Virus/Malware program recommendations? [MERGED]

[Tanax]

So, I mostly believe Mac's don't need AV. However, I will soon start a new extra job that would require me to download free indie games for reviewing. I definitely want to scan those files before I install them as they're not verified nor trusted developers.

What would be the best Mac AV for me? I basically don't need any real time monitoring, firewall, VPN, performance enhancing bloat - I just want to be able to scan certain files, or folders, for threats on a need-to-need basis?

 

[krakenrelease]

I use Avira free version and I like it.

 

[MarineBand5524]

Other - I use Trend Micro Antivirus One for 19.99 a year as well as their Cleaner One Pro they have a bundle for 29.99 a year. Their Cleaner One does an amazing job of deep uninstalling programs.

 

[DiamondMac]

Big bitdefender user. I can use my sub for my windows and apple machines and have never had issues with it while it has cause some crap that I didn’t know was malware

 

[bogdanw]

Objective-See's Blog - The Mac Malware of 2025
https://objective-see.org/blog/blog_0x84.html
"Looking back at 2025, one thing is clear: macOS malware continues to mature, diversify, and evolve. Stealers remain the dominant threat class, but they are no longer simplistic smash-and-grab tools.
...
A recurring theme throughout the year was stealth. We repeatedly saw payloads executed directly in memory, dynamic loading of malicious code, and increasing abuse of dylibs as a delivery and persistence mechanism.
...
Taken together, the malware observed in 2025 reinforces a familiar reality: macOS is no longer a niche target. As adoption continues to rise, so too does attacker interest, sophistication, and scale."

 

[sparkie7]

Taken together, the malware observed in 2025 reinforces a familiar reality: macOS is no longer a niche target. As adoption continues to rise, so too does attacker interest, sophistication, and scale."

So what is the best / leading application or software to protect Macs & macOS?

And what about iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, do these need protection as well, and what are the best options for these?

 

[johannnn]

So what is the best / leading application or software to protect Macs & macOS?

I highly recommend the tools by the same guy that wrote the blog post you quoted (https://objective-see.org/tools.html)

I use BlockBlock and RansomWhere. They provide distinct layers of protection and monitor different types of behavior on your system.

BlockBlock focuses on the installation phase of malware. Most malware seeks "persistence" to ensure it automatically restarts after a reboot.

RansomWhere focuses on the action phase, specifically targeting ransomware. It continually monitors the file system for suspicious processes that are creating encrypted files

 

[Mike Boreham]

I highly recommend the tools by the same guy that wrote the blog post you quoted (https://objective-see.org/tools.html)

I use BlockBlock and RansomWhere. They provide distinct layers of protection and monitor different types of behavior on your system.

BlockBlock focuses on the installation phase of malware. Most malware seeks "persistence" to ensure it automatically restarts after a reboot.

RansomWhere focuses on the action phase, specifically targeting ransomware. It continually monitors the file system for suspicious processes that are creating encrypted files

Another vote for Objective-see. I use Lulu, KnockKnock and Blockblock. I also have Malwarebytes free and do a manual scan every day or two.

 

[sparkie7]

I highly recommend the tools by the same guy that wrote the blog post you quoted (https://objective-see.org/tools.html)

I use BlockBlock and RansomWhere. They provide distinct layers of protection and monitor different types of behavior on your system.

BlockBlock focuses on the installation phase of malware. Most malware seeks "persistence" to ensure it automatically restarts after a reboot.

RansomWhere focuses on the action phase, specifically targeting ransomware. It continually monitors the file system for suspicious processes that are creating encrypted files

Thanks. Will check them out. Do they cost?

 

[sparkie7]

Another vote for Objective-see. I use Lulu, KnockKnock and Blockblock. I also have Malwarebytes free and do a manual scan every day or two.

Are these for Mac only, or some for iOS devices?

 

[bogdanw]

Are these for Mac only, or some for iOS devices?

Mac only, turn on Lockdown Mode on iOS
https://support.apple.com/105120
https://support.apple.com/guide/security/lockdown-mode-security-sec2437264f0/web

 

[johannnn]

Do they cost?

None of his apps cost money.

And just fyi, that developer is HIGHLY respected.