When it comes to IT security and data protection, Window users and Mac users are as different as night and day. Long time Window users know that going without antivirus software is as crazy as leaving your home open 24/7. A portion of Mac users follow a similar train of thought, while others prefer to live in their own bubble. They believe their devices are 100 percent resistant to malware… and they are treading quite a dangerous path.
Truthfully speaking, the perception that Macs are safer to use than PCs isn’t something that was manufactured out of thin air. Macs have their own built-in security tools called Xprotect and Gatekeeper. XProtect, Macs built-in anti-malware feature, checks all apps downloaded to your device from the Internet, while another built-in feature, Gatekeeper, automatically prevents an app from opening without the user’s permission. These are all great, but they aren’t as comprehensive as they should be.
Confused? Here’s how we came to that conclusion – in June 2019, Mac’s security firm Intego discovered new and multiple types of Mac malware called OSX/Netwire and OSX/NetWeirdRC. OSX/Netwire and OSX/NetWeirdRC are forms of backdoor malware that have capabilities such as logging keystrokes and taking screenshots of an infected Mac, features which allow the Internet intruders that produce these forms of malware to spy on their victims.
You’re probably thinking, Macs built-in security tools can handle that. To an extent, maybe. But there are gaps in the armor that protect Mac users systems. In many instances it’s been proven that XProtect only looks out for a handful of strains of malware.
And that isn’t good. Mac devices need powerful and complete antivirus protection against ALL Mac-related threats.They need an antivirus solution infused with the most innovative technologies that predict, prevent, detect and remediate even the latest cyber-threats. To match and crush the continued growth of new malware strains, MacOS devices need antivirus software with ultra-fast scans and a high detection rate, too. Luckily, BitDefender Antivirus For Mac can do all of that for you.
Why Choose Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac?
Bitdefender is no new kid on the block. The company has been in business for more than 15 years, and has earned a reputable name in malware detection. One of its latest products, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, continues the company’s legacy with its top-notch system protection and tools that guard against ransomware.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac utilizes traditional signature-based detection to keep Macs malware-free.The antivirus solution first unpacks Mac-specific file formats, then does a scan on them to make sure they’re free of suspicious content. Bitdefender also scans unopened ZIP files, and detects and finds PC malware on Macs to stop it from spreading further.
If you rely on your computer for much of your work, and you hate being slowed down, you’ll love Bitdefender’s system-protection scanning feature. When Bitdefender scans your Mac, you won’t know it’s doing its work in the background. It does its job as quietly as possible, keeping user interaction to a minimum.
Lab testing is a common technique used to assess the speed, power, and performance of antivirus solutions. That said, did you know that Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac killed all present malware in tests administered by the Austrian AV-Comparatives independent testing lab in July 2019? Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac also got top marks in German laboratory AV-Test’s evaluations in April and May of 2019.
In your search for the best security solution for your Mac, there are so many options on the market, you may not know which to choose. You know that you need an antivirus, but you don’t know if what you see right now will fit your needs. What to do?
If you’re saying to yourself, “that’s me,” why not try checking out a product’s features first? By sifting through an antivirus program’s key features, you’ll be able to see how the product stands out from other products in the market. When you do this, you’ll realize what feature is most important to you, and what feature you can let go off. This process will help you choose the right security product for you.
Pros
Great Independent Lab testing results
Advanced Anti-Phishing Protection
Strong Browser Protection
Free Daily Encrypted Traffic
Fast, Unobtrusive Scanning Feature
Detects Malware Across Platforms
Cons
No Firewall Tools
No Parental Control Feature
More Expensive Compared To Similar Products From Competing Brands
Key Features
Speaking of product features, when it comes to Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac, all of its features can be summed up in three words: Protection, Performance, and Privacy. Let’s break them down below :
Protection
Bitdefender protects your macOS devices and keeps them safe from new and existing threats
Bitdefender Safe Files
Bitdefender Safe Files prevents unauthorized changes to important files so ransomware or other types of threats can’t compromise them. To access this feature, just add folders to Bitdefender’s watch list. Bitdefender then automatically guards them against ransomware and other forms of malware. Only applications you authorize can access your Safe Files.
Traffic Light Browser Extension
Available for Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, Traffic Light Browser Extension is a free cross-browser add-on that filters your web traffic. It blocks any form of malicious content it comes across immediately. When you search for a topic on the Net, the Traffic Light Browser Extension alerts you to malware and fraudulent websites within your search results. Lastly, Bitdefender Traffic Light lists down website pages and identifies online trackers that analyze and monitor your browsing behavior.
Cross-Platform Malware Detection
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac scans, detects, and removes malware targeting macOS and also threats made for Windows.When you send your files to others, you can be sure the files you send are safe and clean.
Anti-Phishing
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac’s advanced anti-phishing protection can smell scams a mile away. It detects and blocks websites that pretend to be trustworthy, but just want to steal your financial information like credit card numbers.
Performance
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac fights online threats without affecting your system’s speed or overall performance.
Autopilot
Bitdefender Autopilot works as your very own Security Advisor. Autopilot recommends what should be done to improve the security of your device based on the needs of your system and usage patterns.
Fast Scanning
Really, really fast! Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provides you with ultra-fast scans and the best detection rate in the industry.
Privacy
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac helps protect your online privacy, and keeps your personal info safe and secure.
Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender provides up to 200 mb of daily encrypted Internet traffic. When your data is encrypted, it is scrambled, and in unreadable form, and only someone with a key can read or access it.
Anti-tracker
One of Bitdefender ‘s newer features, the Anti-tracker extension, prevents online trackers from collecting your data, and lets you view and manage this information on each website you visit.The Anti-trackers feature also keeps your browsing data far from prying eyes, and helps increase the loading speed of webpages.
Other Features
Blocks And Removes Annoying Adware
Bitdefender Shield
24/7 Security Updates
Direct Access To Bitdefender Support Team
Intuitive And User-Friendly Interface
Specifications
| Operating Systems | macOS X Yosemite (10.10) or later | ||
| Available Free Hard Disk Space | 1 GB Free Space | ||
| Safari | 10 And Later | ||
| Google Chrome | Chrome 56 And Later | ||
| Firefox | 52 And Later | ||
| Bitdefender VPN | Install On Intel-Based Macintosh Computers With MacOS Sierra (10.12 or later) |
How To Use
Think the multi-layered protection and cross-platform malware detection capabilities of Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac will work as an excellent security tool for your macOS device? Then go ahead and try it out!
Learn more about Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac‘s features and current price here.
If you’ve already purchased one, you may follow this detailed and straightforward step-by-step guide to get you started:
Installing Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac :
- To install the Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac, go to https:// central.bitdefender.com.
- Sign into your Bitdefender with your email address and password.
- Select the My Devices panel, then click INSTALL PROTECTION.
- Pick two of these options :
Protect This Device :
- Select this option, then select the owner of the device. If the device belongs to someone else, just pick the corresponding button.
- Click SEND DOWNLOAD LINK.
- Type an email address in the corresponding field, then pick and click SEND EMAIL.
Remember that the generated download link you see is valid for the next 24 hours ONLY. If your link expires, you’ll need to generate a new one. Just repeat the above steps to get a new one.
- On the device you want to put Bitdefender into, check the email account you typed in, then click the corresponding download button.
- Run the Bitdefender product you downloaded.
- Complete the installation steps.
Installing Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac :
To install Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac :
- Click on the downloaded file. This will launch the installer. The installer will guide you on the process.
- Follow the Installation Wizard.
- You will see a Welcome Window. Click continue.
- Next you will see the Subscription Agreement. Read and understand the Subscription Agreement. The agreement is about the terms and conditions under which you may use Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac. From this window, choose the language you want to install the product in, then click Continue, then click Agree.
- Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac will be installed in Macintosh /HD/Library/Bitdefender. This path cannot be changed.
- Click Install to start the installation.
- Wait until the installation is finished, then click Continue.
- Click Close to close the installer window. Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac is now installed!
About Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac
Bitdefender is a Romanian cybersecurity and anti-virus software company that develops and markets anti-virus, Internet security, endpoint security, and other cybersecurity products and services. Bitdefender’s current CEO, Florin Talpes, launched the company in 2001.
Bitdefender uses Artificial Intelligence and other revolutionary technologies, to detect, anticipate, and block all sorts of online threats anywhere in the world, without slowing down the speed of their clients’ operating systems.
A frontrunner in the cybersecurity setting, protecting over 500 million users in over 150 nations. BitDefender has consistently delivered award-winning security products and threat intelligence for people, homes, businesses, and their devices, networks, and cloud services. Everyday, Bitdefender’s employees are guided by the company’s core values – innovation, and passion. Innovation and a deep passion are at the heart of Bitdefender.
Today, BitDefender is the provider of choice and is used in over 38% of the world’s cybersecurity solutions. Recognized by industry, respected by vendors, and loved by customers, BitDefender is the cybersecurity company you can trust and rely on to fight current and emerging threats.
Final Thoughts
After a thorough discussion of Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac‘s strengths, weaknesses, and overall features, we’ve come to the most important question of all..is it a worthy investment?
If you’re looking for an antivirus solution that reacts instantly to online threats with virtually no impact on your system’s performance, you will not be disappointed with Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac. Malware detection is what it is good at.
Bitdefender blocks, prevents, and detects Mac malware better than most programs, and brings an added layer of security to your system through its built-in vulnerability scanner. In addition, Bitdefender keeps files secure, protects your browsing activities, and provides anti-phishing protection. Another feature worth highlighting is Bitdefender’s Autopilot component. If this is your first antivirus solution, or if you are still learning about cybersecurity, the Autopilot feature will keep you up to speed, and keep your device fully protected.
All in all, Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac is a solid choice for keeping your device safe, BUT it’s lacking a few security bonus features, features that exist in Bitdefender’s same price competitors such as Kaspersky, and McAfee. For example, if you are a parent and you’re looking for a program with parental control tools, you might want to pass on Bitdefender, because it doesn’t have that. Firewall protection is also not included in this package, same with webcam spying protection.
In terms of the product’s cost, Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac is slightly more expensive than its contemporaries. A yearly subscription costs $39.99 on a single Mac. To protect two or more systems you’ll need to pay $ 59.99, which is $20 more. Kaspersy costs the same, but you get three licenses for less, just $49.99. Another competitor of Bitdefender, McAfee AntiVirus Plus, costs $59.99 per year, but that subscription includes protection for every Windows, Android, iOS and macOS device you own.
All in all, Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac scores high in terms of speed, accuracy, and multi-layered protection, but doesn’t have a lot of special features such as protection from webcam hijacking, parental control settings, firewall tools, etc. So, if you’re looking for those, we don’t think Bitdefender is right for you. In spite of all that, Bitdefender is still one of the best antivirus programs out there.
After reading this review, did it make you want to purchase Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac? Or are you still exploring and keeping your options open? If you are, feel free to browse other antivirus or internet security software for mac that we’ve listed on our website.
