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AV on Mac or not?

What about installing AV on MacBook air? We were told at store not to but this seems crazy.

Posted on Sep 2, 2019 6:58 PM

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Posted on Sep 3, 2019 4:10 AM

Apple has this handled in the operating system via built-in security. For adware/malware, many of us recommend the free Malwarebytes for Mac, or even EtreCheck for a detailed view of your Mac, including ad/malware detection and removal.

5 replies

Sep 2, 2019 7:10 PM in response to DaveKC!

AV software serves virtually no purpose on a Mac.

There are no viruses in the wild that can affect macOS. Just keep it up to date and use common sense on the Internet.

Don't install software from untrusted publishers. Don't fall for scams trying to get you to download cleaning apps, AV apps, or updates to things like Adobe Flash.


Adware and trojans are a real thing, but AV software won't protect you from those. They rely on social engineering to install.

Sep 3, 2019 3:54 AM in response to DaveKC!

OK. Non-trick question then. Which AV product would you choose? Do you want one that constantly scans your machine for harmless windows viruses? Do you want one that will corrupt your e-mail? Do you want the scam ware app that will alert you to system install files for apps that you’ve already removed? Do you want the fake AV app that harvests and uploads your personal information to servers in China? Do you want to AV app written by people who also write adware? Do you want the AV app that will be thwarted when the adware developers rename their files?

AV on Mac or not?

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