Security & Privacy

You’ve probably heard it before: “Macs don’t get viruses.” For years, Apple’s reputation for security has led users to believe their Macs are immune to malware, phishing, or other online threats. This belief isn’t entirely unfounded. macOS is a secure operating system with several built-in protections. But that doesn’t mean it’s bulletproof.

In recent years, real-world malware targeting Macs has surged. From adware like Shlayer and AdLoad to sophisticated tools like Silver Sparrow and Atomic Stealer, Mac-specific threats are no longer a rarity. They are part of the landscape. Attackers are adapting, evolving, and specifically designing malware to bypass Apple’s native defenses.

Despite Apple’s best efforts, Mac users are still vulnerable to serious threats that can compromise privacy, steal sensitive data, or disrupt daily use, often without any obvious signs. Understanding these risks is the first step toward staying truly secure.

Are Macs Really Safer Than PCs?

What Makes macOS Secure

Apple has developed macOS with several layered security features to help keep users safe:

• Gatekeeper ensures apps are from verified developers or the App Store. It blocks unidentified software from launching without explicit user permission.
• XProtect, Apple’s built-in malware scanner, runs silently in the background. It checks files and applications against known malware signatures.
• System Integrity Protection (SIP) prevents malware from modifying critical system files and directories.
• App sandboxing isolates apps from one another, limiting access to your files and system resources unless explicitly granted.

These tools are effective for protecting against known threats and helping prevent basic malware from executing or spreading. However, they are not a complete solution. Gatekeeper, for example, can be bypassed by malware disguised as legitimate software. XProtect is updated infrequently and only catches known malware signatures, not new or emerging threats.

A common misconception is that these protections are enough for daily use. However, they don’t actively block phishing attacks, monitor your network, or offer real-time threat response. They also do little to prevent user-initiated mistakes, like clicking a malicious link or opening a spoofed attachment.

How Malware is Evolving to Target Macs

Mac-specific malware has become more advanced and more prevalent. Attackers know that Mac users often assume they’re protected, making them attractive targets. Over the last few years, the following examples illustrate how the threat landscape has changed:

• Silver Sparrow (2021): A mysterious malware that infected Apple Silicon Macs. It didn’t have a clear payload but demonstrated how quickly malware authors were adapting to M1 chip architecture, just months after its release.
• Atomic Stealer (2023): A commercial-grade stealer sold on the dark web, targeting macOS users to extract iCloud Keychain data, passwords, wallets, and more.
• AdLoad (2021–ongoing): A persistent adware family that bypasses Gatekeeper using signed packages. It floods systems with ads, modifies browser settings, and is extremely hard to remove manually.
• MacDownloader (2020): A fake Adobe Flash update that infected defense contractors’ Macs. It harvested passwords and attempted to install keyloggers.

These threats aren’t just hypothetical. They’ve been documented by leading security firms and have infected real Mac users. Importantly, most of them either bypassed Apple’s built-in defenses or were missed entirely until security researchers discovered them.

Hackers are also shifting from brute-force attacks to social engineering—tricking users into installing malicious software themselves, often by disguising it as utility apps, fake system updates, or email attachments.

Is macOS Security Enough on its Own?

While Apple’s security features are impressive, they aren’t infallible. Here are a few things they don’t cover:

• Phishing attacks: macOS won’t warn you if you click on a link in a fake email that looks like a message from your bank or Apple ID.
• Zero-day malware: New threats that have yet to be added to Apple’s known malware list can run undetected.
• Malicious browser extensions: These can steal data, redirect searches, and inject ads, even with system protections enabled.
• Infected downloads: Apple’s tools may not detect malicious payloads hidden in bundled software or torrent files.
• No firewall customization: macOS includes a basic firewall, but it lacks user-friendly configuration options and doesn’t provide alerts or insights about suspicious behavior.

MacOS provides a strong foundation, but it’s not a complete shield. Relying only on built-in tools leaves gaps that advanced malware can slip through, especially if you use your Mac for work, school, finances, or frequent downloads.

What Kinds of Threats Can Affect a Mac?

Common Threats Mac Users Face Today

Even cautious users are exposed to modern threats, especially through:

• Adware: Often bundled with free software, adware hijacks your browser, injects unwanted ads, and can slow down your Mac.
• Browser hijackers: These change your search engine or homepage and redirect you to affiliate or malicious websites.
• Phishing: Fake websites or emails impersonating trusted brands to steal your passwords, credit card info, or Apple ID.
• PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): These programs sneak in with other installations and often collect data or alter settings.
• Ransomware: Rare on macOS but growing, ransomware locks your files and demands payment. The EvilQuest ransomware, for example, targeted Mac users in 2020.
• Spyware and keyloggers: Often distributed through cracked apps or fake downloads, these can record your keystrokes and steal personal data.

Real-World Examples

Do I Personally Need Antivirus on My Mac?

Whether you use your Mac for casual browsing or run a business on it, the answer is the same: yes, antivirus software is still recommended. The days of thinking “I have a Mac, so I’m safe” are over.

Even trusted sources can be compromised, verified apps can hide malicious behavior, and smart users can make mistakes.

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Do I download files from the internet?
• Do I use my Mac for banking, email, or work?
• Do I share the device or let kids/guests use it?
• Do I install apps from outside the App Store?

If you answered yes to any of these, your Mac is exposed to threats that Apple’s default tools may not detect or block.

What Antivirus Software Does That macOS Doesn’t

Dedicated antivirus software like Intego fills the gaps that Apple leaves open:

• Real-time scanning for emerging and unknown threats, not just known signatures
• Web protection that blocks phishing sites before they load
• Email scanning for malicious links or attachments
• Scheduled system scans and automatic quarantines
• Firewall customization with app-level permissions and alerts
• Privacy tools to block tracking scripts and snooping attempts
• Parental controls and safe browsing filters for families

Unlike Apple’s tools, which are mostly passive, antivirus software works proactively—scanning, monitoring, and blocking threats before they cause harm.

Is Free Antivirus for Mac Good Enough?

What Free Antivirus Tools Usually Include

Many users wonder if free antivirus is “good enough.” Here’s what you typically get:

• Basic malware scanning (manual or scheduled)
• Limited or no real-time protection
• No web or email filtering
• In-app ads, popups, and frequent upgrade prompts
• Slow or no customer support

Free tools are often stripped-down versions of paid ones and are rarely optimized for macOS specifically. Some even collect user data to subsidize their free tier.

Why Mac Users Should Consider Full Protection

While any protection is better than none, free tools leave many risks unaddressed:

• Zero-day malware often slips through undetected
• Phishing scams aren’t blocked
• Slow updates mean you may not be protected against the latest threats
• No firewall or privacy tools means your network and browsing activity may still be exposed

If you’re serious about your data, privacy, and device security, choosing a solution that offers comprehensive protection built for macOS is worth choosing.

Why Mac Users Trust Intego

Made for macOS, Not Ported from Windows

Intego is designed exclusively for macOS, not retrofitted from a Windows product. This means it integrates seamlessly with Apple’s architecture, uses fewer resources, and avoids compatibility issues that other antivirus apps often cause.

Features Tailored to Mac User Needs

Intego provides:

• Real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and spyware
• NetBarrier firewall, with smart app-level traffic monitoring
• Web protection against phishing, trackers, and fake downloads
• Automatic scans and quarantines
• Performance optimization to clean up junk and improve speed
• Parental controls to limit access and block inappropriate content

Trusted by the Mac Community for Over 20 Years

Intego has specialized in Mac security since 1997. It’s backed by:

• Thousands of verified 5-star reviews
• Top ratings from AV-Comparatives and AV-Test labs
• Millions of users worldwide, including home users, schools, and small businesses

Get Intego antivirus for Mac today.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Antivirus on a Mac?

Yes, Macs need antivirus protection. The belief that Apple computers are inherently immune to threats is outdated. As malware authors get smarter and Mac usage increases globally, attackers are actively targeting macOS with adware, phishing, and data-stealing software.

macOS provides a solid security baseline, but it’s not enough on its own, especially if you browse the web, check email, or install apps from anywhere other than the App Store.

If you want peace of mind and comprehensive protection built specifically for your Mac, Intego is a smart, proven solution.

FAQ

Do Macs really get viruses?
Yes. While less common than on Windows, Macs are increasingly targeted. Malware like AdLoad, Silver Sparrow, and phishing campaigns impersonating Apple prove that Mac users are not exempt.

Is macOS security good enough by itself?
No. It protects against known malware and restricts certain app behaviors but doesn’t offer real-time protection, web filtering, phishing defense, or advanced firewall capabilities.

What’s the best antivirus for Mac users?
Intego is purpose-built for macOS. It offers real-time malware scanning, a customizable firewall, phishing protection, and privacy tools—without slowing down your Mac.

Do I need an antivirus if I only use my Mac for browsing?
Yes. Threats, including malicious ads, fake alerts, and phishing pages, can appear during browsing. Visiting the wrong site or clicking the link can trigger an infection.

Can I just use a free antivirus?
You can, but you’ll miss out on real-time protection, phishing filters, support, and deeper system integration. Free tools are limited and don’t offer the comprehensive defense Mac users need today.

Is there a performance trade-off when using antivirus on Mac?
Not with Intego. It’s optimized for macOS and runs efficiently in the background without dragging down performance or interfering with other Apple features.

How often should I scan my Mac for viruses?
With real-time protection enabled, scanning once a week is typically enough. However, you should scan immediately after downloading files from unknown sources or if you notice unusual behavior.

About Shira Stieglitz