If you're a proud owner of a Mac system, you must have installed some of the most essential applications for completing day-to-day tasks. These applications include a web browser, email clients, an office suite, image editing software, and much more. But what about installing an antivirus solution for your Mac system? It is one of the most essential applications for any computer system connected to the internet, and your Mac system is no different. Nowadays, different types of worms, trojans, and viruses are lurking on the internet that target almost every platform major including Mac systems.
Before it's too late, one must install a powerful and reliable antivirus application for your Mac computer. Here's a list of over a dozen popular and powerful antivirus solutions for a Mac OS X system.
Feel free to try out the one you think best fits your needs. Remember, almost all of these Antivirus software offers a free version. But I'll recommend a premium version to maximize your system's security.
1. Avast Antivirus
Avast Antivirus: This is one of the most popular antivirus systems available for different platforms including a Mac. It's free and installs in seconds.
It has a nice interface and includes a good number of custom settings to adjust the virus-scanning engine as per your requirements. You can also block specific sites very easily on your Mac through this robust antivirus software. You can also enable or disable automatic virus database updating.
2. ClamXAV
ClamXAV: This is yet another popular and free antivirus system for the Mac platform. It supports both active and passive scanning that may govern your protection policy.
You can also schedule different types of scans at different intervals for enhanced protection. Power users can also use regular expressions while configuring custom scanning for targeted searches. It has a simple interface which is ideal both for experts as well as for beginners.
3. MacKeeper
MacKeeper: This is a comprehensive security suite with lots of utilities in a single package for Mac systems.
It not only contains an antivirus solution but also includes a system cleaning utility, internet security module, file management system, encryption and secure deletion utilities, and much more. It also has an optimization module that keeps your Mac system running fast without any glitches. It has a soothing interface for each module for easy management of different utilities.
4. Intego VirusBarrier
Intego VirusBarrier: This is an all-in-one security solution for Mac systems. Apart from the regular antivirus engine, it also includes an advanced firewall, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing modules for complete protection from web-based threats.
It has a gorgeous interface with a lot of customization options. You can backup your vital data on the local hard disk through this security solution. Its powerful firewall is capable of filtering traffic data based on custom rules specified by you.
5. Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus: This powerful antivirus solution is a must-have application for professional users. It not only protects your Mac system from regular threats but also keeps your data safe on various web-based services from Apple like iTunes and iCloud.
It also incorporates a powerful spyware engine that safeguards your system from identity thefts and various kinds of phishing attempts. This antivirus system has an excellent user interface with helpful wizards to configure various types of settings.
6. McAfee antivirus
McAfee antivirus: This solution is ideal for Mac systems deployed in a distributed environment along with PCs and Unix servers.
It has a powerful custom policy creation module that is ideal for creating advanced scanning schedules in a network environment. Its integrated internet security module prevents various kinds of hacking attempts from anonymous sources. This solution is best for small businesses and freelancers who are looking for a robust and powerful security system.
7. ESET Cyber Security
ESET Cyber Security: I've used ESET security solutions for my Windows machine for a long time. Its Mac variant is equally powerful and is fully capable of blocking even the most sophisticated virus attacks.
It has a fast virus scanning-engine that can traverse and disinfect tons of data in no time. It also supports scanning of different types of external media and storage devices attached to your Mac system.
8. Dr.Web Desktop Security Suite
Dr.Web Desktop Security Suite: This handy antivirus solution is packed with useful features to keep your Mac system safe from common virus threats.
It has an intuitive interface consisting of several options to configure custom scans for drives and removable media. This powerful virus engine can also scan the network and logical drives very easily. You can also password-protect all your custom settings to prevent any inadvertent change from an intruder.
9. Bitdefender
Bitdefender: I found its virus-scanning engine extremely fast and effective. Its interface is one of the best among all other solutions and even a layman can create custom-scheduled scans very easily.
It also prevents identity theft while you shop online with your credit card. It's lightweight and doesn't make your system sluggish even while a deep scan for a large amount of data is going on. It destroys both Mac and Windows viruses at the same time while scanning every file.
10. Comodo Antivirus
Comodo Antivirus: This antivirus system is ideal for Mac laptops as well as for desktops running OS X. It has a powerful virus scanning module that continuously monitors your files and directories for various kinds of online and offline threats.
You can program different kinds of custom scans to keep your system safe and secure. You can also scan single or multiple files on your desktop quickly by dragging them to the CAV icon.
11. F‑Secure Total
F‑Secure Total: This unique antivirus solution has a panic button to completely freeze your internet traffic with a click of a button.
It has a pleasing interface and includes all the features of a modern antivirus system, viz., automated updates, scan scheduling, and configurable custom actions for different conditions. This solution is also fast and is light on system resources. It has several modules to monitor different parts of your Mac system simultaneously.