Since threats are always changing, the Mac Malware Removal Tool also scans your computer regularly to check that nothing sneaks past XProtect. If XProtect detects malware on a file or application, it notifies the user and blocks the download. XProtect scans all applications and files for viruses and malware using a database of threats that Apple updates daily. Since 2009, Apple has included XProtect, Apple’s proprietary antivirus software, on all Macs. Avast Antivirus – Mac is Protected Do Macs Have Built-in Antivirus Software? On this page, we’ll explain just how protected Macs are against malware, what you can do to protect your digital safety, and what the biggest cybersecurity threats are to Mac users. If you’re a Mac user who believes Macs don’t need antivirus, it’s time to think again.

In fact, Malwarebytes found that in 2019, there was a 400-percent increase in Mac malware compared to the previous year. However, the Mac user base has grown steadily over the years, and cybercriminals are taking notice. Since there are more Windows users, malware makers can target more people with Windows malware. The main reason that there are more threats to Windows is because there are more Windows users. That and the fact that a huge majority of malware is designed for Windows lead many to believe that Macs don’t need antivirus software, but that is a myth. That means a piece of malware designed to exploit a Windows vulnerability does no harm to a Mac and vice versa.

Here’s one tidbit of information about malware that many people don’t know: Many of them are OS-specific. Keeping macOS up-to-date helps patch security vulnerabilities.

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Macs need third-party antivirus for total protection.

Macs have built-in antivirus and security software, but they aren’t foolproof.

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