XProtect Explained: How Your Mac’s Built-in Anti-malware Software WorksĪbout System Integrity Protection on your MacĪpple has in-depth documentation about all of the security and privacy protections baled into their platforms right on their website if you’d like to learn more: Apple Platform SecurityĪnother thing you should consider is that there have been zero OS X viruses in the wild since its initial release back in 2001.Ī computer virus is a type of malicious software that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. Here are a few different technologies included in Apple’s operating systems that restrict access to critical resources and protect you (there are others I haven't bothered to mention): You do not need third-party antivirus software on Macs.Īpple’s modern operating systems are Unix-based operating systems with advanced core architectures and strong multi-layered security and privacy protections designed into the system from the lowest levels up, rather than as an afterthought as with some other mainstream operating systems. It's completely unnecessary and isn't an anti-malware utility.

Mac antivirus program