Bitdefender is easy to download from the Mac App Store and, after you’ve granted it access your security settings in System Preferences and full disk access, it’s good to go. It is able to automatically update its virus definitions and you can select between a Quick or a Deep Scan. You can also select to scan files and external volumes in a customized location. The program also comes with an effective anti-theft feature that allows you to locate your device and trigger an alarm, take away its items from the internet, and block it from connecting to wifi networks.
The program also comes with a handy online knowledge base that includes videos and a huge collection of articles, and it offers excellent speed for virus scanning – a fast custom scan took only 5 minutes on my test device. It’s also one of the few alternatives that have a vulnerability scan, which checks your device for old programs and weak passwords.
Overall, Bitdefender is one of the best malware scanners. It consistently delivers remarkable results in independent laboratory tests. It has unbeatable spyware detection rates as well as a comprehensive protection suite that includes features like password managers, a quick VPN as well as an anti-tracker, and parental controls. It even includes protection for machines in many of its plans for business, which is a major benefit when compared to other services.
Bitdefender’s interface is simple to use and splits its features into three categories including Privacy Security, Protection and Utilities. Protection covers things that are included with the majority of antivirus software, such as real-time protection such as firewall monitoring, and ransomware countermeasures. Privacy is concerned with ways to be secure while surfing the web. For example an internet browser that is safe and runs websites within a sandbox in order to protect against malware infecting your browser. The Utilities section includes useful utilities and optimization tools.
