Some Mac antivirus programs also take things up a notch with useful extra features like password managers, system optimizers or even VPN services. Many Mac antivirus programs also check for Windows malware since Apple’s computers can be used as a means to infect PCs on the same local network.

The best Mac antivirus programs on the other hand do a better job, quickly spotting new malware strains and double-checking suspicious files that have been “signed” with an Apple developer ID.

While Apple offers its own antivirus protections in the form of Gatekeeper and XProtect, they don’t always work so well due to the fact that they rely on out-of-date methods for stopping infections. The sheer number of Mac users worldwide has created the perfect opportunity for hackers and malicious programs targeting Apple computers are increasingly becoming more common. As Apple’s computers have grown in popularity over the last few years, cybercriminals have taken note and now develop malware and other viruses capable of infecting them.

Adaware mac osx