Revealing the Best Antivirus for Mac: Protect Your Apple Device!

For years, there has been a belief among consumers and companies using macOS computers, and particularly Mac antivirus software, that they have been provided with better cyber protection compared to Windows operating systems. However, contrary to this belief, it is not entirely accurate.

What's even more disturbing is the increase in the number of cyberthreats specifically targeted at Mac operating system software. According to Malwarebyte's "2023 State of Malware" report, there has been a 42% rise in malware detections in businesses and individuals using Mac operating systems in 2023. On the other hand, companies utilizing Windows operating systems experienced a 24% decrease in malware attacks. Which contrasts with the common misleading information that Apple computers have better virus protection than those that use Windows as their operating system.

These findings confirm the fact that the Mac security software is capable to protect you from all the advanced cyber threats that are stalking us in our everyday activities when we are online. This leads to the conclusion that their integrated level of security may not be as robust as previously believed. They are also likely to encounter an increasing number of cyberthreats. We can explain the rise of cyberattacks targeted at macOS devices by the fact that the majority of people using such phones and computers rely on what is said about the security of macOS and don't equip themselves with additional antivirus protection programs. Thus, cybercriminals are aware of this vulnerability and concentrate their efforts on creating sophisticated and advanced viruses and cyber threats directed to these weaknesses in the security system.

The purpose of this article is to dive deeper into the realm of Mac cyber security by exploring why misleading information about Macs being more secure from cyberthreats persists. Additionally, we will examine the types of cyberattacks targeting Mac OS X and provide recommendations on how you can enhance your Mac's cyber protection. In order to not become the next victim of the mean cybercriminals.

As we mentioned, the cyber threats that a macOS can face are much more than they used to be in the past. Nowadays, cybercriminals have designed advanced viruses like malware, ransomware, and identity theft attacks targeted particularly at Mac devices. In the past, Mac malware protection and antivirus tools like XProtect were able to handle all known potential threats, but now the reality has changed. We are witnessing an increased number of attacks and new viruses designed specifically for macOS devices.

The virus protection implemented in the OS of all Apple devices is not capable anymore of preventing these mean and sophisticated threats, and the possibility of becoming a victim of cybercriminals has increased multiple times through the vulnerabilities that these attackers see as an opportunity to infect your device and collect sensitive information related to bank and identity information, and overall important data that everyone of us stores in these computers and phones.

According to recent research, the number of malware attacks on Apple devices has quadrupled for the last five years, and maybe this is related to the COVID-19 crisis that we all have been through. The majority of people changed their workspace from being at the office to working from home. Cybercriminals saw this opportunity as a perfect moment to multiple their attacks, like designing advanced malicious software and other cyber attacks.

Unfortunately, most Mac users believe that their devices are provided with strong enough virus, malware, and ransomware protection, they don't provide themselves with additional standalone Mac antivirus software. This is a real problem for every user provided with an Apple device. On the other hand, it is a perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to use this misunderstanding and penetrate their victims computers and mobile devices.

In this article, we want to make people understand the importance of providing themselves with additional antivirus software in order to protect their computers from the threats that are stalking us every day. We will discuss the advantages of using such software and the security level that it will provide. We will mention what to look for in the task to find the best mac antivirus program and provide tips on how to choose the one that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Protecting Mac computers against cyber attacks has become a critical aspect, because of the constant development of new and more advanced viruses and cyber threats that we may face on a daily basis while being online doing our everyday activities. It is a well-known fact that cybercriminals are creating new approaches to penetrate our security systems and to make every antivirus program struggle with the task to detect and prevent them on time in their early stage. The need for strong and reliable cyber security has become a must in the world we are currently living in, because if we aren't equipped with the right security tools to prevent these harmful attacks, this can lead to serious consequences for every one of us. Fortunately, not only the threats are developing and becoming stronger, but the same counts for the protection software and security tools that have the main goal of protecting us from these harmful and destructive cyber attacks.

Antivirus for Mac equips us with comprehensive security features and tools, providing a strong security law that protects us from countless malicious programs, viruses, and online dangers. From real-time scanning and firewall protection to identity theft prevention and ransomware defense, these tools offer robust protection against today's advanced cyber threats that are out there stalking us in the web space. In this article, we'll dive deeper into some common features and tools provided by the antivirus for Mac, each playing a critical role in ensuring the security and safety of our Apple computers. Are you impatient to understand more about Mac antivirus security? Then keep reading. Now, let's explode in detail about how antivirus software works and how it protects us.

• Real-time protection and virus scanner is a very important feature of antivirus for Mac. It processes continuous monitoring of files, applications, and system processes for MacOS malware signs, or malicious activity, and if such are detected, you will be notified about them. By employing advanced detection algorithms, antivirus apps can identify and neutralize threats in real-time, minimizing the risk of infection and data compromise, which will prevent the serious consequences you may face due to this type of attack.

• Another critical feature is firewall protection, which is essential for providing security to our Mac computers against unauthorized access and network-based attacks, which unfortunately are becoming more prevalent than ever. This antivirus tool includes built-in firewalls that constantly monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, block suspicious connections, and prevent malicious actors from exploiting the vulnerabilities in our systems. After detecting such suspicious activity, the tool closes every backdoor on our computer in order to restrict every chance of unauthorized access.

• Phishing attacks are a significant threat to Mac and Windows users, attempting to trick us into sharing sensitive information through fraudulent emails, websites, or messages. Their tactics are based on fake emails or websites pretending to come from trustworthy sources and asking for our personal information. If you are unaware of this threat and provide the requested data, it may lead to serious consequences for you, like identity theft and using it for the criminal purposes of the cybercriminals. Antivirus for Mac includes anti-phishing tools that detect and block such phishing attempts in their early stages, ensuring that every user remains protected against identity theft and online scams. Common signs to look for in such phishing attacks are grammar or spelling mistakes in the emails received, because this is a sure indicator that this is an attack from a cybercriminal.

• Identity theft protection features are designed to protect our personal information and sensitive data from cybercriminals. Through constant monitoring of our online activities and dark web channels, antivirus software alerts us for potential identity theft threats, enabling proactive steps to minimize risks and protect us against unauthorized access.

• One of the most unpleasant experiences for every one of us is to become a victim of a ransomware attack. Unfortunately, these attempts have become increasingly common. If you are unlucky enough and become a victim of such an attack, hackers will encrypt your sensitive information and cherished data, and then demand a ransom to be paid in order to restore access to it. The antivirus for Mac offers advanced ransomware protection, employing behavior-based detection techniques to identify and block ransomware threats before they can cause any damage.

• This is one of the most important security tools that everybody must be equipped with. Having web protection features is crucial in order to protect you against harmful websites and to stop you from downloading malicious files. Antivirus for Mac examines website links and content in real time, effectively blocking access to websites and minimizing the chances of malware infections.

• Antivirus for Mac includes robust malware detection and removal capabilities. This process happens by scanning your data and applications for signs of malicious activity, and quarantining suspicious files for further analysis. By proactively detecting and malware removal, antivirus apps ensure the integrity and security of Mac computers.

There is no free lunch, people say, and that is true because if you want to be provided with the best Mac antivirus, you need to subscribe to a paid version. Because the subscription plan guarantees that you will be provided with the latest top-notch security technologies and approaches, you will also benefit from additional features like automatic updates of the software, real-time monitoring, and automatic scans of your Mac computer.

The paid version is always the best option when we need reliable antivirus security for our computer. When using such software, you will be provided with the latest malware, ransomware, identity theft, and phishing scanning tools. For instance, these tools will be able to recognize the attack and stop it on time, preventing it from slipping through your security system, because this is a common scenario when using a free antivirus version. It is fundamental to subscribe to a paid version of antivirus for Mac in order to take care of your computer and the sensitive information stored there. We should not make any exceptions by using free antivirus versions, because they are unreliable when facing advanced threats.On the other hand, there are users seeking basic malware protection, and free antivirus software options offer these primary security features without the need for a subscription. The free antivirus apps provide virus scanning, malware detection, and basic protection against online threats, making them suitable for users with basic security needs. Of course, these tools that we mentioned have a primary level of security, and they won't be able to detect and respond to advanced and sophisticated malware threats.

Also, free Mac antivirus solutions won't provide you with real-time or dark web monitoring, which could be a serious problem. We all know what happens when our sensitive information goes into the hands of cybercriminals. They are either using it for their criminal purposes, or selling it on the dark web. This, of course, could lead to very serious consequences for the victim. Nowadays, you can wake up in the morning with a new debt on your name, because your information has leaked and been sold on the dark web.

So every one of us should make up our minds when choosing to use paid or free antivirus for Mac. As we mentioned, the paid solution offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect against a wide range of cyber threats. From real-time scanning and firewall protection to identity theft prevention and ransomware defense, these antivirus tools provide Mac users with the security and peace of mind they have been protected with the best possible features and tools. By leveraging the features offered by antivirus for Mac, users can protect their Apple computers against malware, phishing attacks, and other online dangers, ensuring a secure and protected computing experience. 

Today, we live in a digital world where most of our activities are related to the use of the internet. We are playing games, watching videos, and entertaining ourselves online, but we also pay our bills, use digital banking, send sensitive information through email, etc. All these activities prone us as users to become targets of cybercriminals, who try to penetrate our security systems, and lock or steal our sensitive information for their personal financial benefit.

The solution to this problem is antivirus for Mac. There are a variety of antivirus options available, but selecting the right one can be a difficult task. However, if you educate yourself well enough about the features and tools that the best Mac antivirus software companies are providing you with, you can confidently choose an antivirus solution, that meets your needs and provides robust protection for your Mac. You may ask yourself, How can I know if I have chosen the right antivirus program? Don't worry. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the right antivirus for your Mac.

Before diving into the features and capabilities of antivirus software, it's essential to ensure compatibility of the antivirus program with your Mac's operating system version. Additionally, consider the system impact of the antivirus software on your Mac's performance. Because there is a change to provide yourself with one, that will be a bit heavy for your system, and this will result in making your Mac computer slower. Look for lightweight antivirus programs that provide comprehensive protection without slowing down your system.

Evaluate the protection features offered by the antivirus software. You must look for security tools like real-time scanning, data breach monitoring, firewall and network security, anti-phishing and ransomware protection, and last, but not least, identity theft protection. These features work together to keep your Mac protected against a wide range of cyber threats, ensuring comprehensive security for your digital assets, and minimizing the chance of becoming a victim of cybercriminals or your computer being infected with viruses.

The security features and tools are definitely the most important aspect to consider when selecting the proper antivirus for Mac, but another critical aspect to look for is a user-friendly interface for seamless navigation and configuration of the antivirus for Mac. Look for solutions with interfaces that make it easy for you to perform scans, configure settings, and access support resources. Additionally, consider the availability of user guides, tutorials, and 24/7 customer support options to assist you in case of any additional questions or issues.

Assessing performance is another fundamental aspect to take into consideration. You must make an educated choice about the impact and resource usage, of the antivirus software on your Mac. Look for solutions that minimize system resource consumption, while providing strong security protection against malware and other relevant threats. Avoid antivirus for Mac programs that would significantly slow down your computer or cause performance issues during regular use, because this can really annoy every one of us. For instance, this will definitely affect gaming.

Before making a choice about using current antivirus solution, it is very important to educate yourself about the reputation of the vendor and read reviews from other Mac users to learn about the effectiveness and reliability of the offered security protection. As we all know, the best information we can be provided with is from people who have already used the product. You must take some time to read the reviews from other users and see how pleased they are with the security provided and other important aspects like customer support, updates, etc.

It is a well-known fact that pricing is one of the most important things we have in mind when subscribing to any type of service, and antivirus for Mac makes no exception. Consider the pricing and licensing options offered by the antivirus software vendor. Look for flexible subscription plans, that meet your budget and provide value for money. Additionally, assess the licensing terms to ensure compliance with the number of devices and users covered in the plan.

When we have a problem and we can't solve it, we have to contact someone to help. So check the level of customer support and frequency of updates provided by the antivirus software vendor before making your choice. Look for solutions that offer timely software updates to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, assess the availability of customer support channels, such as email, phone, or live chat, in order to assist you with any technical issues or any question you may have.

Take advantage of trial periods and money-back guarantees, provided by antivirus software vendors to test the solution before making a subscription. Use this opportunity to assess the performance, features, and usability of the antivirus software to ensure it meets your expectations and provides adequate protection for your Mac. All of the vendors offer free trials of their programs to test and get used to the software, thus, you will also see if it really meets your expectations.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right antivirus for your Mac that provides complete protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. Another thing we must mention is remembering to regularly update your antivirus for Mac and practice safe browsing habits to enhance your Mac's security in order to protect your digital assets. Whether it's identity protection, dark web monitoring, or parental controls, finding the best antivirus software tailored for Mac users is crucial for a secure online experience 24/7.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is the best antivirus for Mac, this is a proven fact. For many years, Acronis is a leader in the market for providing cyber security solutions. We have received countless awards for innovations, effectiveness, and top-notch technologies providing a robust cyber protection and backup services.

Every person wants the best protection for himself and his business. Casually, it is not an easy process to find the best antivirus for Mac because you have to do a lot of research and get familiar with the latest security protection technologies, which is really a time-consuming process. However, you have the best solution in front of your eyes, and it is named Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office. Why is it the best one among the other options on the market? We will explain this in detail, because the features and tools that our products provide you with will amaze you.

Simply Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office provides you with complete cyber protection from all the threats that are out there. You will also have backup solutions on your side in case of emergencies, data migration options, cloud storage space, and many other helpful features. Does this sound interesting to you? Let's dive deeper and have a closer look at all the benefits that you will be provided with Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office.

Our product stands out not only for its advanced antivirus protection but also for the various additional tools and features it provides you with.

1. Integrated Backup and Recovery: One of the main features of Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is its integrated backup and recovery functionality. You can easily create full disk images, incremental backups, and file-level backups of your Mac system. This ensures that you have a reliable backup solution, which will protect you against data loss in case of hardware failure, malware infections, or accidental deletion.
2. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Cloud Storage: Our product provides you with access to personal cloud storage space, allowing you to securely store your backups in the cloud. This provides an additional layer of protection against data loss by ensuring that backups are stored offsite and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
3. Active Protection Against Ransomware: Another critical benefit is the active protection against ransomware, which monitors for suspicious behavior and automatically blocks ransomware attacks in real-time. This proactive approach blocks ransomware attacks from encrypting your files, and prevents you from becoming a victim of cybercriminals asking for a ransom to be paid, in order to restore access to your data. With our product, there is no chance to find yourself in such a situation.
4. Privacy Protection Tools: In addition to antivirus and backup features, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office includes privacy protection tools to help you protect your sensitive information. This includes tools for securely deleting files, encrypting sensitive data, and password management. These tools help you to maintain your privacy and protect against identity theft and unauthorized access to your personal information.
5. Secure Online Backup: Another fundamental benefit you will be provided with offers secure online backup options, allowing you to securely back up your data to the cloud. This guarantees that backups are protected from physical damage, or loss and can be accessed from anywhere, you will just need an internet connection and nothing else. Additionally, secure online backup provides an extra layer of protection against ransomware attacks, as backups stored in the cloud are not vulnerable to encryption by ransomware. This really makes you immune from becoming a victim of ransomware attacks, and you won't need to pay even a penny in an emergency. You can just send greetings to the cybercriminals, not money.
6. Advanced Threat Detection: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office employs advanced threat detection algorithms, and security tools to identify and neutralize malware threats, ransomware, web and email threats, and other cyber attacks. All these advanced tools are included in your antivirus package, it won't be necessary to pay additional funds for them. Furthermore, these algorithms analyze file and system behavior, network activity, and system settings to detect suspicious activity and prevent malicious software from compromising your Mac computer. Also, it provides you with a phishing protection security tool, which really corrects your security vulnerabilities, and it definitely makes it the right antivirus software for you.
7. Scheduled Backup and Sync: We all know the importance of regular backups and synchronization, so you can schedule these processes and automate backups with Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, ensuring that your data is always up-to-date. This feature allows you to set backup schedules, based on your preferences and ensures that important files are backed up regularly without requiring manual intervention.

With all these top-notch security tools and approaches, you will feel confident that your computer has the best cyber protection. Thus, you will know that no matter what happens, your computer and network will be protected, and your sensitive information won't be affected at all.

We already know the countless benefits that Acronis Cyber Protection Home Office provides. Now it's time to help you with the installation of the security software. Follow this guide step-by-step, and you will manage to install it easily and quickly on your Mac computer.

Step 1: Double-click the Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office setup file (the file has a.dmg extension).

Step 2: Double-click Install Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office in the Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office window.

Step 3: Follow the installer steps.

Step 4: When prompted, provide administrator credentials. The program will then be installed.

On macOS Mojave 10.14 or Catalina 10.15, you need to grant access to Acronis International GmbH after the installation. It is required for loading kernel extensions in order to have all the protection features. Please do the following:

• Open System Preferences.
• Go to the General tab of Security & Privacy.
• Click Allow to accept the prompt that appears.

Now you can use an enjoy your Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where not only are technologies are becoming more advanced and updated, but so are the cyber attacks we are exposed to every single day. While Mac devices have been known for their robust security features, they're not immune to emerging threats that are stalking us around the corner to hit in a moment of vulnerability. As we look to the future, understanding these advanced threats and the trajectory of Mac security is crucial for staying one step ahead of cyber threats. So let's talk in detail about these harmful threats that we may face in our everyday activities, so we can be one step ahead of them.

The Rise of Targeted Attacks

In the last few years, we have become witnesses to a significant increase in targeted attacks especially to Mac users. Cybercriminals are increasingly concentrating their efforts on finding vulnerabilities in macOS and popular Mac applications, in order to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and then use it for their criminal purposes. Because the truth is that our computers and phones have become an essential part of our lives, and we are using them not only for entertainment but also for services related to our finances, like online banking, where we can pay our bills, online shopping, etc. And this is the exact target of the cybercriminals: to get access to this information and use it for their personal financial benefit.

Sophisticated malware and ransomware

The threat landscape for Macs is constantly evolving and becoming more dangerous day by day, with cybercriminals developing more sophisticated and advanced malware and ransomware attacks specifically targeted for macOS devices. These malicious programs can bypass our security systems, and slip through the vulnerabilities in our Mac systems. This of course could lead to data breaches, financial losses, system compromises, and some serious consequences for everyone of us. The best thing you can do to stop these potential threats is to equip yourself with a reliable antivirus program, thus minimizing the chances of becoming a victim of these mean and destructive attacks.

IoT and Connected Device Vulnerabilities

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to proliferate, the interconnected nature of devices poses new security challenges and threats for Mac users. IoT devices, such as smart home appliances, Wi-Fi networks, wearables, and connected devices, often have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to gain access to home networks and compromise Mac user security. Securing these interconnected devices and implementing network security are critical steps in preventing the risks associated with IoT vulnerabilities.

Social engineering and phishing attacks

Social engineering and phishing scams continue to pose serious threats to the security of Mac devices, using tactics to deceive users into sharing confidential information or clicking on harmful links. Mac users need to be careful and stay alert when engaging with emails, texts, and internet content. As hackers improve their strategies and develop phishing emails and fraudulent websites,.

In the future, Mac security will require an approach that integrates cutting-edge threats, proactive security steps, and educational initiatives for users. The development of antivirus software for Mac OS X will continue to progress in order to combat threats by utilizing machine learning algorithms, behavioral analysis, and real-time threat intelligence to identify and address Mac malware.

In addition to boosting Mac security, include security features in MacOS and third-party applications, practices such as application sandboxing, secure boot procedures, and data encryption are expected to become more secure ways to protect Mac users from cyber attacks. Additionally, user education and awareness are crucial for the battle against becoming victims of a cybercrime. It is imperative for Mac users to stay informed about emerging threats, adhere to security practices, and understand the importance of updating software while implementing robust password management protocols. Mac users can navigate the changing web space confidently while ensuring protection for their devices and data from cyber threats by recognizing emerging threats and adopting security measures. Collaboration between users, software developers, and security professionals holds promise for the future of Mac security by paving the way for solutions and proactive approaches to creating a safe digital environment.

What are the most common questions that every user has related to his MacOS devices? If you also have such, maybe you have to read these questions first that we will discuss below, and hopefully you will find your answers. Let's see the most frequent questions.

Although Macs are often seen as more secure compared to Windows devices due to their operating systems, they are still susceptible to malware and other cyber threats. As Macs become increasingly popular, they are becoming targets for cybercriminals. Therefore, having antivirus programs installed can offer a level of defense against software and potential online hazards. Blocking these harmful attacks on time and keeping you away from the danger zone.

There is no universal answer to this question. The best antivirus program for Mac depends on your specific needs and preferences, and of course, your budget. The main purpose is to search for reputable antivirus software vendors that offer comprehensive protection against malware, phishing attempts, identity theft, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Consider factors such as real-time scanning, firewall protection, and ease of use when choosing the right antivirus program for your Mac. Thus, you will provide yourself with peace of mind knowing that the chance of becoming a victim of such an attack is minimized almost to zero.

Modern antivirus programs are designed to have minimal impact on system performance, like CPU and RAM usage. However, some antivirus software may need more system resources than others to perform the task and provide you with complete cyber protection.

Yes, antivirus programs are capable of detecting and removing Mac-specific threats, such as malware and ransomware targeting macOS. These antivirus solutions employ advanced detection algorithms and threat intelligence to identify and neutralize these threats before they can cause harm to your system and lead to some serious consequences for you.

Absolutely! It's crucial to have an antivirus program as an element of your cybersecurity strategy. Although antivirus software can protect your Mac from malware and online dangers, it's equally important to stay vigilant and adopt safe browsing practices. This is key to reducing the likelihood of coming across websites falling for phishing scams and encountering cyber risks. You must be careful when interacting with links, downloading content, and sharing details online, even if you have antivirus protection in place.

All antivirus programs provide you with features designed to protect against identity theft, such as identity monitoring and dark web scanning. These features can help detect signs of identity theft, such as unauthorized access to personal information or compromised credentials, and alert you before it is too late.

In fact, yes, the majority of the vendors provide an option for a free antivirus program, and it is related to their free trial period, which in most cases is 30 days. After this period, you will need to make a subscription with a monthly payment. These free antivirus solutions offer you basic protection against malware and other online threats, but they won't be able to provide you with the security capabilities of the paid version, where you will find complete protection against every known cyber threat.

It is essential to keep your software up-to-date, so you will be protected from the newest and most advanced threats. All of the antivirus vendors offer you automatic updates for your protection software included in the subscription package, but it is always a good idea to perform a manual search for the newest updates.

Absolutely! Numerous antivirus programs come equipped with functionalities explicitly tailored to protect you from phishing attempts. These functionalities are capable of identifying and thwarting phishing emails, malicious links and websites, and other harmful content intended to pilfer data or jeopardize your security. When choosing antivirus software, prioritize options that provide advanced protection against phishing attacks. As per the latest research, 30% of the cyberattacks come exactly from phishing scams.

Many companies that create antivirus programs provide ways for customers to get help, like through email, phone calls, or live chat. They also offer resources, user manuals, and FAQs to guide users in solving problems and maximizing the benefits of their antivirus software. To find out how to reach out for support, you can visit the antivirus software company's website, where you will find information on how to contact them when needed.

For years, Mac users have enjoyed a sense of security, believing their devices were immune to the viruses and malware that plagued Windows systems. However, recent research and emerging trends in cyber threats paint a different picture. The question arises: Can Macs get viruses? Let's dive deeper into this topic and explore the latest research findings related to the rise of attacks on macOS.

Macs have long been known for their robust security features and Unix-based architecture, which historically made them less susceptible to viruses and malware compared to Windows users. This notion of Mac invulnerability led to a widespread belief that Macs were immune to cyber threats, resulting in a false sense of security among Mac users. Nowadays, things have changed significantly, and the need for reliable antivirus programs emerges.

Lately, studies and actual events have shown that the belief that Macs are impervious to threats is no longer valid. It has become evident that Mac computers can be affected by viruses and malicious software. Hackers are now focusing more on macOS, launching attacks to take advantage of weaknesses in the system and common Mac applications.

According to recent research, the number of malware and virus attacks targeting macOS has quadrupled in recent years. Cybercriminals are actively developing specific malware attacks and approaches that trick users into downloading and installing malicious software, which then steals their sensitive information and provides it to the cybercriminals, and that could have catastrophic consequences for you.

In the last 5 years, there has been a rise in malware attacks, especially ransomware, which encrypts files on a victim's Mac and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. The bad news is that there is no guarantee that even though you pay the ransom, these criminals will restore access to your information. This is why ransomware is one of the most harmful types of malware that you can be infected with, because if you don't have a backup of your information, there is a real chance to lose all your data in a blink of an eye.

This is one of the most common questions, and unfortunately, it is often asked after the infection has already attacked our computer. If you discover that your Mac has been infected with malware or other malicious software, it can be an unpleasant experience for sure. However, it's essential to remain calm and take proper actions to prevent or minimize the damage and restore your Mac's security. In the following paragraph, we will explore what to do if your Mac gets infected and discuss the steps to follow to effectively handle the situation.

The thing you need to do is disconnect your Mac computer from the internet in order to prevent the malware from communicating with other systems, if there are any, like networks or switches. This will stop the infection from spreading to other devices connected to the same network.

Next, evaluate the scope of the infection and observe for signs of unusual actions or behavior on your Mac computer.

If you are already using antivirus software for MacOS, you have to run a full scan on your computer in order to detect and remove any malicious software that could have been installed on it. After the scan is complete, you need to follow the steps and quarantine or delete the detected malicious files. Here we have to mention again that you must keep your antivirus software up-to-date, because thus you are ensuring yourself that the used antivirus is updated with the latest threat patterns and approaches.

In the event that your Mac is in the advanced stage of the infection, you may not be able to boot the computer manually. In this case, you will need to start macOS recovery mode to troubleshoot and repair your system. You can do this by booting your computer into recovery mode by restarting it and then holding down Command + R until the Apple logo appears on your screen. Afterwards, you can use Disk Utility to repair disk errors or reinstall macOS in order to remove any persistent malware infections on your computer.

After the boot process and disk clean complete, you will need to process a backup of your Mac's data. If you have a recent backup, it would mean that all your information will be restored, but if there isn't a recent one, then you may lose some of the information stored since the last successfully completed backup. To complete this process, you need to use "Apple Time Machine" or another backup solution that you are currently using to restore your computer's data to a previously clean and free of malware state. Another important thing to do when the backup is complete is to process another scan of your restored files to check just in case all the recovered data is clean and there are no more malware files.

After you have restored your data, it is mandatory to change all your passwords, because some of them may have leaked to cybercriminals when the computer was infected. If you don't want to change all your passwords, then pay attention and change at least those that are the most important for you, like email accounts, online banking, social media, and other accounts where you are storing personal information. A tip we can give you is to always use strong passwords with at least 16 characters, including special characters, numbers, and capital letters. You can also start using password managers in order to store them there, and you will also be able to change them a lot easier in case an unexpected event happens.

In order to prevent future malware infections, make sure that all your applications and antivirus software are up-to-date with the latest security updates. It would be very useful to you if you enabled automatic updates related to your macOS and other software to have peace of mind that you would be protected against all known security threat vulnerabilities.

Last but not least, it is critical to practice and learn safe browsing habits in order to reduce the risk of exposing yourself again to different viruses and malware software. Pay attention when opening websites, clicking on links, downloading files, or opening emails, especially where files are attached. Another useful tip we can provide you with is to start using ad blockers in order to prevent malicious websites from popping up and also to automatically stop drive-by downloads.

This article mentioned the emerging need to provide yourself with an additional antivirus program when using a Mac computer because, as we discussed, the built-in protection is not strong enough to deal with modern, advanced, and sophisticated threats. Furthermore, we gave tips and assistance for looking for the right features and tools that a robust antivirus program for Mac should provide you with. Because as we spend more and more time on the internet related to our everyday activities, we need to be one step ahead of the cyber threats that are stalking us around every corner and waiting for the right time to attack us in case of system vulnerability.

We provided you with the best option on the market for receiving robust cyber security combined with backup and cloud options, which can really give you peace of mind that your computers and other devices are protected in the best possible way. The name of the salvation against advanced threats is Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office. By using this protection software, you will be provided with complete cyber security that will cover your back in every scenario of a cyber attack.