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I just bought a new macbook air not too long ago. I'm first time to macbook although have been using IPhone 4 for years. Would like to know, should I install any anti virus on my macbook air? How to do a scan on my computer ?
Invisible, unaccessible to you, and updated monthly, macOS Sierra incorporates what Apple refers to as XProtect, which is a monthly updated list of malware that it checks against. This is discussed in more detail below. Additional to XProtect, I also interactively use Malwarebytes (just in case).
Still in macOS Sierra, though the System Preferences panel appearance has changed
There are no viruses attacking OS X/macOS, and running any anti-virus tool is both a waste of money, and has been proven in multiple community posts to adversely effect the built-in security facilities within macOS, and the normal behavior of the operating system. So do not purchase, or install any anti-virus tool on you Mac, regardless of the vendor scare tactics to do so.
That said, there is a growing number of non-virus, malware that can invade your Mac from the wrong click of a web site button, download aggregation sites, and other sources that can impact the normal operation of your Mac too. I avoid these sources of malware, but still personally use the free Malwarebytes tool to check for them. If any are found, it will offer to remove them. Currently, Malwarebytes does not remain resident, and continuously check for malware, though it will offer that in a future update.
OS X has SIP (System Integrity Protection). It does a good job of keeping you safe but it will not perform a scan of your system.
About System Integrity Protection on your Mac - Apple Support
If you want to do a scan for malware use Malwarebytes.
Keep you device up-to-date for OS and securities patches from Apple. This and responsible browsing habits (e.g. avoid sites that offer free content that was not intended to be free from the people who actually own them)
Make sure you have your gatekeeper set correctly and do not download applications just because your were prompted to on any site, whether it's a unknown site or one you frequent.
Anatomy of OS X's Gatekeeper and Phony (and legitimate) Installers
Dismiss pop-ups where "mac support" informs you a virus or trojan was detected and then recommend you call them when they lock up your browser
force quit
Force quit a frozen app - Apple Support
and reset safari (relaunch it while holding down SHIFT) if you used it and it becomes unresponsive or continues to alert you of this ad generated con game.
for futher info on Safai behavior see this
If Safari doesn't load a page or webpage items are missing - Apple Support
for other browsers consult their webpage.
These are your first lines of defense. Any checking is secondary and not a routine.
If you need to check your system for adware, malware or general slowness I suggest etrecheck which can find and remove these infections and will also give you a system report that can be posted on these forums for analysis by volunteers here to assist you futher if you need it. The software is developed by a frequent contributor here.
The link is http://www.etrecheck.com.
Many thanks for your comment and advice, Viking. Very clear and useful for 1st time MacBook user like me. Just wonder, does MacBook has any built in programme/software/app that allow user to scan the device for safety reason? Or, to have a free Malwarebytes is good enough for security checking?
+1 Agree with everything Viking has stated. Do not install AV programs on Mac OS X.
Virus protection on MacBook Air
