Mac Anti-Virus Considerations

Our Experiences with and Thoughts about AV Softare for Mac

11/30/2012

We have received several inquires regarding our last Anti-Virus for Mac emailing.

Some folks want to know what is available for Macs.

TechNews gives their 'Top 10' AV for Mac:
http://www.technewsdaily.com/best-mac-antivirus-software/

The one that was recommended to me by a member of the Dallas Mac Users' Group (a bunch a VERY knowledgeable Mac users) is the ESET for Mac - which is #5 Ranked by TechNews. I think it is about $40 per year.

Because of my BAD experiences with some brands of AV programs on a PC, I would recommend NOT using McAfee or Norton - they COULD be ok for Mac - i don't know - but did NOT like them on Windows PCs because of experiencing numerous problems AND infections with them.

Although not ranked - I see AVG has a Mac AV program - and i know a lot of AVG users on Windows that like the AVG software. AVG has a FREE Windows AV - not sure about Mac. They have a 'free download' (currently on TechNew Top 10 Page linked above) - but don't know if they are going to ask for money later or not.

On Windows PCs, the one we trust and like the MOST is Vipre by Sunbelt ( http://www.vipreantivirus.com )- and Malwarebytes ( http://www.malwarebytes.org ) - the two companies have recently merged.

I use Vipre on all my Windows units - for $50 per year for ALL - and also have Malwarebytes installed - but not running - just use as a SCAN from time to time. (Malwarbytes seems to catch things others miss in some cases). I use Malwarebytes mainly for scanning and cleaning infections on other people's Windows PCs.

Vipre has a guarantee that they will fix your computer (on line support) if it gets an infection while running their product.)
See: http://vipre-antivirus.com/vipre-antivirus-antispyware/

Vipre is currently developing A/V solutions for the Mac - and i will probably go with Vipre if/when I do end up get A/V for a Mac.
(They have an Enterprise product now, and indicate they will soon have a home version).

As of this writing, I still do not have an AV installed on any of my Macs. (Mac Pro, MacBook Pro and iMac)

Apple is apparently currently recommending some sort of protection, according to an article on CNet:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10110852-83.html

CNet has a Mac A/V page:
http://download.cnet.com/mac/antivirus-software/

Apple Store is selling Intego Content Barrier X6 ($39.95 ) and ESET ($39.95 - Family Pack/5-devices for $119.95)- the only two A/V from App Store currently shown as of this writing:
http://store.apple.com/us/search?find=anti%20virus