Ask this question in a computer shop and you will still occasionally hear the reply "Macs don't get viruses." It is one of the most persistent myths in consumer technology — and in 2026, it is a genuinely dangerous one to believe. The number of macOS-targeted threats has risen sharply over the past few years as the Mac's growing market share has made it an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. This article examines the real threat landscape for Mac users and explains why, and how, you should protect your machine.

Why the "Macs are Safe" Myth Persists

The belief that Macs are immune to viruses has its roots in a historical reality: for most of the 2000s and 2010s, Windows had a far larger market share, making it the far more profitable target for malware authors. macOS also has strong built-in security features — Gatekeeper, XProtect and the sandboxed App Store — that raised the barrier to infection compared to older versions of Windows.

However, the situation has changed significantly. Mac market share has grown to around 20% globally, and in some demographic groups (students, creative professionals, small businesses) it is much higher. That market share has attracted dedicated malware development teams who specifically target macOS.

Real macOS Threats in 2026

These are not theoretical risks. Here is what Mac users are actually facing:

• Adware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): The most common Mac threat by volume. Adware hijacks your browser, injects advertisements into web pages, redirects searches and collects browsing data. Families like Shlayer, Bundlore and Adload have infected millions of Macs globally, often spreading through fake Adobe Flash Player updates or pirated software.
• Info-stealers (spyware): Programs like Atomic Stealer (AMOS), first discovered in 2023 and still actively developed in 2026, are designed specifically for macOS and steal saved passwords from browsers, cryptocurrency wallet data, keychain entries and sensitive files. They are frequently distributed through malicious Google ads and fake software downloads.
• Trojans: Malicious applications disguised as legitimate software. Once installed, they can download additional malware, provide remote access to attackers or silently exfiltrate data.
• Ransomware: While less common on Mac than on Windows, macOS ransomware does exist. ThiefQuest (also known as EvilQuest) was a notable example that combined ransomware functionality with spyware capabilities.
• Phishing: Phishing attacks are entirely platform-agnostic. A convincing fake Apple ID login page or bank phishing site works just as effectively in Safari on a Mac as it does in Chrome on a Windows PC.

Is Apple's Built-in Protection Enough?

Apple provides several layers of built-in protection:

• XProtect: Apple's built-in signature-based malware scanner, updated silently in the background. It detects known malware families but, like all signature-based systems, is slow to respond to new and modified variants.
• Gatekeeper: Prevents the installation of software from unidentified developers unless you explicitly override it. Effective against naive threats but easily bypassed by more sophisticated malware that uses social engineering to persuade users to lower their guard.
• System Integrity Protection (SIP): Prevents software — including malware — from modifying core system files. An important protection but it does not stop malware that operates in user space (i.e., most modern Mac malware).

Apple's built-in tools are better than nothing, but they lag behind commercial antivirus products in several important areas: they do not provide real-time behavioural detection, web protection against phishing, dark web monitoring, a VPN or a password manager. Independent lab tests (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives) consistently show that dedicated third-party Mac antivirus products catch significantly more threats than Apple's native tools alone.

Best Antivirus Products for Mac in 2026

The good news is that all of the leading antivirus suites now offer full-featured macOS clients:

• Bitdefender Total Security: Consistently top-rated for Mac by independent labs. Excellent malware detection with minimal performance impact. Includes VPN, password manager and anti-tracker.
• Norton 360: Strong malware detection on Mac, with the addition of a no-log VPN, dark web monitoring and cloud backup. Parental controls available on Deluxe and above.
• McAfee Total Protection: Full-featured Mac client with real-time scanning, web protection, AI scam detection and identity monitoring.
• Avira Free Security: A strong free option for Mac users who want baseline protection without cost. Real-time scanning, browser safety and a basic VPN are included for free.

The Bottom Line

If you use a Mac and you do not have third-party antivirus software installed, you are exposed to a growing and evolving set of real threats. Apple's built-in tools provide a useful foundation but are not designed to match the comprehensive, actively-maintained protection that commercial security suites offer. Given that many quality Mac antivirus subscriptions cost less than £30/$30 per year — and often cover multiple devices including your iPhone and iPad — there is no compelling reason to leave your Mac unprotected.