple rated only over 95 percent. Another test challenges the antivirus tools with lower-risk PUAs, or potentially unwanted applications. Of the products in this roundup, scores range from 98.4 percent to 100 percent. Naturally, the first test involves detecting and eliminating macOS malware. The researchers at AV-Test Institute report on four different tests whose results feed into product certification. Two large labs include macOS antivirus products in their testing, and every one of the products in this roundup received certification from at least one of them. But actual test results performed by an independent lab give you more reliable information. User reviews can be helpful, as long as you discard the very best and very worst of them. When you go to select a new washer, refrigerator, or other appliance, chances are good you research it first. At the high end, you pay per year for a three-license subscription to Intego Mac Internet Security X9. But Avira Free Antivirus for Mac and Sophos Home (for Mac) are totally free for personal use. Like it or not, in this dangerous world you need antivirus protection on your Macs-not just on your Windows boxes.Īs with Windows antivirus tools, the most common price is just under per year for a single license. There are even some types of attack-phishing in particular- that are completely OS-independent. More computers use Windows than macOS, but there’s no reason for these malware entrepreneurs to ignore the macOS market. Ransomware goes for the jugular give us your money or your files are toast. Bot herders rent out their victims to spammers.
Have you ever thought about why the people who write viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software do it? The answer is simple-for money.

