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hewastl286

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 18, 2019
131
50
Hello!
I'm new to mac.. before i got a mac, i used most of the time windows... so here is my question: should i install an anti malware program (like Kaspersky or something)?
Thanks!
 
I'm new to mac.. before i got a mac, i used most of the time windows... so here is my question: should i install an anti malware program (like Kaspersky or something)?

I wouldn't bother with it personally no. Not unless you have a habit of downloading shady programs and running them with sudo privileges, like actively disabling security mechanisms already in place and open up your SSH port to the internet. And if that's the case, anti-malware can't save you anyway :p
 
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I have ESET for Mac loaded on all my Macs but there have been no infections of any kind - compared to my Windows workstation which gets hit a lot for little use; the Macs sees almost none...
 
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Hello!
I'm new to mac.. before i got a mac, i used most of the time windows... so here is my question: should i install an anti malware program (like Kaspersky or something)?
Thanks!
You don't have to install any anti-malware software on a Mac.
Nevertheless, if you feel safer, free version of Malwarebytes for Mac is more than enough.
(There are tons of threads in MR dealing with this question).
 
ok thank you...
i mostly use the mac for browsing the internet and do some technical drawings in autocad...
 
Thank you.
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You don't have to install any anti-malware software on a Mac.
Nevertheless, if you feel safer, free version of Malwarebytes for Mac is more than enough.
(There are tons of threads in MR dealing with this question).

So there is basicly no need for an antivirus for me?
 
Thank you.
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So there is basicly no need for an antivirus for me?
That pretty much sums it up. I've been using Apple products since 2012 and have never used any type of anti-malware.. and I've never had any problems with malware.
 
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The FREE version of MalwareBytes is "all you need".
And yes, that IS a necessary piece of software to use -- because even though there has never been a single Mac "virus" discovered "in the wild", there IS Mac "malware", "adware", and "crapware" out there.

Monday, I was visiting a friend, and we updated the software on his 2019 iMac.
Just for the heck of it, I decided to run the latest version of MalwareBytes.
Guess what? It found "Genieo" (sp?) on it and got rid of it.

Again, the FREE version of MalwareBytes is all you need.
 
The FREE version of MalwareBytes is "all you need".
And yes, that IS a necessary piece of software to use -- because even though there has never been a single Mac "virus" discovered "in the wild", there IS Mac "malware", "adware", and "crapware" out there.

Monday, I was visiting a friend, and we updated the software on his 2019 iMac.
Just for the heck of it, I decided to run the latest version of MalwareBytes.
Guess what? It found "Genieo" (sp?) on it and got rid of it.

Again, the FREE version of MalwareBytes is all you need.

ok thank you.. should i download the MalwareBytes or is it also in the appstore of the mac?
 
Right here. Free trial link/download is less than obvious at the bottom of the page.

It will nag a bit to buy...ignore it. Update and run manually whenever you suspect an issue. Kind of an insurance policy, but most users won't need it.

I can add that my wife's work Mac has had a few adware/malware infections over the last couple years...but she works in web advertising, and has had to test a huge amount of links, so nothing like a typical user.

Even so, this free version has been enough to keep her machine happy.
 
Right here. Free trial link/download is less than obvious at the bottom of the page.

It will nag a bit to buy...ignore it. Update and run manually whenever you suspect an issue. Kind of an insurance policy, but most users won't need it.

I can add that my wife's work Mac has had a few adware/malware infections over the last couple years...but she works in web advertising, and has had to test a huge amount of links, so nothing like a typical user.

Even so, this free version has been enough to keep her machine happy.

so the 14 day trail will not end after 14 days?
 
Thank you.
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So there is basicly no need for an antivirus for me?
It still wont hurt you if you install Malwarebytes. Check Objective-See apps also. Remember not all apps in App Store are safe. :)
 
so the 14 day trail will not end after 14 days?
You don't even need that, don't bother with it. I know, it's confusing.. New users are told they don't need to use anti-malware apps and then they are told to download an anti-malware app. Some folks simply can't make up their mind. You don't need anti-malware. Just practice safe computing habits and you should be fine.
 
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OP wrote:
"so the 14 day trail will not end after 14 days?"

YOU HAVE THIS WRONG.

When you first set up Malwarebytes, it offers a "free" version (for the home), and various "paid" scenarios.

Just choose "free" and ignore the rest.

You DO NOT WANT ANY "SUBSCRIPTION" AT ALL.
 
so the 14 day trail will not end after 14 days?

Correct. Confusing...by design. They want folks to buy. Understandable.

As of the last time I checked...after 14 days the paid/premium features expire, which is primarily active or scheduled automatic scans, and auto-updates.

But the app still works: Simply click the update button and scan manually when needed.

All this assumes you have some need, and actually have some symptoms or problems. As others have said, the vast majority of Mac users have no 3rd party security software installed, and have no issues or need.
 
so the 14 day trail will not end after 14 days?
Basically if you stay with the free version and not upgrade to paid version after 14 days what you will get is a passive malware detection. Meaning you will have to manually scan you system to detect any malware. With paid service it will be an active malware detection system. It will automatically scan and update itself. Staying on free version is good enough just scan your system once in a week or every few days.

If you are serious about security your system consider also Objective-See apps. It has good tools for securing your system and its all for free.

 
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Basically if you stay with the free version and not upgrade to paid version after 14 days what you will get is a passive malware detection. Meaning you will have to manually scan you system to detect any malware. With paid service it will be an active malware detection system. It will automatically scan and update itself. Staying on free version is good enough just scan your system once in a week or every few days.

If you are serious about security your system consider also Objective-See apps. It has good tools for securing your system and its all for free.



Thanks for the info about Obective-See. Looks interesting.
 
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