While it is a common notion that Macs are not prone to viruses, the truth cannot be farther from this. There have been cases in the past when users have erroneously installed a Trojan on their system. While it is obviously difficult to break through security on a Mac OS, it is still possible and has been done in the past. However, given the lower number of users on Mac, most of the hackers have kept their scope of action limited to Windows. This does not completely rule out a Mac from being at risk in the future, and while you may just about get along fine without an antivirus, having one ensures that your system is at all times safe and your data is secure.
One of the better antivirus developers out there for a Mac OS is Bitdefender Antivirus. Their products make sure that your system is protected at all times, as they maintain updated malware definitions for your system. If you use your Mac at home for just simple browsing, in most cases you can afford to skip getting an antivirus, but if you use your Mac for anything beyond that, you would want to invest in online security, especially given how expensive repairs cost.
Features
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac keeps your computer protected 24/7 as it closely monitors and scans the files on your system and any mysterious change is scrutinized. Bitdefender claims that it works so silently in the background at all times, that you will not notice any slowing down in system performance, making it one of the most memory friendly antiviruses out there. The anti-phishing solution that comes bundled with the package ensures secure browsing on the web and keeps those dodgy links that may attempt to intrude on your Mac out, by giving you a real time alert. It also alerts you in real time in case you are about to visit a page you should not.
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Bitdefender also silently updates in the background, without any user interference, making sure that the malware definitions are at all times kept up to date. You can also individually scan a USB device, and when you insert it to your system, ensuring no potential viruses from that are transferred accidently. The application also keeps in you in loop for anything it attempts to do like updating or fix an issue with an infected file by sending you notifications. While Bitdefender is a resident name when it comes to top antivirus solutions for Windows, it is rated as one of the best out there for Mac as well.
System Requirements and Pricing
You must be running a Mac with OSX version 10.7 or above to be able to install Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. In addition, you must have about 1 GB of RAM and 400 MB space vacant on the hard drive. Your Mac must be connected to the internet for registering as well as receiving updates.
Bitdefender is available to download from its website and you will have to pay $39.95 for a one year subscription, which will allow you to run the service on one system. For an additional $10, you can add up to 3 users. You can also enter your e-mail ID for a trial version just to get a feel of things.
