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is an antivirus software needed on a Macbook pro with Monterey?

Hey.

MacBooks are supposed to be really secure, as far as I know but I want to be sure.

i am running Monterey and want to ask some specialists if it is necessary with an antivirus or will the Monterey firewall be enough?


Posted on Nov 20, 2021 6:32 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 20, 2021 6:42 AM

AntiVirus Software should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS.


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Should “ Certain & Specific Software “ referenced from above be installed - it will negatively impact macOS. It is suggested, to download directly from a respected ASC Contributor, the application Malwarebytes for Mac


It is free or paid for added features. 


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor receive compensation from the Developer.


Run the Application and it should remove the malware / adware. Once done, restart computer and test.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 20, 2021 6:42 AM in response to JK213

AntiVirus Software should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS.


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Should “ Certain & Specific Software “ referenced from above be installed - it will negatively impact macOS. It is suggested, to download directly from a respected ASC Contributor, the application Malwarebytes for Mac


It is free or paid for added features. 


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor receive compensation from the Developer.


Run the Application and it should remove the malware / adware. Once done, restart computer and test.

Nov 20, 2021 6:58 AM in response to JK213

Hi JK213,


As the others have noted, the OS built-in security mechanisms are more than enough. That said, not there is a difference between a firewall and AV software (I suspect you know; but for those who read this and do not) and that AV software attempt to hook deeply into the OS they are installed in (necessarily to provide the scanning they do); but as part of that hook-in, they also become a vector for deep intrusion of malicious code (be it trojan apps, viruses, etc.) to get into your OS (of choice).


The old trope that Macs are not susceptible to such malicious code is neither accurate or true; but Macs due to the OS design are less likely to be a target and also, less susceptible overall.


The greater question is why are you thinking of installing AV software, it does have a place on some users systems, but that it is generally not advisable on most peoples machines; but overall, the historical reason for install was more (and still is) accurately directed at Windows based computers.


The old mantra of:


  1. If you didn't request it (app download/link/email) don't open it and just trash it.
  2. Did it come from a known trusted source? If it did, see #1 and think before opening/installing it.


Cheers,


Anthony

Nov 21, 2021 4:21 PM in response to PRP_53

Okay so i am thinking you're agreeing with Niel concerning the built in security being enough.

All though Malwarebytes is your top recommendation?

It is just hard for me to determine at this point because there's specialists online saying the opposite and specialists saying the same as you ''The built in security is enough''.

I am a bit on the same page as you regarding apples built in security and apps.

I really don't want to install anything that concerns the system itself, not even browser nor antivirus.

Thank you for your answer.

is an antivirus software needed on a Macbook pro with Monterey?

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