Bitdefender Free Antivirus For Mac Review

Sep 28, 2021 Bitdefender Free includes an on-demand antivirus scanner (Windows, Mac, Android) along with real-time anti-malware protection and web protection for Windows users. Bitdefender Free uses the same advanced scanning engine as the paid version, and unlike most competitors, Bitdefender’s free antivirus for Windows also includes excellent real-time.

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.

See full list on macsecurity.net. Jul 03, 2019 Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac secures second place in our overall round-up of the best Mac antivirus thanks to its excellent clean-up rate, useful features and low price. There's one major caveat.

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

Antivirus

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 Free Antivirus For Mac Review

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 Extensionis 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

Best Virus Protection For Mac

24/7 Security Updates

Direct Access To Bitdefender Support Team

Intuitive And User-Friendly Interface

Specifications

Operating SystemsmacOS 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!

Bitdefender For Macbook

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 Devicespanel, 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.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus For Mac Review

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.

Bitdefender
  • 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 clickContinue, then click Agree.
  • Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac will be installed in Macintosh /HD/Library/Bitdefender. This path cannot be changed.
  • Click Installto start the installation.
  • Wait until the installation is finished, then clickContinue.
  • ClickCloseto 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.

Version 8.3.0.8Developer Bitdefender
Website. https://www.bitdefender.comBuy

ABOUT BITDEFENDER

Bitdefender is a Romaniancybersecurity and anti-virus software company.[1] It was founded in 2001 by Florin Talpeş who is currently the CEO.[2] Bitdefender develops and sells anti-virus software, internet security software, endpoint security software, and other cybersecurity products and services.

As of 2017, the software has about 500 million users worldwide. As of March 2017, Bitdefender ranks third in the global ranking of Windows anti-malware application vendors by revenue. [3] Bitdefender Antivirus Mac is their entry software application.

Free Antivirus For Mac 10.3

WHY USE ANTIVIRUS

Security is one of the mayor problems for computers nowadays, especially PC systems are vulnerable for attacks by malware or sophisticated ransomware. Past year shows that even companies don’t have the right protection installed on their netword-servers. Ransomware is hot business as is identity theft. Cyberwar is on the edge of becoming a daily threat to anyone really. Even the average user can be faced with some serious (financial) problems when leaving their private stuff ready for anyone to steal. An internet security and antivirus is not something to think about but should have been bought with the computer from day one. Its just no use having regrets when its too late. Better Safe then Sorry is my opinion. So where does this leave us all knowing and understanding that a antivirus software app is needed. There are a number of good software apps on the market even some fair ones for free !

Just to sum up some facts:

_ PC’s are more vulnerable then Macs, Not is essence True, but there are more PC’s sold then Apple Mac’s, which offer a larger market for criminals.
_ In Q3 2016 alone, 18 million new malware samples were captured.
_ The amount of phishing emails containing a form of ransomware grew to 97.25% during Q3 2016, up from 92% in Q1 2016
_ More than 4,000 ransomware attacks have occurred every day since the beginning of 2016.

I hope these figures will put this article and the Bitdefender software in some perspective.

BITDEFENDER ANTIVIRUS 2021 CENTRAL

In order to install you need to setup a Bitdefender Central account and provide the actual serial number to download the software. The Bitdefender Central account will be your place to manage your subscription(s). The application itself will always check in the background the stored information and valid period of the software.

Once downloaded and installed, Bitdefender Antivirus Mac provides a single screen from which all features can be managed and accessed. This makes working with the programme easy and simple in use. The dashboard provides all information whether your device is protected and whether the software is up to date or not.

BITDEFENDER ANTIVIRUS 2020 INTERFACE

Bitdefender being one of the main players on today’s antivirus market disappoints me somehow with their interface. It might be just me being fond of classy looks, but it could be better in my opinion. But I’m glad it points out that ‘ I am safe ” which is a bonus these days.

The preferences are basic choices and settings. ( below) All visible items are valid and easy to understand for any user. System scan is an ‘All or Nothing’ action, as it doesn’t provide a ‘choose your device’ option. The Protection section does provide a ‘custom scan’ !

You can however also perform a single file-scan when you select your file or folder and activate the ‘service’ action with a ‘right click on your mouse’ when the pointer is on the file or folder. Scrol down with your mouse and choose ‘ services’ and you now have the ability to choose ‘Scan with Bitdefender’ from the menu.

Free Antivirus For Mac 10.4.11

WHATS NEW

Advanced Threat Defense
– Bitdefender Antivirus uses a technique called ‘behavioural detection’ to closely monitor active apps. The moment it detects anything suspicious, it takes instant action to prevent infections.

Parental Advisor New
– With Parental Advisor, you can discreetly supervise your children’s online activities to keep them safe. Filter out inappropriate content and keep up with your kids’ location or activities from your web Bitdefender Central account.

Safe Files New
– With Bitdefender Safe Files you can prevent unauthorised changes to your most important files. You simply add folders to the watch list, and Bitdefender guards the files stored in them against ransomware and other types of malware. Only applications that you explicitly trust are allowed access to your Safe Files.

BITDEFENDER ANTIVIRUS PREFERENCES

So whats new in Bitdefender Preferences? This new version with ransomware protection provides the user with some extra choices to make, like Safe Files section to only allow protected locations to trusted applications. The new part of Bitdefender is an active script of Bitdefender checking every application at launch and set its validity to trusted or untrusted/block according to your choice made.

With Bitdefender Safe Files you can prevent unauthorized changes to your most important files. You simply add folders to the watch list, and Bitdefender guards the files stored in them against ransomware and other types of malware. Only applications that you explicitly trust are allowed access to your Safe Files. So this part of preferences is very important and choose wisely what to protect and what not.

This section shows you the choices made for all applications protected files access! Check it from time to time to see if it still requires any adjusting.

BITDEFENDER & COMPETITION

As stated there are a number of antivirus applications on the market, and they all promise ‘ heaven on earth “, but which application is the best out there and at an affordable price? First you have to decide if you need a multi application which will also protect your windows computer, extra firewall, or ransomware protection. All buyers need to rely on third-party virustest results like AV-TEST. Considering the status of AV-TEST, we can be confident their results are full proof.

Their latest review scores as follows:

So, relying on AV-TEST results Bitdefender Antivirus scores really well but missed a few malware’s. The performance loss is marginal all compared. Still Bitdefender scores top marks on any test. Given its full application control I have it as a default Antivirus installed on our 27″ Mac’s.
Updates are regular and a popup tells you when its been applied. All packages behave like this in practice, but Bitdefender is silently running and protecting you in the background. The only time you really notice its AutoPilot is active, is when using an application for the first time. Downloaded or installed by residing applications, it tracks all behavior. A popup will ask you what to do trust or block. Bitdefender also has its own browser protection for Safari, Chrome or Firefox. This added security DOES effect somewhat your browsers performance.

Well it does in my browsers anyway. Should you enable this feature? By default I think its best to leave activated for most users, as there is a large group clicking on anything presented to get where they opted for. I always check/read carefully the full path, its just my nature not to trust internet.

VERDICT

Get yourself the best birthday gift and buy Bitdefender Antivirus Mac or Bitdefender Total Security as these are the best performing and protection software applications around. Bitdefender scores top marks in any test, what’re can you ask for. The added file and Time Machine protection and a great price offers the best deal for now. Just checked the Bitdefender Total Security is set at €39.00 at their store, which makes it unbeatable at present. Minimum system impact and 100% detection, provide all we look for in an Antivirus application.

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