For individual users who want a best free antivirus software for Mac in 2021, this is for them. It is free software, however, some Premium features will get expired after 30 days trial. However, the free version is quite impressive and offers features such as parental web filtering, web protection from known malicious sites, remote management. Best antivirus software for 2021. Norton Antivirus – Best feature-rich option. Bitdefender Antivirus – All-round antivirus protection. McAfee Total protection – Best for multiple devices. Avira Antivirus – Best free plan on the market. TotalAV Antivirus – Essential free antivirus package. 1.磊 Avira Free Antivirus for Mac — Best for Overall macOS Protection in 2021. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac is my favorite free antivirus for Mac — it provides lightweight cloud-based malware scanning as well as more free features than any other brand on this list, including real-time protection, intuitive system tuneup tools, a surprisingly good password manager, and even a VPN!
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When we spend most of our days in front of a computer or mobile device, it shouldn’t be a surprise that even the most experienced users may fall victim to computer viruses, hackers, or data breaches.
To help you protect your computer, tablet, and phone, we‘ve researched and selected the best antivirus software for 2021.
Our Top Picks for Best Antivirus Software
- Norton – Best for Mac OS
- Avast – Best free antivirus
- Kaspersky – Best for PC
- McAfee Mobile Security – Best for iOS
- Avira – Best for Android
- Bitdefender – Best Multiplatform
- Malwarebytes for Chromebook – Best for Chromebook
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Best Antivirus Reviews
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Price: $49.99 (1st year)/ $124.99 per year
Pros- Protects up to 10 devices from different operating systems
- Anti-spyware, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware
- Secure VPN for ten devices with no data limit
- Ad tracker blocker
- Parental controls
Cons- SafeCam is only available for Microsoft Windows computers
- Cloud backup is only available for Windows PCs
Popular belief holds that computers running on the Mac OS system don’t need malware protection. However, that’s not true. According to AV-Test, an independent IT security institute, in 2020, there were around 240,000 different types of viruses designed for this operating system.
Norton 360 Premium I offers Mac users protection against malware, hackers, and other viruses while also giving access to a password manager and private VPN. This antivirus offers a 100% virus protection promise with a money-back guarantee if a Norton expert cannot remove the computer’s malware.
Subscription is available as yearly plans with an automatic subscription. Norton also offers other virus protection alternatives for Mac OS at both more and less expensive price points, including Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and Norton 360 with LifeLock Premium.
These antivirus security suites can protect up to 5 devices and include a smart firewall, secure browser, and dark web monitoring. Norton 360 with LifeLock Premium also offers identity restoration services, Social Security alerts, and reimbursement for funds stolen due to identity theft.
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Price for the Premium subscription: $44.99 (1st year)/ $89.99 per year for up to 10 devices
Pros- Scan devices in seconds
- Password protection
- Home network security
Cons- Protection for one device at a time
- Not available for Chromebooks
Avast is a solid option for those who are looking for a plan with basic protection. This free antivirus software covers Mac OS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. Avast’s cloud-based protection blocks viruses and other types of malware, warns users about unsafe sites and blocks intrusive web trackers.
Avast also offers Premium and Ultimate subscription-based options that cover up to 10 multi-platform devices. These subscription-based antivirus programs include security tools such as VPN, anti-tracking, and a more premium cleanup and protection against viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Avast Premium also includes a data or file shredder, a feature that allows users to irreversibly erase files or whole drives to avoid the misuse of data by cybercriminals.
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Price: $29.99 (1st year)/$59.99 per year for up to 3 devices
Pros- Real-time antivirus
- Anti-phishing
- Anti-hacker and anti-malware
Cons- Most affordable antivirus is only available for PC
Kaspersky Essential Suite is our choice for the best antivirus for PC because it provides wider protection against malware than Windows Defender. As part of their most affordable package, Kaspersky protects up to 3 PCs, and provides performance optimization and real-time virus protection.
According to AV Tests, Kaspersky provides complete malware protection, even detecting malware that has attacked your PC up to four weeks before installation. Kaspersky Essential Suite also includes web protection, phishing protection, and other security features including encryption, and VPN. This antivirus software stands out in tests for its accuracy in virus warnings and false blockages. Kaspersky’s antivirus might cause a minor slowing down in the download and launching of other computer programs.
Kaspersky’s Advanced Suite and Premium Suite are the other two tiers of antivirus protection this company offers. Their Advance Suit protects up to 10 devices and includes encrypted browsing, anti-phishing, and protection against hackers gaining control of your PC remotely through the use of Remote Access Tools (RATs).
Kaspersky’s Premium Suite protects up to 5 devices and includes YouTube safe search, GPS child locator tracker, webcam protection, Game Mode, application manager, and adult content blocker. The Premium Suite is a good option for parents looking for additional system resources to guarantee their children’s protection while navigating the internet.
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Price: $2.99 mo/$29.99 yr (Standard) | $9.99 mo/$79.99 yr (Plus)
Pros- Secure Wi-Fi scanner
- Wi-Fi Guard VPN
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Anti-theft protection
Cons- Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available with a Premium subscription
Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available with a Premium subscription
McAfee Mobile Security for iOS stands out for its monthly or yearly subscription-based options, Wi-Fi protection and security, and mobile contacts backup. It’s available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch with more than 150K ratings and 4.7 stars in the Apple Store.
McAfee Mobile Security allows iOS users to remotely remove contact information and protect photos and videos if their device is stolen. This antivirus increases the chances of finding the stolen device even with a low battery using a GPS tracker, and contact backup is performed automatically through the McAfee Cloud.
McAfee also protects other devices with their McAfee Total Protection antivirus. McAfee antivirus packages are designed for individuals, couples, or families.
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Price: $3.99 per month
Pros- Android protection in Avira Prime and Avira Prime for Mobile antivirus
- Automatically blocks spam and scam calls
- Network Protection
Cons- Annual subscription not available
Avira offers two options for Android users: Avira Prime and Avira Prime for Mobile. Avira Prime is the best option for users interested in protecting other PCs or Mac OS devices. This subscription-based antivirus protects up to 25 devices, and it’s available in monthly and yearly plans.
Avira Prime for Mobile offers Android users antivirus protection, unlimited VPN, identity safeguard, and a password manager. In trials, Avira antivirus has been proven not to slow down the mobile device while in use and doesn’t impact battery life.
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Price: $69.98 for the first year/ $149.99 per year (10 devices)
Pros- Secures PC, Mac, Android, iOS
- Includes unlimited VPN
- Real-time anti-phishing, antispam, anti-fraud
- Parental controls
Cons- Subscription price will increase after the first year
- Not available for Chrome OS
- Most affordable plans only cover PCs
Unlike other antivirus software, Bitdefender Premium Security protects PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS and includes unlimited VPN for each of these platforms. This user-friendly software provides a password manager, social media protection, real-time data protection, vulnerability assessment, and network threat prevention.
Bitdefender also offers other antivirus products including Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Bitdefender Total Security. Both security software feature a privacy firewall, protection against malware, spyware, and adware, protecting up to 10 multi-platform devices.
In AV-Test trials, Bitdefender has shown to slow down the installation of frequently used applications minimally; however, the high-quality detection of widespread malware makes this antivirus software stand out from its competitors.
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Price: $1.99 mo/$11.99 yr (Premium)
Pros- Designed specifically for Chrome OS
- Free version available
- Targets adware and spyware
- Users can add Browser Guard extension for free
- Available in 10 different languages
Cons- Few features
Malwarebytes stands out from other antivirus software by being specifically designed for Chrome OS. Malwarebytes offers Chromebook users the option of a free or subscription-based premium version that can provide ransomware protection before it locks the device. Malwarebytes for Chromebook also protects against phishing attacks.
Other Companies We Considered
When researching and selecting the best antivirus of 2021, we encountered companies whose software provided good protection against malware; however, they lacked features, slowed down devices, and didn’t offer competitive prices.
Webroot Internet Security Plus Antivirus
Pros- Protects Chromebooks
- Protects personal data such as account logins and passwords
- Stops ransomware
- 70-day money-back guarantee without credit card requirement
Cons- Some features are only available for Windows, Mac, and Android users
- Few features compared to other antivirus software
- Wi-Fi protection is available in more expensive subscription plans
Webroot isn’t part of our main list because its antivirus has fewer features than other similarly priced software. This antivirus has not been part of AV-Test comparatives since November 2016, and there’s not enough information about its performance to compare it to the other companies.
Sophos
Pros- Available for Windows and Mac
- Free real-time protection and web filtering for up to 3 devices
- Subscription-based option protects up to 10 devices
- Subscription includes real-time protection, web filtering, advanced threat, and privacy protection
Cons- Not available for mobile devices
- Subscription-based option doesn't have a lot of features
- No identity protection
Sophos didn’t make it to our top list for the lack of features in their subscription-based option and because their user products have not been part of AV test trials since 2019.
Eset
Pros- Protection for Windows, Mac, and Android
- Performance optimization feature
- Anti-phishing, antivirus, anti-spyware
- Cross-platform protection
Cons- Not available for iOS
- Most features are only available with their Ultimate subscription
Eset doesn’t take part on our main list because this multiplatform antivirus doesn’t include iOS. In AV test trials, Eset has been shown to slow down the installation of frequently used applications in PC and Mac computers.
Trend Micro
Pros- Stops viruses and protects against ransomware
- Anti-phishing
- Blocks websites that can potentially steal personal information
Cons- Multiplatform protection, password manager and VPN is only available with the Maximum Security plan
Trend Micro antivirus isn’t part of our main list because customers must purchase their most expensive option to obtain complete device protection. This subscription covers up to 10 devices, making it a pricier option for those looking to secure a more limited amount of personal devices. In AV Tests trials, this antivirus slows down launching popular websites and installing frequently used applications on PCs.
AVG
Pros- Available for PCs, Mac, Android, and iOS
- Free version available
- AVG Ultimate includes: Internet protection, VPN, and system optimization
- Free version blocks viruses, and protects against spyware and ransomware
Cons- AVG Ultimate doesn't have a free version
- AVG VPN and Tune Up only have a 7-day free trial
- Only one device coverage for PCs
- Android and iOS free version only offers malware protection
AVG didn’t make it into our main list because their free version only includes viruses and other malware blockage. Free antivirus software usually includes additional features and broader protection. In trials, AVG significantly slowed down the launching of commonly used applications in PCs, and only their AVG Internet Protection has a 30-day free trial.
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Antivirus Guide
When thinking about computer viruses and how to protect our devices against them, it’s essential to know and understand the most common types of viruses and what to look for when purchasing antivirus software. In this guide, you can find information to help you choose the best antivirus to protect your device.
Types of malware
Malware
Malware is a term that covers a wide selection of malicious software. Viruses, trojan horses, worms, and spyware are considered to be malware. This malicious software slows down device performance and attacks data and resources.
Ransomware
Ransomware, a type of malware, blocks the user’s access to the device. The attackers ask the user for a ransom fee to release the device.
Spyware
This type of malware tracks information usage and transmits data from the hard drive of the hacked device to another. There are several types of spyware:
- Keyloggers: Records computer’s activities
- Password stealers: Collects passwords from the infected device
- Info stealers: Provides third parties with sensitive information such as passwords, usernames, email addresses, log files, browser history, system information, spreadsheets, documents, and media files
- Banking trojans: Steals information from financial institutions, modifies transactions and web portals.
Adware
Adware are display ads in the form of pop-up windows that appear on the user’s screen. They usually appear on free-to-use software and applications, monitoring users’ interests to develop more relevant ads.
What are the signs of a computer virus?
Signs of a computer virus are not always evident to the user. According to Norton, here are some of the general symptoms your device might show if a virus has infected it:
- Unusual slowing down of a device
- Frequent crashes or froze screens
- Unknown programs open up when the device turns on
- Frequent pop-up windows might appear
- Changes to homepage
- Mass emails sent from your email account
- Sudden password changes
How does antivirus software work?
Antivirus software works as a scanner, going through a computer’s operating system and checking their files, documents, programs, and applications. Most antivirus software not only scans your device to find viruses and other malicious programs but also eliminates them and protects your device to avoid future infestations.
There are different methods of antivirus software programs to detect and eliminate malware.
- Cloud antivirus detection: requires a connection to the internet since a server in a cloud processes all of the information instead of doing it on a hard drive
- Machine learning: through the use of an algorithm, the antivirus detects if the file is malicious
- Behavioral detection: this technology is used to detect unknown viruses
- Signature-based detection: the antivirus already has predefined signatures in its system and uses those already predisposed signatures to detect any anomaly or malware attacking the device
- Heuristic analysis: a complement to signature detection, heuristic analysis spots suspicious characteristics in new, unknown viruses well as known malware
How To Choose The Best Antivirus
Choosing the best antivirus will depend on what operating system runs the device you want to protect and the type of cybersecurity and extra features you want to include. Some essential elements your antivirus software should include are:
- Virus removal
- Web-browsing protection such as anti-phishing
- Computer scans
- One of the malware detection methods: cloud antivirus, machine learning, behavioral detection, signature-based detection, or heuristic analysis
Most antivirus software companies include an array of features and extras with their antivirus programs. These are some of the most valuable features to consider, including:
- VPN: a virtual private network that gives the user privacy and anonymity while using the internet. It masks the IP address making the user’s online browsing anonymous
- Password manager: stores and manages passwords in an encrypted database protecting your information against data breaches
- Parental controls: Controls children’s screen time. Some even offer GPS device tracking
- Identity theft protection
If you’re interested in protecting your identity, check our selection for the best identity theft protection of 2021.
Best Antivirus FAQ
What is the best antivirus?
Selecting the best antivirus will depend on the device's operating system and what type of protection the customer needs. Our top picks for the best antivirus recommend software for each of the most common operating systems available.How to disable antivirus?
To disable antivirus software, look for the program icon in your desktop or application folder. Right-click on the icon and select the disable option. The disabling antivirus software is only recommended when installing a new computer program the antivirus doesn't recognize. After the installation, run the antivirus program to ensure the software scans it for any malware.What is the best free antivirus?
As the best free antivirus, we have selected Avast. This software protects Mac OS, PCs, and Androids.Which antivirus is the best for Windows 10?
We selected Kaspersky anti-virus as the best one for PCs because of its features, thorough protection, and good reviews by AV-Test.If I have a VPN, do I still need antivirus software?
Yes, to have comprehensive protection, you should have antivirus software in addition to a VPN service. The VPN will protect your data and information securely; however, it's not an antivirus. You can save your data with a VPN, but your device needs to be covered with an antivirus.How We Chose the Best Antivirus Software
To select the best antivirus software of 2021, we researched an array of antivirus software and considered their:
- Basic software
- Extra features
- Price
We researched and used the data from trials conducted by AV-Test, an independent testing lab that tests antivirus software for PCs, Mac OS, iOS, and Android every couple of months. We vetted companies based on their findings of slowing down devices, detecting malware and eliminating it.
Summary of Money’s Best Antivirus Software of 2021
- Norton – Best for Mac OS
- Avast – Best free antivirus
- Kaspersky – Best for PC
- McAfee Mobile Security – Best for iOS
- Avira – Best for Android
- Bitdefender – Best Multiplatform
- Malwarebytes for Chromebook – Best for Chromebook
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This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer.
When the market is packed with several antivirus software for Mac, it gets tough to choose the perfect match for your system. What is more annoying is the branding of antivirus as a free product, but as soon as you want the software to perform in the field, all they ask is upgrade. Little did we know that upgrading doesn’t mean many features or actual securities from deadly viruses?
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Key Points To Choose Best Antivirus For Mac
Now the question comes how to decide which antivirus app for Mac is worth considering and which ones should not pave the way. Well, we are providing you some critical points on whose lines we have rated the Mac antiviruses for the year.
- User interface: How a person lands on the interface and guides himself for the process is a critical feature to check. It is because it helps a new user to get his system protected patiently without any baffle of understanding the software alone.
- Smart malware detection: It is again necessary for a Mac antivirus app to detect all kinds of malware, especially those that are threatful to the Mac system. The real purpose of antivirus is sorted.
- Additional features: Believe it or not, everyone wants more than just being highlighted. Similar is the case with the best antivirus for Mac. We have made sure that the software listed here has additional features for you.
- Robust customer support: When you are stuck with software, you certainly don’t want to wait for too long to get the query resolved, right? This is why you need a good customer service record for a good Apple antivirus.
Also Read: Best Anti-Malware Software For Mac
Top Mac Antivirus
1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
There are multiple reasons why Bitdefender antivirus for Mac is placed at the top. Not just us, many other testing labs have given out positive feedback for the product. The multilayer ransomware protection, anti-tracker extension, and ability to keep your privacy intact are some of the features that couldn’t be ignored.
When it comes to extended features, you will find adware blocking and removal, fast and anonymous VPN, protection during browsing experience, and anti-phishing features. Time Machine Protection keeps a backup of files if an attack on the system takes place.
Pros:
● Cross-platform malware detection
● Ultra-fast scanning modes
2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9
Covering 5 devices at a time, Intego is keeping systems secure for more than two decades now. Its ease of use and accuracy with scanning make it stand apart from the other market products. Firewall protection and anti-phishing protection makes sure that you are keeping yourself safe online during browsing.
Even if any other third-party app in the system tries to get into the privacy settings, Intego makes sure that you stay safe, and this is why we can call it the best antivirus software for Macbook.
Pros:
● Quick and accurate virus scanning process.
● Easy to understand and use.
3. Sophos Home Free
Who wouldn’t want to have a lightweight Mac antivirus which could not only keep the system resources controlled but also saves you from threatful viruses in the system? This antivirus app for Mac offers parental website filtering so that they can block inappropriate websites that their kids must avoid.
With that, it lets you keep a safe distance from infections with real-time antivirus protection and has been approved by independent labs already. As its installation and setup process is quick and easy, you can easily navigate other options from the interface itself.
Pros:
● 3 devices could be protected with this free Mac antivirus.
● A plethora of extended features that are suitable for family use.
Also Read: Best Mac Apps 2020- That Every Apple Newbie Should Install
4. Norton 360 Deluxe
Those who keep multiple devices can rely on Norton 360, which is indeed one of the best antiviruses for Mac for years now. Yes, it supports 5 devices at a time while scanning and removing viruses from them in an intelligent manner. The features that make it respectful in the market are antivirus protection, firewall, parental controls, and even cloud backup.
Moreover, this Mac antivirus software gives you different options to pick from the plans. Although it looks a little pricey than other tools, Norton has always made its name in the security front, so the deal is still good to go for!
Pros:
● System cleanup for unwanted files.
● Two-way firewall to avoid any chances of leakage.
Cons:
● Webcam protection and parental controls are only for Windows users.
5. ESET Cyber Security For Mac
Another lightweight Mac antivirus that makes sure that your machine is not only protected from threats but also running smoothly is ESET. It keeps an eye on malware, viruses, ransomware, spyware, worms, and multiple other threats that can infect the system by any means and crushes them instantly.
This isn’t it. Another reason why we call it a useful antivirus app for Mac is because it is light on the system, works quietly without ad pop-ups, and stops hackers from invading the system. Moreover, you can adjust the number of devices for protection before finally checking out.
Pros:
● A comprehensive security suite for your Mac.
● A simple interface, and this Mac antivirus is very easy to use.
Cons:
● Scanning speed is a little slow when compared with other tools.
6. Kaspersky Internet Security For Mac
Apart from scanning your system for malware and keeping it safe from future attacks, Kaspersky has a lot more to offer. You can easily make online transactions without the fear of data leak, use VPN and keep your kids safe from inappropriate websites as a parent. This whole suite is a perfect Apple Mac antivirus software.
Kaspersky has proven its worth in many independent testing labs and has proved to be 100% effective in all the ways. The best part, you get a 30 days free trial and easily block web tracking and banking attacks.
Pros:
● Comes with other bonus tools to keep your Mac safe.
● Excellent network protection
Cons:
● Webcam protection is limited to Windows users only.
Also Read: 10 Best Screen Recording Software For Mac in 2020
7. Airo Antivirus For Mac
Dedicated to Mac users, Airo antivirus is once again a whole suite for best antivirus for Mac. Airo makes sure that even before a trouble flutters around your Mac, it shoots down instantly. Real time virus detection and prevention features keep scanning your system more than a thousand times a day and silently keeps working when other programs are running.
What makes it the best antivirus for Macbook Pro is its powerful AI technology which simply grows smarter each day. This makes your data absolutely safe from hackers and keep the malicious threats at bay.
Pros:
● User interface is very simple and easily navigable.
● Count it in one of the best lightweight antivirus for Mac.
8. Total AV
Serving all the platforms like Windows, Android and Mac in a robust manner, Total AV stands amazing for Mac. This free Mac antivirus neither consumes your time in installing nor killing the threats around. Apart from the same, it scans our duplicate and junk files and throws them away to make the system optimized.
Let this Apple antivirus scan out the system using quick scan or full scan, which is by the way very fast, and get free from negativities.
Pros:
● Provides solid protection from phishing.
● List of optimization tools keep your system running smoothly.
Also Read: How To Delete Cache On a Mac
9. Avast Security For Mac
This free antivirus app for Mac has added security measures apart from the malware threat. A password manager, external drive scanner and website blocker are some additional features that make Avast a popular antivirus and a perfect suite. Any email which could be a potential threat is taken down by Avast for your goodness.
Pros:
● Excellent device protection from minor to major threats.
● VPN and anti tracking software included in the suite.
Cons:
● Avast was found stealing data from users and selling it to companies like Google.
10. McAfee Antivirus Plus
McAfee has made its strong place in the world of security for years now. Interestingly, you can extend the protection feature for your whole family of Macs. However, you will find that there hasn’t been a lot update on the status of new malware and threat with McAfee, people trust it because of its legacy.
Pros:
● Reasonable prices for a family of systems.
● Strong firewall to accompany.
Cons:
● System may face slowdown when running a full scan in the system.
Also Read: Best Hard Drive Cloning Software For Mac In 2020
FAQs: Mac Antivirus Software 2020
1. Can Macs get viruses?
We believe that Mac systems are very secure and cannot get viruses but it is not the truth. Macs can catch viruses in the same way as PCs although the chances are low.
2. Do I need virus protection for Mac?
A system needs to stay secure from viruses and any of the best antivirus protection software can stand true for it.
3. What antivirus software does Apple recommend?
Although Apple comes with its in-built virus protection called X-Protect which is capable of updating itself in order to wipe out all the potential threats.
4. What is the best free antivirus for 2021?
Bitdefender could be considered as one of the best antivirus for Mac. Those looking for free antivirus software, Sophos Home could be your answer.
Conclusion
Best Free Mac Antivirus 2021
After learning about all of Mac’s best antivirus, we recommend you try your hands on Bitdefender antivirus for Mac for sure. When you wish to expand your space from this level, you can always stick to Sophos Home Free or Malwarebytes, who have been competing strongly in the field like a pro.
Although we cannot deny Norton’s legacy as well, you need to sort the right plan for yourself amongst the list of subscription plans. However, we have covered the list considering user interface, smart malware detection, and customer support base.
Best Free Mac Antivirus 2021 Reviews
What’s your opinion? Or which one would you like to choose for yourself now? We would like to know your views in the comment section below to learn more about Mac’s antivirus apps.