Antivirus

I keep my Mac (2017) up to date, but should I also use an antivirus? I installed 'Clean MY Mac' and run it

monthly, but my Mac is unresponsive or slow to respond at times.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 20, 2023 7:09 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 20, 2023 7:18 AM

Part 1 of 3


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. 


Additionally, in macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 13 Ventura. 


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.


The only Entity that can open and modify or alter this Volume is Apple.


That would occur when a update or UpGrade is performed.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


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


Part 2 of 3


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster. 


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


1 - Disk Cleaner 


This will include CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “ claims another computer



Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.


Part 3 of 3


Specific to CleanMyMac aka “ BrickMyMac “


The steps in #1 below is predicated on the Offending  Application has been Removed as per the Developers Specific Instruction 


# 1 Some Contributors suggest restarting in Recovery Mode and choosing to Reinstall the Operating System over  the existing installation. 


This may or may not replace elements of the Entire Operating System including the Home Folder ( User Account )  and replace any corrupted or removed elements of the Operating System and make thing right.


#2 - Then there are Other Contributors ( like myself ) would suggest  from this link Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.


For Intel computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac followed by How to reinstall macOS


Thereafter to start from scratch and install all Required Application directly from the Apple Apps Store or Directly from the Developer.


If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate things back as this will probably Re-Introduce the existing  issue that existed when the TM Backup was made 

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 20, 2023 7:18 AM in response to GJB119

Part 1 of 3


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. 


Additionally, in macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 13 Ventura. 


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.


The only Entity that can open and modify or alter this Volume is Apple.


That would occur when a update or UpGrade is performed.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


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


Part 2 of 3


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster. 


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


1 - Disk Cleaner 


This will include CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “ claims another computer



Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.


Part 3 of 3


Specific to CleanMyMac aka “ BrickMyMac “


The steps in #1 below is predicated on the Offending  Application has been Removed as per the Developers Specific Instruction 


# 1 Some Contributors suggest restarting in Recovery Mode and choosing to Reinstall the Operating System over  the existing installation. 


This may or may not replace elements of the Entire Operating System including the Home Folder ( User Account )  and replace any corrupted or removed elements of the Operating System and make thing right.


#2 - Then there are Other Contributors ( like myself ) would suggest  from this link Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.


For Intel computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac followed by How to reinstall macOS


Thereafter to start from scratch and install all Required Application directly from the Apple Apps Store or Directly from the Developer.


If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate things back as this will probably Re-Introduce the existing  issue that existed when the TM Backup was made 

Apr 29, 2023 8:20 AM in response to dialabrain

I uninstalled CleanMyMac and my Mac is so much faster to respond. I no longer get 'unresponsive App'. Clean...

took up over 400mg of ram and definitely was the cause of unresponsive apps. My only remorse is my subscription has 5 more months left. But, I bought it on sale, fell for all the hype, now I'm the wiser for it. Cost of doing business.

Thanks P.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Antivirus

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.