Bitdefender Gravity Zone Elite

In running a first-ever Time Machine backup, BD interfered with that someway so it took 15 minutes to copy 1GB. After removing, it worked normally.

That’s not surprising. I’ve been forced to use antivirus on my Mac at work too. We used an even bigger AV product than BitDefender. Ever time I connected my Time Machine drive, it would try to scan the whole thing for malware - twice! Then it stopped working entirely when I updated my operating system. Funny how the companies that are supposed to protect people against “zero-day” malware fail to notice a new operating system version even with Apple-scale hype and a six-month head-start.

Perhaps your IT folks are unaware that macOS includes multiple layers of malware protection built into the operating system. Apple’s built-in protection doesn’t help with most adware, which is quite widespread, but it is effective against malware.

If this is a work requirement, then you can’t refuse.

BitDefender is one of the better Mac antivirus products. Of course, the bar is pretty low there. It is a legitimate product and not a scam. They almost always sign their software. In Mac the antivirus world, that’s pretty good.

I would have to agree that keeping an updated resume is something that has no downside to it. Requiring antivirus software is not an unreasonable request. Adware is quite common. It would be embarrassing to refuse the antivirus and then wind up with adware. But on the other hand, if the antivirus causes problems, your IT support is not going to be able to help.

I would not install it no matter what any PC techs might say.

What do PC techs know about Mac anyway?

FWIW, I think it's ridiculous to suggest someone look for a different job because a company has a wrong-headed policy about computer security. Would you start looking for a new job if they insisted you wear a white shirt and tie? I hope not.

If it is the company policy then that it what it is.

I have done that and it proved to be to my advantage. The new job was far better. It is nice to not have to work for idiots.

Well I'm sure it works that way with every employer and employee.

+1

Is this a request or an absolute rule with possible implications to employment?

If it is a request, I would tell them to shove off and refuse to do it.

If it is a matter of employment, I would start working on my resume with the idea of finding employment elsewhere.