Do you need anti-virus software for your Mac?

If you have recently bought a Mac computer or have had one for some time and are wondering whether you need to purchase anti virus software, you may want to continue reading.

There was a brief moment when Mac computers were considered untouchable - a real niche in the market where no virus could potentially harm the security of data contained on these expertly designed devices. Macs were rumoured to have built-in software within their systems as a form of protection from applications or websites which weren’t approved by Apple. 

If you are one for downloading apps and data from the Apple app store only, there is less of a risk of being hacked from outsider intrusions. If, however, you download documents from websites or other app stores, your device is at a much higher risk.

The recent argument followed on from the initial concept that Macs were safer than Windows computers. A few years ago, a larger proportion of computer users chose to purchase Windows laptops over Macs. Therefore, hackers and others who created viruses were more inclined to target Windows devices, as there were a larger amount of systems to hack into. Nowadays, the number of Apple users are intensifying, so Mac users may be at the same level of risk. That’s why installing anti-virus software is an ideal solution to guarantee full protection of your personal data.

How do you know if your Mac has a virus?

If you believe your Mac has a virus, here are a few signs to be aware of so that you can get your device checked out:

Strange adverts

If you notice weird adverts popping up in places they never usually did, for example, on YouTube or other familiar websites, your computer may have been hacked by a virus. Also, be aware of adult content which could appear on your screen. These type of pop-ups and ads are one of the first signs of malicious content being installed on your computer. Close down any pop-ups which automatically appear on your screen.

Social network activity

If you notice that your social media accounts are sending out messages to friends that you didn’t write, this is also a well-known sign of device hacking. If you notice any such activity, you should ensure all passwords are changed immediately to prevent your personal data from being stolen. Hackers can get access to private photos and any other personal information which you have stored on your accounts, including location, relationships and personal messages.

Slow system

If you notice that your system is slower that usual, this may be a typical sign of a virus which has planted itself into your system, gradually making your entire device come to a standstill. If you notice regular screen freezes or slow activity when changing web pages, you should take your laptop or computer to a specialist immediately. 

Even scarier? You may not even know about a malicious attack

In the current world, viruses are much more imperceptible than even a few years ago. Viruses are now designed to become embedded within your system so you aren’t aware until you get your device checked or fixed. Just as technology has progressed, a virus can achieve a greater amount of damage. If you are in any doubt about your Mac’s security, the best advice would be to take your laptop to an Apple professional who can investigate the system.

If you would like to prevent your Mac computer from getting hacked, here are a number of anti-virus software options to do the job:

1. Intego Mac Internet Security 

One of the benefits of this particular software is that you can run it across a range of Apple devices, without having to purchase separately. It includes features such as protecting against harmful malware, phishing scams and automatically scanning your device for viruses before they take effect. 

2. Kaspersky

This particular option is one of the recommended brands of anti-virus software, yet is one of the cheapest on the market. It is known for its powerful structure, which can fight off any malicious content. This software has a number of useful extras, beneficial if you spend a great deal of time online. These extras include webcam protection, network attack blockers and private browsing.

3. Malwarebytes

This software is recommended by Apple professionals to all users of Mac devices. Many Mac professionals will automatically download this software onto a device if there is malicious content evident. It can block websites which are known to deposit malicious content onto devices. Designed for Macs in particular, this one may be the most reliable for searching out viruses aimed at Apple devices.

If you would like to find out more about computer hacking and how you can prevent your technological devices from hackers, please take a read of our blog at https://www.1stcalldetectives.com/blog/index.php. We have a new encryption certificate to prove our customer privacy and security.