- Best Mac Protection Free
- Best Internet Protection For Mac 2016
- Best Protection For A Mac 2016 Release
- Best Protection For A New Wood Deck
- Best Protection For A Female
Short Bytes: fossBytes brings you a list of 10 best free antivirus software of 2016 for different kinds of platforms such as best antivirus for Windows 10, Mac or Android. Also, know which top.
If you’re a new Mac user (or even if you’re not), you might be confused about what kind of security software you do and don’t need. The truth is, for most people, OS X is fairly secure out of the box. And there are a number of programs out there that potentially do more harm than good.
Which Mac security programs can be trusted? And do I really need them? Let’s go over basic requirements for a Mac firewall, anti-virus, cleaning apps and password managers and learn about a few free apps that can be trusted — as well as some apps that probably shouldn’t be.
Firewall: Stick With What’s Built In, Or Buy Little Snitch
Does your Mac really need a firewallDoes Your Mac Really Need A Firewall?Does Your Mac Really Need A Firewall?Dig through your Mac's settings and you'll find a firewall, turned off by default. Isn't that insecure? Why would Apple be so irresonsible?Read More? Probably not. The built-in protection of OS X means any unused port is closed off, so most of the functionality people think of when they say “firewall” is already provided as part of the operating system.
For more control, you can enable the firewall in System Preferences > Security & Privacy to block a few specific apps from using the network. For most users, this is more than enough protection.
If you’re the sort of user who wants precise control over which apps can and cannot access the Internet – and also the sort of user knowledgable enough to use an advanced firewall – look into Little Snitch.
This is probably the best firewall for MacWhich Apps Are Using Your Internet Connection? Find Out With Little Snitch [Mac OS X]Which Apps Are Using Your Internet Connection? Find Out With Little Snitch [Mac OS X]We've shown you how to enable the included firewall in OS X, but it's quite limited. It allows you to block traffic on a per-app basis, but beyond that there's not a lot of configuration...Read More, giving you a fine level of control and access to all networking information while still managing to feel like a native Mac application.
Not everyone needs a dedicated Mac firewall, but if you want one check out Little Snitch first. Just be warned: a lot of programs on your Mac use the Internet, so you’re going to see a lot of warnings when you first start using this. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might end up disabling something you need, so only dive in if you’ve got some time on your hands to look things up and make a bunch of decisions.
Anti-Malware Software: Scan Occasionally With MalwareBytes
Mac malware consistently makes headlines in the tech world, mostly because of its novelty. Decades of arrogant Mac users talking up how they “can’t get viruses” are probably a big part of this, but even without the fanboy factor the relative scarcity of malware on the platform means any bit of malware is going to make headlines.
Best Mac Protection Free
Let’s be clear: Macs can get malware. Some of it is pretty nasty.
Even so, Mac malware is not a terribly common problem for the average Mac user, especially if you’re not the sort of person who seeks out pirated software. When you think you have malware, the problem is almost always something else entirely. And in many cases, Apple’s updates will quietly disable malware on your system without even telling you.
For this reason, I think any kind of always-running anti-malware software is overkill. Paying for and installing something like Norton or Sophos to constantly run in the background and ask you to install updates isn’t just overkill, it could slow down your Mac and potentially cause other problems.
Instead, I recommend periodic scans. If you suspect malware, run though our list of ways to find out if your Mac has a virus3 Signs Your Mac Is Infected With a Virus (And How to Check)3 Signs Your Mac Is Infected With a Virus (And How to Check)If your Mac is acting weird, it could be infected with a virus. How can you check for a virus on your Mac? We'll show you.Read More, then run the free MalwareBytes for Mac just to make sure. If you’re really paranoid, add BitDefender for Mac to the routine as well.
Windows users know that the best anti-malware tool is common sense – Mac users living in the current age of Mac malware would be wise to heed this advice. Don’t pirate software, avoid downloading apps from sites like MacUpdateWhy You Shouldn't Download Mac Apps From MacUpdate Any MoreWhy You Shouldn't Download Mac Apps From MacUpdate Any MoreMacUpdate has joined the dark side, bundling adware into free downloads like Firefox. If you want to avoid this completely, stop downloading apps from MacUpdate.Read More, and generally make sure you can trust a program before running it. If you’re really paranoid, leave Gatekeeper enabled on your MacWhat Is GateKeeper & How Does It Help Protect My Mac? [MakeUseOf Explains]What Is GateKeeper & How Does It Help Protect My Mac? [MakeUseOf Explains]Will your favorite programs ever run again? Certain programs won't load anymore - a message about Unidentified Developers shows up instead. There isn't even an obvious option to run the app. Gatekeeper just might be...Read More to stop any unauthorized program from running. Walled gardens are maligned by power users, but they’re pretty safe for everyone else.
One more note: Mac ransomeware sometimes pops upMac User With Ransomware? How To Easily Remove This 'Malware' ThreatMac User With Ransomware? How To Easily Remove This 'Malware' ThreatThe FBI Ransomware didn't only affect Windows users; Mac owners were conned into paying up. Ironically, however, the OSX version wasn't really malware, but merely a browser popup that is easily removed.Read More, but it’s not actually a Mac-specific thing. It’s just a bit of browser trickery, and the solution is always to restart your browser (use Activity Monitor if things get really trickyWhat Is Activity Monitor? The Mac Equivalent of Task ManagerWhat Is Activity Monitor? The Mac Equivalent of Task ManagerLearn all about Activity Monitor on your Mac and how to use it to check detailed information about your system.Read More).
Cleanup Software: CCleanerFull Version of CCleaner Now Released For The MacFull Version of CCleaner Now Released For The MacNo matter how intuitive and reportedly 'trouble free' Macs are to run, believe me, several months after you add hundreds of files, applications, and download thousands of webpages, your shiny new iMac or MacBook Air...Read More or Onyx
Often when people suspect Mac malware the real problem is a buildup of non-malware issues that slow things down. For this reason it’s a good idea to occasionally clean up your Mac.
But what tool should you use? We’ve recommended time and time again that you should avoid applications the MacKeeperDoes Your Mac Really Need Tools Like MacKeeper?Does Your Mac Really Need Tools Like MacKeeper?System cleaning tools and utility suites aren't just for Windows PCs. But what do these tools do, exactly? And should you use them?Read More, which make big promises before asking you for money to perform simple tasks that other apps do for free.
There are other far more helpful cleanup tools out there. CCleaner for MacFull Version of CCleaner Now Released For The MacFull Version of CCleaner Now Released For The MacNo matter how intuitive and reportedly 'trouble free' Macs are to run, believe me, several months after you add hundreds of files, applications, and download thousands of webpages, your shiny new iMac or MacBook Air...Read More is a simple way to remove all the excess files built up by OS X and popular programs over time.
You can run it without worrying about messing up your system, but it doesn’t give you access to advanced tuneup tools like permissions and maintenance scripts. If you want more control, and access to all sorts of hidden optionsOnyX Gives Access To All Kinds Of Hidden Mac Options [Mac]OnyX Gives Access To All Kinds Of Hidden Mac Options [Mac]Keeping your Mac running in tip-top shape is important. If you use your computer for work, you are going to want it running as fast as possible. Apple actually has all kinds of options available...Read More, Onyx is your best bet. This free app is the Swiss army knife of Mac cleaning tools.
If you want to clean out your Mac, don’t pay for software like MacBooster or MacKeeper. Stick to the above free tools.
Password Manager: Built In, Or Bring Your Own
If your passwords are easy to crack, no amount of security software is going to protect you. Never use the same password twice for critical things like email, file storage, or banking.
It’s a lot to remember, which is why password managers are so important. These let you keep track of long passwords without needing to memorize them yourself.
Apple has started bundling a pretty good one with OS X, and if you have two-factor authenticationWhat Is Two-Factor Authentication, And Why You Should Use ItWhat Is Two-Factor Authentication, And Why You Should Use ItTwo-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that requires two different ways of proving your identity. It is commonly used in everyday life. For example paying with a credit card not only requires the card,...Read More enabled with iCloud it’s a pretty secure way to store all of your long passwords. It even syncs with your mobile devices, if you happen to have an iPhone or iPad.
Some people will prefer a more active approach, which is why we came up with a comprehensive list of different password managers5 Password Management Tools Compared: Find the One That's Perfect for You5 Password Management Tools Compared: Find the One That's Perfect for YouChoosing some sort of password management strategy to deal with the huge amount of passwords we need is crucial. If you're like most people, you probably store your passwords in your brain. To remember them...Read More. I personally use KeePassX because I like manually keeping track of my passwords, but you might prefer something else (1Password and LastPass are great, premium options).
Whatever tool you prefer, make sure you’re not using the same password for multiple critical applications. It will come back to bite you later.
What Mac Security Tools Do You Recommend?
This article reflects my experiences working in IT and writing about Mac software, and we think it’s pretty much all you need to keep your Mac secure (along with a healthy dose of common sense). Of course, you may have your own favourites — and we’d love to hear what you think!
What are your favorite Mac security apps? What do you use them for, and why do you trust them?
Explore more about: Antivirus, Computer Security, Malware, OS X El Capitan, Ransomware.
- I bought a new loaded Macbook Pro in Q3 2012 and put on the free version of Sophos for Mac. It slowed my computer down to a screech. After working with Apple support, which was great, I ended up uninstalling Sophos and my computer's performance returned to normal.Maybe Sophos is better now, but if it hasn't had a major change, I would stay away. A SysAdmin person told me Sophos was a native Windows app that was adapted to work on a Mac. If that is true, it seems like not being a native OSX app would be the cause.
- I use a combination of Sophos for Mac Free Edition, CCleaner, AntiMalware Bytes + Onyx. Also occasionally I run the Shields Up test at GRC.com to see just how stealth my iMac is.
- Good list of Mac utilities Justin!I am particularly fond of OnyX which not only does a great job cleaning up Macs, but also provides a solid second opinion to Disk Utility when you're dealing with a HDD or OS X install that seems to be going awry (and yes you do have to upgrade OnyX when you upgrade your OS as the software is OS X version specific).The Malwarebytes antivirus program you mention is just a re-branded version of Adwaremedic antivirus for Mac (Malwarebytes bought Adwaremedic last year). I've used the previous version for years when cleaning my clients Macs and it's great and lightweight. Since being bought by Malwarebytes it seems to continue to work flawlessly.I would also add that Sophos Antivirus for Mac Home edition is a solid 'real-time' antivirus that doesn't, in my experience, have any negative impacts on machine speeds (unlike Norton, Avast, and some of the other Mac versions out there) and is free for personal use.ClamXAV is also decent, but I used to have issues with the older versions updating virus definitions. They seem to have fixed that in the new versions though.Also, I would definitely would recommend an AdBlocker for every web browser your using, because I've seen a rise in Mac specific scam sights that pop-up when users click on a link (even in top level sites like the New York Times, CNN, or Fox News).Anyway, I thought I'd mention that.Keep up the good work!
- I've been a Cleaner user for some time on Windows but prefer a previously-installed Cookie by sweetP Productions (http://sweetpproductions.com) for, well, cookie control.My Macbook Pro has had Little Snitch installed for years. It takes a little getting used to, as it has the habit of producing pop-up alerts for most all sites. It does offer the feature of allowing outbound connections for session or forever. Trouble is, most times when one visits a site there are usually more than one 'other' site involved.Some years ago I installed 'Namebench', a DNS diagnostic app which can help find faster DNS settings, which involves the brief scanning of over 2,000 URL's. It didn't take me long to learn to turn Little Snitch off, or temporarily disable it in order to allow this multi-scanning process. Failure to disable LS while the scanning goes on means you literally have to allow each and every single site access.
- - Native OS X firewall-Check
- Malware Bytes-Check....add ClamXav & have a separate ADMIN account & all other user accounts including my own do NOT have administrative rights;I do all updates and maintenance from the ADMN account
- Titanium Software's Onyx-Check....add Deeper & Maintenance
-OS X/iOS Native Pass Word Manager-Check...backed up with a hidden & locked paper journal containing all pertinent data
- Time Machine-Check....add periodical full disk backup to separate storage device, hide & lock up
- add...Whole Disk Encryption with native OS X Filevault
- add...https://www.mywot.com/ -Web of Trust Extension to guide you away from the wrong path
- add...An Ad Blocker to each browser that you use - 'Windows users know that the best anti-malware tool is common sense...'
Real Windows users know that common sense isn't enough. Worms can sneak in through open ports and compromise your machine, even if you only visit 'trusted' websites (and 'trusted' websites can be compromised to force in malware).
Windows requires a full-time, running-in-the-background virus/malware scanner, even if Macs don't. Don't let anyone kid you by saying 'I'm smart, so I don't need antivirus.' - You forgot Time Machine, it can save you a lot of headaches if you are so unlucky to get some serious virus. But mostly it's useful to recover data when the user makes some mess by its own.Also, I have a .sparsebundle encrypted volume (you can create one with Disk Utility) where I save all the files I want to keep safe while I use my Macs.Another great utility, for the Chrome users, is Extensions Defender, a simple extension that help you keeping your Chrome free from malicious extensions.
- Since OS X is largely [Free]BSD Unix, the same should apply as what applies to Linux: the only malware that can run without administrative powers is the regular binary, if allowed, otherwise it's bombproof.
- Apologies for my previous comment, the built in updated only gave me version 3.0.1 of Onyx. I followed the link from your article for version 3.1.3 and it is working.
- Not sure what version of OSX you are on , but I am on 10.11.2 and neither CCleaner nor Onyx are compatible. Disappointing because I already had these tools installed and for the most part was already following this article's advice!
- I have been using CClenaer and Malwarebytes for years on mine and my clients Windows PCs. Now I use them on my Mac and on clients Macs.
Brilliant, easy to use and reliable free tools.I just installed the latest CCleaner on my 10.11.2 Mac with no issues, it runs fine.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Most Popular:ProCase Rubberized Hard Case at Amazon, “Works to keep the weight and thickness down, adding just eight ounces overall and 1.2 millimeters in thickness.”
- Best Rugged Use:Urban Armor Gear at Amazon, “Overall protection matches military drop-test standards for the ultimate in protection.”
- Best Splurge:Twelve South BookBook at Amazon, “The leather design adds a premium look and feel.”
- Best Style:Fintie Protective Case at Amazon, “The polycarbonate shell interior is composed of premium synthetic leather for a beautiful look while doubling up protection.”
- Best Budget:Mosiso MacBook Pro 15-Inch at Amazon, “The polycarbonate material is both flexible and durable, adding minimal weight and thickness.”
- Best Protection:i-Blason at Amazon, “A heavy-duty solution for those who want a rugged and protective cover without spending a fortune.”
- Best Value:SmartShell Case at Amazon, “Able to withstand up to 34 pounds of total force without breaking.”
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: ProCase Rubberized Hard Case Shell Cover
2.8
Made for both the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro 13-inch models with or without the Touch Bar, the ProCase Rubberized Hard Case Shell Cover is a great choice for protecting your pricey machine. Available in a variety of colors, the ProCase works to keep the weight and thickness down, adding just eight ounces overall and 1.2 millimeters in thickness without interfering with any of the MacBook Pro ports. The finish of the soft rubberized coating helps avoid scrapes and scratches, while the included matching keyboard cover helps protect Apple’s beloved keyboards against grime, dirt and crumbs. The bottom portion of the case adds two ventilating rows that allow heat to fully disperse across the machine, while four anti-slip silicone feet help keep a MacBook firmly in place on a desk or table.
Best Rugged Use: Urban Armor Gear
5
The Urban Armor Gear is an excellent cover choice for protection against the elements. Featuring a tactile grip that doesn’t prevent air flow, the design is geared for the 13-inch MacBook Pro model from late 2016 and 2017. Once in place on the laptop, the armor shell and impact-resistant bumpers match with a dual lock screen closure for nearly 360 degrees of total protection. Overall protection matches military drop-test standards for the ultimate in protection against scratches or abrasions. If a drop does occur, the Urban Armor Gear helps transfer any impact away from the laptop and allows it to spread through the outer shell, while the dual-lock screen closure ensures the MacBook stays closed to prevent any damage to the display.
Urban Armor Gear MacBook Pro 13-inch Laptop Case Review
Best Splurge: Twelve South BookBook
4.4
Part case, part cover, the Twelve South BookBook is one of the most popular accessories manufactured for Apple’s popular laptop line. Crafted out of genuine leather for a sophisticated look, the hardback cover and reinforced spine help protect the laptop and have added impact absorption for extra peace of mind. A soft microfiber lining the inside of the BookBook prevents scratches on either surface of the computer, while the leather design adds a premium look and feel. Dual elastic bands inside the bottom cover help keep your laptop firmly in place during use. As an added bonus, Twelve South includes a special compartment underneath the tab of the rear cover for a hidden pocket that’s perfect for sketches, reports or other important documents.
Best Style: Fintie Protective Case
4.6
If style means as much to you as protection, the Fintie Protective Case is the best MacBook cover you’ll find today. Designed with the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2016 & 2017) in mind, Fintie adds a variety of colors and style to fit every personality and mood. The polycarbonate shell interior is composed of premium synthetic leather for a beautiful look while doubling up protection against fingerprints, scratches or slipping on desks or tables. The overall design doesn’t inhibit the opening or closing of the laptop in any way while and doesn't block access to ports.
Best Budget: Mosiso MacBook Pro 15-Inch
Budget pricing doesn’t mean budget protection and Mosiso’s MacBook Pro 15-inch case proves this with a hard-plastic shell, plus a keyboard cover that protects against slight bumps and scratches. Available in more than a dozen colors, the Mosiso is designed for the 2016 and 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar specifically and will not fit earlier models. The matching keyboard and screen protector are an excellent bonus value for the budget price, while an included storage pouch is a great place to store a charger, headphone or mouse. The Mosiso’s polycarbonate material is both flexible and durable, adding minimal weight and thickness. The bottom of the case has two rows of slots to help heat quickly dissipate away from the laptop and four rubber feet help avoid slips on a table.
Best Protection: i-Blason
Designed for the 2016 & 2017 MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop with Touch Bar, the i-Blason cover is a heavy-duty solution for those who want a rugged and protective cover without spending a fortune. Engineered to be shock-absorbing, the ridges that run around the laptop add a new level of protection complete with beveled edges to protect against bumps and bruises and small drops. The heightened level of protection is boosted by an easy-to-use snap-on case that provides a full 360 degrees of defense and includes a fully vented bottom for safe heat disbursement. Additionally, rubberized corners assist in avoiding slips on a desk or table, as well as allow for increased airflow. Access to the MacBook’s ports is completed uninhibited by the bumpers and an included screen protector helps keep your investment safe from scratches.
Best Value: SmartShell Case
Speck’s long been a leader in the MacBook Pro cover space and for very good reason. Their SmartShell Case covers are among the best-regarded models available. A terrific combination of durability and fit, the SmartShell more than stands up to scratches, punctures and dents without breaking a sweat. The case is billed by Speck as being able to withstand up to 34 pounds of total force without breaking, which is a believable promise from such a strong name in Apple accessories. Installation takes seconds and snapping off the case for cleaning or dusting is just as easy. Rubberized feet on the bottom of the 13-inch MacBook Pro model (2016 & 2017) help avoid sliding on smooth surfaces, while the variety of colors offers another way to personalize your laptop. It's manufactured to be 47 percent stronger than Speck’s previous generation cover.
Tested by
Best Internet Protection For Mac 2016
How We Tested
We bought four of our readers’ favorite MacBook covers that our reviewer tested for 132 hours. We asked our tester to consider the most important features when using these MacBook covers, from their protection level to their style. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a MacBook Cover
Level of protection - If you’re mainly using your laptop at a desk, then you may not need the level of protection that someone who is taking their machine out and about does. If you’d like the maximum amount of protection just to ensure that your machine is well taken care of, just be aware that these covers are often on the more expensive side.
Style - While protection is certainly the most important feature, it would be disingenuous to say that the aesthetics of the cover don’t matter. After all, the most rugged cases are often less than gorgeous. But if you want to make sure you don’t mess up your MacBook’s style, then there are covers that can provide for that.
Model - MacBooks are well-known for being long-lasting computers. That means you may still be using a MacBook that’s been around for five years or longer. However, these machines are regularly redesigned, which means it’s important to make sure the case you choose is compatible with your specific MacBook. A snug fit is crucial for good protection.
Test Results: ProCase Rubberized Hard Case Shell Cover (Most Popular)
2.8
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Lots of color options
- Inexpensive
According to our tester, this cover can’t compare to others on the list in terms of quality, but it is an inexpensive, basic option for your MacBook Pro with the bonus of being available in a lot of different colors. The negatives? “You can see dirt, dust, and fingerprints after little use,” our reviewer explained. Plus, she said the “fit is not snug” and “the keyboard cover doesn't stick seamlessly onto the keyboard.” In the end, our tester concluded, “[It’s] inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.”
Test Results: Urban Armor Gear (Best Rugged Use)
5
What We Like
- Super durable
- Great fit
- Compatible with Touch Bar and non-Touch Bar models
Our tester highly recommended this cover “for someone who is particularly accident-prone or who doesn't care for their computer appropriately.” With a military drop-test rating and a good grip, this MacBook cover is super durable, according to our reviewer. However, while she called it “thoughtfully designed overall,” our tester noted, “I would make it less difficult to get off and less difficult to open the snap closure because these things are a hassle in the current design.”
Test Results: Twelve South BookBook (Best Splurge)
Best Protection For A Mac 2016 Release
4.4
What We Like
- Made of genuine leather
- Additional storage for documents
- Soft interior absorbs impacts
Best Protection For A New Wood Deck
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Design won’t appeal to everyone
- Bulky
“An interesting hybrid of a laptop sleeve and shell case, the Twelve South BookBook V2 is designed to look like a gently-used vintage book,” our tester explained. While this disguised look will appeal to some users, others might find it “tacky,” our reviewer noted. She also said it is “very expensive.” Still, our tester thought “the build and materials of this case are hard to beat.”
Test Results: Fintie Protective Case (Best Style)
4.6
What We Like
- Fits snugly
- Easy to put on
- Nice design
- Great value
Best Protection For A Female
This case came highly recommended by our tester for its secure fit, quality design, and overall value. “The combination of synthetic leather and plastic offers durability, which is paramount for a laptop case,” she said. Plus, our reviewer liked how easy it is to take on and off. She didn’t have many negatives to report, but noted, “It likely won't protect against major drops.” The takeaway? “It's great bang for your buck,” she said.