I’ve got a Mac, they’re secure so I don’t need anti-virus software do I?

Do Macs need antivirus? Yes! This is one of the most notorious myths in the industry. Any computer is susceptible to viruses and cyber attacks.

FAQ · Mac Security

Yes — Macs need antivirus software, because a Mac is a computer like any other and is susceptible to viruses, ransomware and other cyber attacks; the belief that macOS is inherently immune is a persistent industry myth rather than a technical fact.

Why the 'Macs don't get viruses' myth persists

Macs historically had a smaller share of the business computer market than Windows PCs, so malware authors targeted Windows more often simply because it offered more potential victims. That difference in attacker attention was mistaken for a difference in Mac security. As Mac adoption in business has grown, so has attacker interest, and Mac-targeted malware, adware and phishing attempts are now common.

What Mac protection should include

A reputable, business-grade antivirus and anti-malware product, not just the built-in macOS protections.
The same patching discipline as any other device — macOS security updates need to be applied promptly.
Email and web filtering, since phishing does not distinguish between Mac and Windows users.
Inclusion in the same centralised monitoring as the rest of the business fleet, rather than being treated as a separate, lower-risk category.

How Fresh Mango helps

Fresh Mango Technologies supports mixed Mac and Windows environments across the British Virgin Islands as standard, deploying antivirus, patch management and monitoring to Macs on the same terms as any other device on the network.

Frequently asked questions

Does built-in macOS protection (XProtect) remove the need for antivirus?

No. Apple's built-in protections catch known, previously identified threats but do not provide the layered detection, quarantine and reporting a dedicated business antivirus product offers, particularly for newer or targeted attacks.

Are Macs targeted by ransomware?

Yes, ransomware and other malware families targeting macOS have increased as Mac adoption in business has grown, and a Mac holding business data is just as valuable a target as a Windows PC holding the same data.

Should Macs be included in company-wide IT policies?

Yes. Password, patching, backup and antivirus policies should apply equally across Mac and Windows devices; treating Macs as exempt creates a gap in an otherwise consistent security posture.

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Do Macs need antivirus? Yes! This is one of the most notorious myths in the industry. A Macintosh is a computer. Any computer is susceptible to viruses and cyber attacks. Therefore Macs are not secure. Yes, you need anti-virus on your Mac as one of your critical IT services.