The 6 Best Free Apps for Mac Security

A mythology has been built up around Mac computers and laptops that makes people believe that they are impervious to malware and online viruses. This isn’€™t the case as these computers are still vulnerable to attacks.

I have personally had much more luck with Macs than PCs when it comes to online security, but why rely on luck? Listed below are the top six free apps that you can use to secure your Mac computer or laptop.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition 8

Macs have had malware problems dating all the way back to 1982. Don’€™t believe me? Ask Graham Cluley of Sophos! HE has traced the history of Mac malware problems all the way back to that time, and now offers a Mac anti-virus app for free.

A really cool feature of this app is how it does web-based scanning, this blocks URLs which are known to be dangerous and destroys any dangerous downloads.

iAntivirus

This list wouldn’t have been complete without some sort of product that started with a lower case i. The catch is that iAntivirus is a brand of Norton after they purchased the original PC Tools version.

The new Norton version doesn’€™t have all of the same tools as the PC Tools, but it can still handle the security of all your iTunes, iPhoto and iWhatever files.

Comodo Antivirus for Mac

Comodo has been designed to be a ‘set and forget’€™ app. It features the options to scan files for malware on demand, on a schedule, or upon access. It will also skip scanning any file that has already been scanned after the last update to lower system demands.

A fun feature that people enjoy is how you can scan a specific file by dragging it to the main window, or to the dock icon. Comodo may be considered a bit of a lightweight in the online security world, but it does allow for a focus on specific files that other apps do not possess.

ClamXav

This is an open source project which is powered by the ClamAv project. While this is an excellent choice for a free security app for Mac, some users may find it to be a bit more hands on. In comparison to Comodo above, you’ll have to be a bit more knowledgeable about what you want the app to do, and what you want it to scan.

Avira Free Mac Security

Avira Free Mac Security is the update of Avira Free Antivirus 2012, including a much more SEO friendly name. It is free from any type of advertising, and has no marketing pop-ups. Which is good, why download an antivirus app that acts like spam?

Avast! Free Antivirus for Mac

The well known antivirus that seems to have been named by a pirate is back with a new GUI, automatic updates, and can scan malware on demand or in real time. Their popular Web reputation support is another cool feature that helps you figure out what is safe online.

Antivirus Protection For Mac

This is the type of internet security that is not often spoken about over on my blog, but I am still well aware of how important it is to be sure that your computer is protected against these types of attacks.

We champion internet privacy and protection over on the Best VPN Providers blog, but freedom from malicious attacks is a kind of freedom that we certainly support. The programs listed above are the ‘it can’t hurt’ programs as they don’t cost anything, and can defend you against the malware that will ruin your day!