The F-Secure SAFE is part of the Antivirus Software test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Antivirus Software models like the SAFE are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed. F-Secure Safe Antivirus for Mac is a mid-range security suite with an inflated price tag. In tests, F-Secure returned average scores in malware protection and also impact on system load. An encrypted, password-protected manager, F-Secure Key for Mac helps you handle multiple log-in credentials, proving handy if you constantly forget your passwords.
F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac is a virus solution designed especially to address the concerns of Mac owners. Pros Good malware detection: F-Secure's scan found and removed several malware problems.
It also didn't flag and block programs that we knew were clean, a few of which often get caught up in the sweep a new anti-virus program executes. Easy to operate: F-Secure Anti-Virus is an easy to operate program once you have it installed.
It should not present any difficulty, even for a first-time computer owner to use F-Secure to protect a computer against viruses. Cons Focus on selling: When installing the software, it becomes clear that F-Secure is focused first and foremost on selling you software. The button that allows you to sign up for a trial is hidden well below the fold, with all the options to purchase presented first. You also have to provide a lot of information before you're even allowed to download the trial. Complicated installation: The F-Secure website says that it will email you a confirmation email with instruction on installing the trial after you provide your information. However, you have to first confirm your email address, and then eventually a link to a download will be sent, although this was delayed during testing. When it finally shows up, you get a long, overly complex email instead of a customary download link.
This could all be greatly streamlined. Bottom Line If you can jump through all of the hoops that you need to in order to get the software installed, it is a perfectly serviceable virus protection suite. It works well and effectively finds and eliminates threats within OS X. Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac 2014.