Bitdefender is easy to download from the Mac App Store and, after granting it access to your security settings in System Preferences and full disk access, it’s set to go. It is able to update its virus definitions in a timely manner and lets you choose between one of three scans: a Quick Scan, Deep Scan and a custom scan of files and external volumes as needed. The program comes with an effective anti-theft function, which allows you to detect and play an alarm on your device remotely, remove its contents, and stop it from connecting to wifi networks.
It also has an online knowledge base that includes articles and videos. A fast custom scan on my test device took just 5 minutes. It’s also one of the few rivals that have an vulnerability scanner that can check your device for weak passwords and outdated software It also comes with a handy scheduler for quick custom scans.
Overall, Bitdefender is one of the best malware scanners. It has consistently delivered impressive results in independent lab tests. It has the best spyware detection rates and a broad array of protection options, including a password manager and parental controls. It also offers machine protection in a lot of its plans for business, which is a significant advantage over competing services.
Bitdefender’s interface is simple to use and divides its features into three categories three categories: Privacy, Protection and Utilities. Protection is the part of Bitdefender that covers the common features of most antivirus software, such as real-time protection, firewall monitoring and countermeasures against ransomware. Privacy addresses ways to be secure while surfing the internet, for instance a safe browser (designed with shopping and banking sites in mind) that runs websites within the sandbox and stops malware from infecting your normal internet browser. And the Utilities category includes optimization tools as well as other useful utilities.