The reason is simple: your Mac already comes with an antivirus out-of-the box, called XProtect. It works exactly like third-party antivirus scanners, by looking for “signatures” of known malware. When XProtect detects known malware, it blocks it, moves it to the Trash and alerts the user.
Your Mac also comes with Gatekeeper, which ensures that all apps you downloaded from the Internet have been checked (“Notarized”) by Apple for known malicious code — before you run them the first time.
In other words, Apple provides two levels of protection: first Gatekeeper checks if the app you are trying to run is on a list of approved (“Notarized”) apps. If it is not, and you still decide to run it, XProtect scans the app against a list of known malware.
A third-party antivirus does more or less the same, so there is little benefit to offset the cost and slower performance. Instead, use common sense, keep your macOS (and hence, the built-in antivirus XProtect) updated to the most recent version and check that Gatekeeper is enabled.
But what if?
If you feel that the default anti-malware protection in macOS is not enough for you, for example, you fear you are in risk of a targeted 0-day attack, we recommend the following:
- Convert your macOS account from Admin to Standard user, to limit how much damage malware can actually do.
- First, use KnockKnock to inspect your Mac for persistently installed software. “Malware often installs itself persistently, to ensure it is automatically (re)executed each time a computer is restarted. KnockKnock uncovers persistently installed software in order to generically reveal such malware.” (this is direct quote from website, rewrite it). There will be a lot of false positives, not everything KnockKnock finds is really malware.
- Then, use BlockBlock to proactively monitor if any new persistent component is added.
Both of these are free and open-source, created by the Objective-See Foundation, a non-profit creating simple, yet effective macOS security tools. Their tools are much preferred to commercial anti-virus offerings that eat up system resources and always try to upsell you something.
If you still prefer a commercial offering, we suggest a macOS specific antivirus vendor, such as CleanMyMac, ClamXAV or MalwareBytes. But again, if you keep your macOS and your applications up-to-date, you don’t need an antivirus.
Finally, there’s always the nuclear option: turning on Lockdown Mode.
How Apple Protects Macs from Viruses
Apple integrates multiple security features into macOS to protect against viruses and malware. These built-in tools work automatically to safeguard your system. Here is an overview of these protections.
XProtect
XProtect is Apple’s built-in antivirus system. It runs in the background, scanning applications for known malware when they launch, update, or when Apple issues new security definitions. Apple updates XProtect regularly to block emerging threats.
Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper ensures only trusted apps run on your Mac. When you download software from outside the App Store, Gatekeeper checks if the app comes from a verified developer and is notarized by Apple. This prevents unauthorized or malicious programs from running.
You can modify Gatekeeper settings in System Settings > Privacy & Security to control which apps your Mac allows.
System Integrity Protection (SIP)
SIP prevents unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Even users with administrative privileges cannot change protected areas of macOS. Keeping SIP enabled helps maintain system security.
Sandboxing
Sandboxing isolates apps in a restricted environment, limiting their access to system resources. This prevents compromised apps from affecting your Mac or accessing personal data.
Apps from the Mac App Store must follow sandboxing rules. Choosing sandboxed apps enhances security.
Safari Security Features
Safari includes protections to improve online safety.
- Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) blocks cross-site tracking to protect your browsing privacy.
- Private Browsing mode prevents Safari from saving your history, search data, and form inputs.
- Privacy Report shows which trackers Safari has blocked.
- Passkeys replace traditional passwords with secure cryptographic keys, reducing phishing risks.
Mail Security
macOS Mail includes several privacy and security tools.
- Mail Privacy Protection hides your IP address and prevents senders from tracking email opens.
- Email Encryption (S/MIME) ensures only the intended recipient can read your emails. To use this feature, install a personal security certificate.
- Hide My Email creates random email addresses for sign-ups, keeping your primary email private.
Lockdown Mode
Lockdown Mode provides extra protection against advanced cyber threats. When enabled, it restricts certain features to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Messages: Blocks most attachments except images. Disables link previews.
- Web Browsing: Limits complex web features, which may affect site performance.
- FaceTime: Blocks calls from unknown contacts.
- Photos: Disables shared albums and prevents new shared album invitations.
- Device Connections: Restricts wired connections when your Mac is locked.
To activate Lockdown Mode, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click Turn On. This mode is for users who believe they may be targeted by sophisticated attacks.
By using these security features, macOS provides strong protection against viruses and online threats.
Types of Malware Threatening Macs
Macs have strong security, but they can still be infected with malware. These threats slow down performance, invade privacy, and steal data. Knowing how they work helps reduce risk.
Adware: Disruptive Pop-Ups and Tracking
Adware shows unwanted ads, changes browser settings, and tracks online activity. It makes browsing slower and collects personal data without permission.
Ransomware: Blocking Access for Payment
Ransomware locks files or restricts system access, demanding money to restore control. It is rare on Macs but can cause serious data loss and financial damage.
Spyware: Silent Data Collection
Spyware runs in the background, logging keystrokes and tracking browsing habits. Hackers use it to steal personal information, leading to fraud and unauthorized access.
Phishing: Tricking Users into Sharing Data
Phishing scams trick users into revealing passwords, installing malware, or providing sensitive data. Attackers use fake emails, websites, or messages to deceive victims.
How to keep your Mac safe from malware
Here are some general recommendations for keeping your Mac safe.
Keep macOS up-to-date
Apple regularly releases macOS updates with security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Hackers exploit outdated systems, so keeping your Mac updated is crucial.
To check for updates, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Enable Automatic Updates to ensure your Mac stays protected.
Keep all your apps up-to-date
Third-party apps can have security flaws that malware exploits. Developers release updates to fix these issues, so keeping your apps up to date reduces risk.
To enable automatic updates:
- Open the App Store > Settings > Automatic Updates.
- For non-App Store apps, enable it individually in the app settings (for example, Firefox has it under Settings > General > Firefox Updates).
Make sure you enable all Mac security features
While macOS offers robust built-in security features, managing and regularly verifying these settings can be annoying. To ensure your Mac remains secure without the hassle of manual checks, consider using our free macOS app, Pareto Security.
Why use the Pareto Security app for macOS?
- Free and Open Source: Pareto Security is a free app, and its open-source nature ensures transparency and trustworthiness. This is extremely important as anyone can see the code it runs, so there are no surprises.
- Automated Security Checks: The app runs in the background, continuously monitoring your Mac’s security settings. It verifies configurations such as FileVault encryption, Firewall activation, Gatekeeper status, and more, ensuring they’re properly set without requiring your constant attention.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for all users, Pareto Security provides clear insights into your Mac’s security configurations, flagging areas that need attention and with clear instructions on how to fix them.
With Pareto Security, you can maintain proper security effortlessly, allowing you to focus on your work with peace of mind.
