davidfromtokyo1000 wrote:
Btw, can you recommend a cleaning app for MB air? I would like to check my machine.
I recommend none. macOS does fine by itself, including built-in cleaning and built-in anti-malware scanning and defenses, and iCloud+ with Private Relay enabled does well for privacy and security.
If things get really gnarly, the re-install from backups is fast and effective. If an add-on cleaner app corrupts the system for instance—that’s getting more difficult, as macOS is better protecting itself—a restoration can be the most expedient path to recovery, too.
In general… Some of the better-known add-on apps have had… issues.
Add-on cleaner apps have sometimes also had... issues, too.
Outside of add-on end-point security in cases where that’s required, add-ons are too often added problems for few or no added benefits, or added overhead, or both.
The built-in anti-malware has already blocked cases where add-on anti-malware was trying to delete parts of macOS, and there’s been one add-on security package reporting a spurious error for months.
Don’t bypass Gatekeeper, don’t download cracked apps, don’t install something you didn’t go looking for, use unique and robust passwords, enable two-factor, etc.
Some general info: Apple Platform Security - Apple Support
TL;DR: spend your money on an HDD or two for backups, not on add-on cleaning or security or VPN or other such apps.
