What are safe programs to protect my new computer?

I used to use MacKeeper on my old iMac but when I retrieved all of my information over to the new iMac I didn't see that program installed. Does that mean it wasn't retrieved with the other programs? After reading reviews of MacKeeper I no longer wish to use it. So I have signed up with Webroot, I hope that it is acceptable for my Mac.Has anyone experienced problems with it?


iMac 24″, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 18, 2023 10:15 AM

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2 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Sep 19, 2023 5:05 AM in response to Molly5222

You don't need anything other than macOS's built in security.


All helpers, AV, fixers, speed enhancers, optimizers and the like are not going to do anything the Mac can't already do all by itself;f.


Apps that are sold as a means to help your Mac perform better or safer are little more than trouble in the making.


For verification of that, search this community and read for yourself the various warnings and admonitions.

9 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Sep 19, 2023 5:05 AM in response to Molly5222

You don't need anything other than macOS's built in security.


All helpers, AV, fixers, speed enhancers, optimizers and the like are not going to do anything the Mac can't already do all by itself;f.


Apps that are sold as a means to help your Mac perform better or safer are little more than trouble in the making.


For verification of that, search this community and read for yourself the various warnings and admonitions.

Sep 19, 2023 3:32 PM in response to Molly5222

I'm a day late to the party but here's my 2¢ on the issue:


First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


So do not install any of those types of apps and if you have already uninstall them according to the developer's instructions.



What are safe programs to protect my new computer?

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