rswillcox

Q: What extra security programmes does my MacBook Air need?

I just wonder how necessary it is to add a security package such as Intego or Bitdefender or AVG to protect my MacBook Air. And if I need to add one, what are the best value for money?

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Apr 6, 2016 11:48 AM

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Q: What extra security programmes does my MacBook Air need?

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  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Apr 6, 2016 11:51 AM in response to rswillcox
    Level 9 (55,465 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 6, 2016 11:51 AM in response to rswillcox

    None. You will get 0 value for your money, no matter which one you choose. They will all do more harm than good. There are no true viruses in the wild that can affect OS X. There is 'malware' out there, but common sense will protect you from those.

  • by Ho Lee MACkeral,

    Ho Lee MACkeral Ho Lee MACkeral Apr 6, 2016 11:52 AM in response to rswillcox
    Level 4 (2,311 points)
    Apr 6, 2016 11:52 AM in response to rswillcox

    I have never installed an anti-virus. However, my sister installed a bogus Flash update and all her browsers were hijacked.

     

    I explained to never install anything unless you go to the actual site. Adobe in her case.

     

    I managed to clean out her system using AdwareMedic which is now MalwareBytes.

     

    I also had her use Chrome exclusively since it has Flash built-in.

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Apr 6, 2016 11:57 AM in response to rswillcox
    Level 10 (141,085 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 6, 2016 11:57 AM in response to rswillcox

    As KiltedTim has already told you there are no security apps that you need.  Do not ever run any "cleaning" or "optimizing" apps on your Mac either.  Be sure to set the System/Security & Privacy settings to be "Mac App Store and identified developers" or just the Mac App Store.

     

    System Preferences002.jpg

    In Safari's General preference pane do not check this checkbox:

    Safari Technology Preview001.jpg

    OTsig.png