Macs do need security software as devices running Mac OS X are targeted by malware, ransomware and other forms of malicious attacks just like their Windows counterparts. While Windows is the more desirable target, because of its larger userbase, attacks targeting Mac devices have increased in recent years.
Avira Free Security for Mac offers great protection against threats without slowing down the system or using too many resources. The software program is fully optimized for Mac OS X and built on native Mac technology. Browser extensions complement the program’s protections on Mac devices.
Avira Free Security for Mac downloads the latest malware signatures and program updates when the installer is launched; this ensures that it is up to date and capable of protecting the device against the latest threats right from the get-go.
Tests by independent antivirus test organizations confirm that Avira Free Security for Mac offers excellent protection. AV Test gave the software 18 out of 18 points in the three categories protection, performance, and usability in its latest test.
The interface sports a clean look, with options listed in a sidebar for quick access. The main area displays the security status of the system and an option to run a smart scan right from there. Smart Scan checks high profile areas, like the downloads folder, on the device for malware and issues.
Full scans can be run with a click on the “Virus Scans” entry in the sidebar. These take longer as Avira Free Security for Mac is checking every nook and cranny of the system, but they are more thorough and it is a good idea to run full virus scans regularly on a schedule. One scan per week is scheduled automatically, with options to add more quick or full scans to the schedule and run them on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis using the latest virus definitions thanks to the application’s real-time updating functionality.
Files that are unknown are analyzed by cloud technology to determine whether they are not malicious in nature. Results based on these scans benefit all users of the application.
Avira’s scans on Mac offer excellent performance when compared to other security products for Macintosh devices.
Detected files are put into quarantine so that they cannot harm the system. Quarantine management allows users to review these files.
Avira’s Brower Safety Tool is a browser extension that complements the security solution for Mac. It protects against phishing attacks and malicious sites automatically when it is installed, and will also block annoying banners on websites.
Avira Free Security for Mac includes privacy and performance tools next to the protections that it provides. Users may use the VPN service to protect their IP address while on the Internet, and the tracker remover to remove bits of tracking code from websites on the device. There is also a secure password manager for users who want to make their passwords more secure, and a junk file remover that removes file duplicates to free up space.
Users may subscribe to Avira Prime for even more features and premium support.
Closing Words
Avira Free Security for Mac is an excellent security software for Apple Macintosh devices. It offers best of class protection against virus and malware threats, and includes options that you don’t find in other free and even paid programs for the operating system.