To provide an additional layer of protection, macOS incorporates a component called Gatekeeper. This feature examines every app for malware during the installation process and also performs periodic checks each time the app is launched. Furthermore, Gatekeeper analyzes non-malicious apps for potential security issues. Starting from macOS Catalina, apps are required to obtain permission before accessing critical areas of the system. Additionally, in Catalina, the operating system is stored on a read-only drive partition that is separate from other programs.

In the macOS environment, apps are isolated and restricted to accessing their own allocated resources. This security measure prevents viruses from modifying other programs and banking Trojans from reading browser memory to steal private data. Even if an app manages to breach this isolation and access another program’s memory, features such as ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) make it difficult to find any valuable information stored in memory.

While many PC manufacturers exist, Macs are solely produced by Apple. This grants the company complete control over the hardware, including the T2 chip found in newer Macs. The T2 chip establishes a Secure Enclave, a highly protected memory region that is inaccessible to any process not associated with macOS. Moreover, it manages features like Touch ID and encrypted storage.

Despite the various security measures in place, macOS malware does exist, and significant attacks have occurred in recent years. For instance, in 2021, the silver Sparrow malware downloader managed to infect 30,000 Macs before it was detected. The notorious LockBit ransomware also expanded its reach to target Apple Silicon Macs. Additionally, potential hackers can acquire malware such as the Atomic macOS Stealer, designed to access keychain passwords and other sensitive data, for just $1,000. There have even been instances of crafty Trojan-style PDF viewers that functioned normally until triggered by a specific PDF file. The list of such incidents goes on.

While Macs are generally considered less susceptible to malware compared to Windows PCs or Android devices, the notion that Macs are immune to malware is undeniably false. Unlike Windows, macOS does not include a built-in antivirus utility. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you obtain antivirus protection for your Mac if you haven’t done so already.

In fact, iOS has become so secure that it is virtually impossible to create antivirus software specifically designed for the platform. A report by Malwarebytes from a couple of years ago noted a significant increase in macOS malware but stated, «On the iOS side, malware exists, but there’s no way to scan for it.» The report further explained that the majority of iOS malware is associated with nation-state efforts rather than posing a threat to the average user.

Even when malware developers or researchers manage to create iOS malware, it tends to have significant limitations. For example, the checkm8 technique discovered in 2019 enables a partial jailbreak of older iPhones from the iPhone 4s to the iPhone X. However, implementing checkm8 requires physical access to the phone, which must be connected to a desktop computer. Another technique called NoReboot allows malware to persist through an iPhone reboot, but it achieves this by deceiving the user into believing the phone has rebooted when it hasn’t.

There is no need to search for a collection of iOS antivirus products because it simply doesn’t exist. If you exclusively use iOS (and iPadOS) devices, you generally do not require antivirus software. However, it is still advisable to use an iPhone VPN in certain moments.

Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS all include protection against malware, in one way or another. For some, protection takes the form of a full-on antivirus. For others, security is baked into the OS thoroughly enough that malware has a hard time doing anything. Either way, you can improve your protection by installing a third-party antivirus.

What should I consider regarding the built-in VPN on my phone?

Many readers have asked about utilizing the free VPN built into their iPhones. While there is a VPN configuration page in the Settings, it cannot be used without manually setting up a VPN profile, which can be a complex process. The key component of this profile is the VPN server you wish to connect to, and to access that server, you will need to subscribe to a paid service that typically comes with its own dedicated app. Therefore, it is recommended to use a reliable VPN app like ProtonVPN or any other app that suits your needs. This same situation applies to Android devices as well.

If you explore the Settings on your iPhone, you will find a section for controlling your VPN, but it ultimately leads to a dead-end. In the case of an iPhone, navigating to the VPN & Device Management settings only directs you to the «Add VPN Configuration» option, without further functionality. On Android devices (at least on the device used for testing), the VPN settings display as «None.» Unfortunately, this means that your phone does not have a built-in VPN client available.

How can you safeguard your devices using antivirus and VPN?

If you are using a Windows computer or an Android device, it is highly recommended to install a third-party antivirus utility. While Microsoft Defender has improved, it still falls short compared to the top competitors, including the best free options. Similarly, Google Play Protect has proven to be ineffective in providing comprehensive protection.

Despite Mac’s reputation for being resistant to malware, Mac users still need protection. Studies have shown that Macs are being infected at a higher rate than PCs. Therefore, it is important to prioritize security on Mac systems as well.

When it comes to iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, Apple has implemented robust security measures right from the start. The built-in security features make it extremely challenging for attacks to succeed, although not entirely impossible. Due to the high level of security already present on iOS, it is difficult to develop dedicated iOS antivirus software. Instead, focus on allocating the time and resources you saved from not installing iOS protection towards ensuring the security of your other devices.

For comprehensive guidance on initiating the security measures for your devices, please refer to the article «How to Check Your Security Software, Settings, and Status.»

Each of these antivirus solutions offers a range of features to provide users with optimal protection and security. These features include advanced malware protection, real-time scanning, boot time scans, rootkit detection and prevention, firewall protocols, web browser protection, and more. The antivirus software will automatically update itself regularly to block any newly discovered malware.

Furthermore, these antivirus solutions allow users to customize their protection settings according to their unique needs and preferences. Users can choose from various customizable options, such as scheduling scans and detecting suspicious activity. Additionally, most of these programs provide additional layers of security by utilizing features like firewall protocols and web browser protection.

The findings of the report revealed that AhnLab achieved the highest overall score of 97%, followed by Avast with 96%, AVG with 95%, Avira with 94%, Bitdefender with 93%, ESET with 92%, F-Secure with 91%, G DATA with 90%, K7 Computing with 89%, Kaspersky with 88%, Malware Bytes with 87%, McAfee with 86%, Microsoft with 85%, Microworld with 84%, Norton with 83%, PC Matic with 82%, Protectednet with 81%, and Trend Micro with 80%.

These antivirus programs offer comprehensive protection against online and offline malware and viruses without causing noticeable performance impact or excessive resource usage when running alongside other applications.

The report also noted that while most of these antivirus programs have free versions with basic features included, some paid versions may provide additional features like advanced malware detection or parental controls. These added features can be beneficial for specific users or households with young children who require extra security measures while browsing the internet or downloading files from unfamiliar sources.

Overall, antivirus software is essential for all computer users, and it offers a range of features and options that can be tailored to fit any budget or security requirements. Whether opting for the free version or investing in a more advanced paid version, staying informed and utilizing available tools is crucial to protect your computer from potential threats. With the right antivirus software in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your computer is safe and secure while maximizing your online experience.