This doesn’t matter so much with free software where you’ve nothing really to lose but when you’re parting with your hard earned cash you need to know that the software is going to get the job done. You should approach choosing antivirus software as if you were buying a new smartphone or computer - research until you’re absolutely sure you’ve found the right one. Real-time scanning and firewall protection Large database, removes Mac-specific threats So, let’s take a look at the best antivirus software on the market, starting with big guns at the premium end of the market and then top free options. Thankfully, the fact that Macs are Unix-based systems mean they remain a lot more secure than Windows PCs, while Apple’s built-in security features like Gatekeeper do a good job of blocking a lot of suspect software, there is a much greater chance that something will get through and infect your Mac. Because Macs are more popular than ever, they’ve become a more attractive target. This took some people by surprise because macOS has always been seen as a safe operating system. According to a report by Malwarebytes, Mac malware grew by 270% in 2017 and is set to grow even further this year.