Intego Antivirus for Mac Review: Is it really needed?

Explore our in-depth review of Intego Antivirus for Mac to discover if your Apple device indeed benefits from extra protection.
Intego Antivirus for Mac Intego Antivirus for Mac

Apple devices are known for their strong security. But, do you really need Intego Antivirus for Mac? Many Mac users wonder if extra protection is worth it, especially with macOS’s built-in security. We’ll look closely at Intego for Mac to see if it’s worth the cost for better Apple device protection.

Some people question if third-party Mac antivirus software is worth the money. Intego costs $24.99 for the first year and $49.99 each year after. With many products like Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and the Mac Premium Bundle X9, choosing can be tough.

Intego was named the best Mac antivirus software by many. It’s praised for catching 99.4% of Mac malware. We’ll compare it to Norton and Bitdefender to see if it’s a must-have or just extra security.

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Introduction to Intego Antivirus for Mac

Intego Antivirus for Mac is special because it focuses on Macs first. This is key for keeping your Mac safe online. Unlike many antivirus tools, Intego has been perfecting its protection for Apple devices since 1997.

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Overview

Intego’s suite includes VirusBarrier for top-notch malware detection and NetBarrier for network security. With Intego Mac Security X9, you get all the tools you need to protect your Mac.

Intego is trusted by 34 million people worldwide. It blocks 56 million threats every day and protects 28 million devices daily. Its ability to fight Mac-specific threats has made it a leader in cybersecurity.

Key Features

Intego Antivirus offers many features to boost Mac internet security. Here are some key points:

  • Real-time Scanning: VirusBarrier scans over 170,000 files in just over a minute and 800,000 files in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. It’s great at finding malware.
  • Configuration Options: You can adjust settings to fit your needs. The setup assistant helps you understand Antivirus, Firewall, and more.
  • Monitoring and Logs: VirusBarrier tracks services, traffic, and network activities. This helps in understanding threats better.
  • Email and iOS Scans: It scans not just your Mac but also external drives, emails, and iOS devices.

Intego’s features are deep, from quarantining threats to blocking ransomware in real-time. It’s priced well, starting at $19.99 per year. The premium bundle is $34.99. Intego Mac Security X9 is a great choice for better Mac internet security.

Setting Up Intego Antivirus for Mac

Setting up Intego Antivirus on your Mac is easy, no matter your experience level. From downloading the disk image file to setting up real-time scanning, each step is designed to be simple. Let’s look at the installation process and the user interface and ease of use.

Installation Process

The first step is to download the disk image file from Intego’s website. Once you run the installer, you can choose to install or uninstall. This lets you tailor the antivirus setup to your needs. After giving permission to access files, the software updates virus definitions and sets up real-time scanning and network monitoring.

Intego works with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and later. It’s compatible with many Mac models. A computer restart is needed after installation, which is different from other antivirus setups. This ensures the software is fully integrated into your system’s protection.

Integrating Intego Antivirus on Mac

User Interface and Ease of Use

The Intego user interface looks great with macOS, making it easy to use. It’s designed to be simple, even for beginners. The Intego antivirus setup offers different protection levels, with a standard level for most users.

Intego Net Barrier asks you to choose your network type. It then adjusts your security settings. You can also control which apps have network access. This adds more security to your Mac.

Intego Price and Subscription Plans

Intego offers different antivirus subscription plans to meet various needs. The basic plan starts at $39.99 per year for one Mac. For up to three Macs, it’s $54.99, and up to five Macs costs $69.99 per year. Longer commitments, like a two-year license for one Mac, can be bought for $74.99.

Standard Pricing

The standard price for Intego antivirus for Mac is $49.99 USD per year for one license. But, there are antivirus subscription plans that offer savings. A three-license subscription is $66.99 annually, and a five-license subscription is $84.99 per year. This gives a better deal per device.

Comparative Pricing

Intego is more affordable than Norton and McAfee. Norton’s five-license subscription costs $104.99 annually. It includes a full suite of protection and extra services like VPN. Intego’s firewall is included in the main package, without extra cost. For basic protection, free options like Avast, AVG, and Avira are available for Mac.

Additional Available Bundles

Intego also offers Mac security bundles like the Mac Premium Bundle X9. This bundle includes antivirus protection and tools like Mac Washing Machine for system optimization. It also has Personal Backup for data protection. These features make Intego’s bundles a complete solution for security and performance.

Intego Performance and Impact on System

When we look at antivirus solutions, scan speed and system impact are key. Let’s see how Intego stacks up in these areas.

Scan Speed and Efficiency

The Intego scan speed is fast. VirusBarrier’s Quick Scan takes just 3 minutes and 35 seconds for 270,000 files. A Full Scan finishes in about an hour, checking 1.5 million files.

System Performance Impact

Intego has a small footprint on your system. It doesn’t change Geekbench 5 scores after installation. But, scanning does slow things down a bit.

Full scans reduce performance by 34%, while quick scans drop it by 3%. This shows Intego’s balance between fast scans and thorough checks.

Real-time Scanning

Real-time malware scanning is a key part of Intego’s defense. It checks new files and drives right away, catching threats quickly. Though it sometimes misses malware, its scanning keeps getting better to protect against threats.

Intego Virus and Malware Detection

Intego’s VirusBarrier Scanner is top-notch for finding viruses and malware on Macs. It offers ‘Maximum Protection’ and ‘Essential Protection’ options. This makes it easy to manage viruses.

Mac-specific Threat Protection

Intego is great at fighting Mac-specific threats. Its VirusBarrier Scanner can spot OS X and macOS malware well. It keeps virus definitions up to date before scanning, staying ahead of threats.

Windows Virus Detection

Intego also protects Windows viruses. This cross-platform protection stops malware from spreading between systems. It’s perfect for homes and businesses with both Macs and PCs. Intego detected 99.4% of 300 malware samples on a MacBook, with no false positives.

Quarantine and Removal Efficiency

The quarantine in Intego VirusBarrier Scanner is a standout feature. It isolates suspicious files, letting users decide what to do with them. This is key for malware quarantine and handling threats.

Intego is very good at removing malware, but it might face some limits. This is because of Mac App Store sandboxing rules. Still, it’s a solid choice for keeping your system safe.

Intego Firewall and Network Security Features

Intego Antivirus for Mac has a strong focus on network security. It uses Intego NetBarrier to watch over incoming and outgoing network traffic. This firewall flags any suspicious attempts to communicate.

Users can adjust network profiles and control app permissions. This gives them real-time protection and alerts about their Mac’s network actions. NetBarrier X9 is flexible, changing its settings based on where you are, whether at work or in public.

Intego NetBarrier is key for Mac firewall protection. It’s essential for those who want top-notch network security. The software sends alerts and lets users control network activities, boosting their confidence in their system’s safety.

It also tracks bandwidth usage and has default profiles for different networks. Whether it’s fighting spyware or monitoring app activity, Intego NetBarrier has solutions for macOS. Its easy-to-use interface makes it simple for anyone to manage their network security management tasks.

In short, Mac firewall protection is a vital part of Intego’s suite. It’s a powerful tool that fits the needs of today’s users. By using Intego NetBarrier, Mac users can rely on over 20 years of security expertise.

Intego User Experience and Feedback

Looking into Intego antivirus user reviews, we find a mix of opinions. Many praise Intego Antivirus for Mac for its strong virus and malware detection. Intego software ratings also show it’s easy to use and fits well with macOS.

AV-Test gave VirusBarrier a perfect score in 2021 for Protection, Usability, and Performance. This shows its strong position in cybersecurity. AV-Comparatives also found Intego caught all 300+ live malware samples in their Mac Security Test & Review.

But, some users have concerns about performance. One user said installing it made their system very slow, worse than other products. This suggests Intego’s strong protection might slow down some systems.

Despite this, many still like Intego Antivirus for Mac. They praise its easy-to-use interface and how it doesn’t get in the way. This makes it a great choice for many users.

Some users suggest sticking with macOS’s built-in security. But, the many positive Intego antivirus user reviews often outweigh this advice. Others prefer Malwarebytes, showing different opinions.

In short, while performance is a worry, the overall Intego software ratings and many positive reviews show its worth. Users value its design and performance, making it a trusted choice for Mac protection.

Intego Comparative Analysis with Other Antiviruses

In the Mac antivirus market, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 stands out. It has a 99% Mac Malware Protection rate and 93% Mac PUA Protection. AV Comparatives in June 2024 also found it 100% effective against Windows Malware.

When comparing Intego with other top antiviruses, some differences are clear. For example, Avast Premium Security got 100% protection from AV Test in June 2024. AVG Antivirus Free for Mac also scored well, with 100% Mac Malware Protection and 99% Mac PUA Protection.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Norton 360 Deluxe for Mac are Editors’ Choice winners. They lead in independent lab tests thanks to their strong security features.

Intego does well in basic functions, but some rivals beat it in certain areas. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac got perfect scores from two labs and offers 100% phishing protection. Avast One Gold for Mac is praised for its unlimited VPN and protection against browser fingerprinting.

Norton 360 Deluxe includes a password manager, two-way firewall, and top-notch phishing fraud detection. This shows a range of options for different needs and budgets.

In conclusion, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each antivirus helps users choose wisely. From Intego’s focus on Macs to the broad protection of others, the market offers a wide range of choices.

Intego Security Enhancements in Latest Versions

Intego has made big steps in security lately. These updates help protect macOS from malware better. Users get better performance and safety against cyber threats.

The new VirusBarrier features are getting a lot of praise. AV-Comparatives says they’re very good at catching malware. This is important because there are more threats for macOS.

In 2023, there was a big jump in new macOS malware. This shows how important it is to keep your protection up to date. Intego is always working to keep your Mac safe.

NetBarrier has also been improved. It helps keep your network safe. This means your Mac is protected from threats both online and offline. Intego keeps 28 million devices safe every day.

Intego is also using new ways to find threats. This includes behavioral analysis. They keep updating their software to stay ahead of malware.

Intego’s updates make sure Macs stay safe. The Mac Premium Bundle X9 is a top choice for security. Intego is a leader in keeping Macs safe from threats.

Pros and Cons of Intego Antivirus for Mac

When looking at benefits of Intego and its downsides of antivirus for Mac, we must consider its main strengths and weaknesses.

Intego’s main benefits include its features tailored for Macs, ease of use, and strong malware protection. It offers manual and scheduled scans, a two-way firewall, and tools like Mac Washing Machine and Personal Backup. Its firewall, NetBarrier X9, provides better security than Apple’s firewall, with options for customization.

Intego’s security suite, Intego Mac Internet Security X9, includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9. It has a high detection rate and doesn’t slow down your Mac. It also has ContentBarrier for detailed parental controls.

But, there are important downsides of antivirus for Mac to think about. It sometimes misses certain malware and lacks full phishing protection in emails. Some users say it can slow down their system. It also doesn’t have all the web protections and email anti-spam features some want.

Despite these issues, Intego does well overall. It offers 24/7 protection, firewall features, and tools for keeping your Mac in top shape. It also doesn’t bother you with too many upsells, focusing on the basics.

In conclusion, this Intego review summary shows Intego Antivirus for Mac is a solid choice. It has useful features and balances performance with protection well.

Common Misconceptions About Mac Security

Many people think Macs are safe from threats, leading to a false sense of security. But, history and current trends show this isn’t true. We need to look closely at Mac’s security and the value of extra protection.

Built-in Mac Security Features

Apple has set up Gatekeeper and XProtect to keep Macs safe. Gatekeeper checks apps before they install, and XProtect scans for malware. Yet, there are still risks.

For example, the OSX/Flashback malware hit over 600,000 Macs. There have also been other threats like the 2006 worm and recent malware like Flashback and Pintsized. These show that Macs are not completely safe.

Even with these protections, Apple’s systems can be bypassed. Gatekeeper can be tricked, and XProtect might miss new threats. As more people use macOS, the risk of malware grows. The AV-TEST report shows malware for macOS has almost tripled in recent years.

Additional Layers of Protection

With more threats out there, some users look for extra protection. Solutions like Intego offer real-time scanning and firewall protection. They also update for new threats, adding more security than what comes with the Mac.

In 2019, Mac users saw a 400% jump in malware threats. This was more than Windows users faced. Also, Macs had 9.8 viruses per device in 2019, while Windows PCs had 4.2.

Weaknesses like Meltdown and Spectre show the need for extra security. Also, sites that spread unwanted programs are another risk.

There’s a debate on whether Mac’s built-in security is enough. Or if adding extra protection, like Intego, is better. The choice depends on what each user feels is right for their needs and how much risk they’re willing to take.

Intego Verdict

Intego Antivirus for Mac is a strong choice for Mac users wanting better security. It goes beyond what macOS offers. It has features made just for Macs, showing its worth.

Macworld UK gave Intego Mac Internet Security X9 a perfect 5-star rating. This shows it’s reliable and works well. It was also the best antivirus for Mac in 2018, beating nine others.

Keir Thomas praised its real-time scanning and quick alerts. This keeps users safe from threats all the time.

Intego has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity. It protects Macs, PCs, and iOS devices. It also has real-time alerts and doesn’t slow down your system.

It offers detailed threat reports and lets you choose your protection level. Plus, it updates automatically. Intego’s Antivirus for Mac is a top choice for keeping your Mac safe.

FAQ

Q: What is Intego Antivirus for Mac?

A: Intego Antivirus for Mac is a security software made for macOS. It protects against malware and network threats. It has features like two-way firewalls, VirusBarrier for scanning, and NetBarrier for network filtering.

Q: How does Intego Antivirus for Mac compare to other antivirus software?

A: Intego is made for Apple devices, unlike many antivirus programs. It works well with macOS and offers a two-way firewall. But, some programs might be better at stopping phishing.

Q: Is Intego Antivirus for Mac compatible with older macOS versions?

A: Yes, Intego works with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and newer. This means it can be used on many Mac models.

Q: What are the key features of Intego Antivirus for Mac?

A: Key features include VirusBarrier for real-time malware detection and NetBarrier for network security. It also has two-way firewalls, scans external drives, checks emails and iOS devices, and has a user-friendly interface.

Q: How is the installation process for Intego Antivirus for Mac?

A: Installing Intego is easy. You just need to give it file access, then it updates and sets up scanning and monitoring. But, you’ll need to restart your system after installing.

Q: How much does Intego Antivirus for Mac cost?

A: Intego Mac Internet Security X9 costs .99 for the first year. It has different prices for more devices and longer subscriptions. The Mac Premium Bundle X9 also includes tools for system maintenance and data security.

Q: Does Intego Antivirus affect Mac system performance?

A: Intego is designed to be light on your Mac, not slowing it down. But, some users have noticed a bit of a slowdown.

Q: How effective is Intego at detecting malware?

A: Intego is very good at finding threats, including Mac-specific ones and Windows viruses. It also has a strong quarantine function to handle suspicious files.

Q: What network security features does Intego provide?

A: Intego’s NetBarrier offers advanced network security. It has a two-way firewall and lets you control app permissions and network profiles.

Q: What do users say about Intego Antivirus for Mac?

A: Users like Intego for its effectiveness and easy-to-use interface. But, some worry about its impact on system performance and keeping up with macOS updates.

Q: How does Intego keep up with new security threats?

A: Intego updates its software regularly to stay ahead of threats. Recent updates have improved its malware detection and efficiency, especially for Mac threats.

Q: What are the pros and cons of using Intego Antivirus for Mac?

A: The pros include strong protection, an easy interface, and a light design. The cons are it sometimes misses specific malware and doesn’t protect against phishing links in emails.

Q: Are Mac’s built-in security features sufficient without third-party antivirus software?

A: Opinions differ. macOS has built-in security like Gatekeeper and XProtect. But, Intego adds extra protection with real-time scanning and firewalls.

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