Apple machines are not immune to viruses. In fact, the macOS user base is so small that few cyber criminals bother to write viruses that can target Apple machines. Another reason is that macOS is based on Unix, which means it is a “sandboxed” system. In other words, a virus would be trapped in a specific part of the operating system. ..
Macs are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals, but because macOS is formatted in a way that makes it difficult for antivirus software to detect and protect against threats, Intego recommends using a specialized antivirus to ensure your system is fully protected. ..
The first thing to note is that there are two versions of Intego: one for Mac called VirusBarrier X9 and another version called Intego Antivirus. This review is for the Mac version. The second thing to note is that both versions of Intego have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Mac version of Intego has a few advantages over the other version. For example, it can be more effective at blocking viruses from spreading, which is important because many viruses are spread through email. Additionally, the Mac version of Intego is more user-friendly than the other version, making it easier to use than other antivirus programs. However, the Mac version of Intego also has some disadvantages. For example, it can be more difficult to find and use certain features than the other versions. Additionally, it may not be as effective at preventing viruses from spreading as some people might hope.
Installation and Setup
Intego’s VirusBarrier X9 installation process took a bit of time and required a restart after installation. The issue arose when the program crashed at the restart phase and the entire machine had to reload. However, beyond that one hiccup, the program worked flawlessly afterwards. ..
VirusBarrier X9 is a virus scanner that requires deep-level permissions in order to fully scan the system. ..
Intego has released two bundles that include VirusBarrier X9: the Intego Mac Internet Security X9 bundle and the Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9. The Mac Internet Security bundle includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9, while the Premium Bundle includes ContentBarrier Secure X9 and Washing Machine Secure X9. ..
The Intego Mac Internet Security X9 bundle is a more affordable option for single-machine users. ..
Performance
Intego VirusBarrier X9 is a basic antivirus program that has the basics you’d expect from an antivirus program. You can schedule scans at specific times, enable safe browsing to protect yourself from potentially dangerous websites, and perform quick scans and more in-depth full scans.
The Quick Scan option can speed up your search for files by scanning the surface of your drive quickly. This is especially useful if you have a lot of files and want to find them all quickly.
The Full Scan is more thorough and takes significantly more time. However, it is also much more warning-filled. If it finds any infected files, the Full Scan will warn you immediately.
You can enable Real-Time Scanning that will constantly monitor your system for threats. It provides three options upon finding an infected file.
- Remove the infected file immediately.
- Warn the user and offer them a choice to either remove the infected file or continue using the computer with caution.
- Report the infection to a security service for further investigation. ..
If you choose to scan the file, the scanner will ask what to do. If you choose to place the file in quarantine, the scanner will attempt to repair it. If you choose to ignore the file, it will remain in its current state. ..
Intego offers a way to protect privacy by setting aside files that will not be scanned by the Intego scanning software. This can help avoid errors on programs that trigger virus warnings without causing any harm.
To update your malware definitions, select the text in the top-right corner of the VirusBarrier X9 interface to check for updates.
The VirusBarrier X9 app gives users the ability to detect a wide variety of malware, but they can also choose what types of files they want it to look for (or not look for.) For example, most macOS users won’t need the program to look for Windows malware, but it doesn’t hurt to leave it enabled just in case.
You can scan with low priority to reduce the amount of time your computer spends scanning for viruses. This will also reduce the amount of time your computer has to spend trying to warn you about potential threats.
How It Compares
VirusBarrier X9 is a powerful program that can help protect your computer from viruses. However, there are other options available that can also help protect your computer from viruses.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a popular option. It has a lower face value than Intego at $30 for the first year, but covers only 3 devices versus Intego’s 5. It includes a VPN for more secure web browsing, as well as Time Machine protection—something VirusBarrier X9 does not cover. ..
Kaspersky has been a name in the antivirus game for as long as the software has been around, and its Mac software backs that up. At $40 per year for 1 Mac, it carries a slightly higher price than Intego, but it includes a number of interesting features including an encrypted browser for online transactions.
Kaspersky has a range of features that would appeal to parents, including “bad content” blockers and trackers for mobile devices.
Avast’s Mac software has anti-ransomware features that are built in and will also probe your Wi-Fi network for weaknesses, as well as intruders. It also uses real-time updates to protect against phishing sites. ..
The NetBarrier software is a security tool that helps you keep your computer safe by tracking network activity and providing you with a way to not only see where the traffic is coming from, but block it. You can also set up multiple profiles for when you’re using your machine at home, at work, or on a public hotspot.
Intego Antivirus is a basic antivirus program that will help protect your machine, but it lacks features compared to some of the more popular programs. VirusBarrier X9 is a dedicated antivirus program that needs to be installed separately to be a competitor against larger names.
The Internet Security bundle is a great option for users with a dedicated machine, but anyone that has children will want to look at the Mac Premium Bundle for the full range of software to help protect your children—and your computer—from threats on the web.
Intego is offering a 50% discount to anyone who purchases the software through this link. This offer is only available for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage of it! ..
