How will a paid subscription to Malwarebytes Plus affect an iMac 24 inch?

karlssongunvor wrote:

Will this paid antivirus protection from Malwarebytes make any essential changes to the computer itself?

None that are of any concern. You will hardly ever notice its presence; it's doing its job behind the scenes.

Is it difficult to uninstall the software?

No

Is it advisable to use this software?

In my experience & opinion, yes.

There is an extension called, "Browser Guard" included with it. Does this extension cause any harm to the browser or computer?

No

Is it advisable to use this extension?

In my experience & opinion, yes.

Would you consider this antivirus software safe for my computer?

Yes. It is a good adjunct to the antivirus protections built into macOS and obviates the need for any mainstream a/v app like Norton, etc. many of which cause more problems than they solve.

Malwarebytes was originally written by a respected member of this support community.

We very often hear from folks experiencing some performance issue that can finally be traced to one or multiple always-on anti-virus/anti-malware apps installed and running on their machine.

Your Mac requires no always-on third-party anti-virus or anti-malware software.

Apple has built these protections into macOS and they are updated regularly.

• macOS security built right in. - Apple Support   

• App Security Overview - Apple Support

Keep your software updated and macOS is capable of keeping itself secure. There is no need to run any anti-virus, cleaners, optimizers or VPN apps. These apps often cause more problems and headache than they prevent because they conflict with the macOS’ built in securities. If you have this type of app installed, you should uninstall it according to the developer's instructions, and use best practices when using your Mac.

If you want to keep your Mac secure, follow this guidance:

• Keep your macOS and other software up to date.

• Don’t click links in email.

• Don’t download apps from unknown websites.

• Don’t disable your Mac’s built in security.

For more info, please see these support documents:

• Effective Defenses Against Malware - Apple Community

• Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts…and other scams - Apple Support 

• Apple Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support

I would recommend against any such software. the only thing paid versions would affect would be your wallet. and, yes, if used sparingly, the free malwarebytes is sufficient. but if you do decide to use malwarebytes, it is best to NOT leave it running in the background constantly. you should only run it only if and when you feel that you may have accidentally installed some malware.

Even with the trial version of Malwarebytes, even when you exit the application, it has a service process continuing to run with a higher resource setting than most applications use. Malwarebytes has an Uninstall on its Help menu. Use it, and then reboot your Mac.

You won't need Malwarebytes if you only download software strictly from original vendor sites and resist clicking any download buttons on other web sites. Apple has hardened macOS against malware for you and all of the cruft that should worry a Windows user simply cannot run on a Mac.

You really don't need the paid subscription version of Malwarebytes. The free version should suffice. I have the free version and run it maybe once a month or so or after I click on a questionable email or text. If you practice the recommendations in these two user tips, Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support,  you should have no need for even Malwarebytes.

I for got to add: there are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   

Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.

There is one app, Malwarebyts which you already have, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.