Question:

Is the Bitdefender app for Mac from the App Store safe and authentic?

I downloaded the free version of Bitdefender for Mac from the App Store, but I could not find the same option on the official website. I am worried that I might have installed a malicious software on my Mac. How can I verify the legitimacy and security of the Bitdefender app for Mac?

Answer:

Bitdefender is a well-known and reputable antivirus software company that offers various products for different platforms, including Mac. However, some users may be confused or concerned about the legitimacy and security of the Bitdefender app for Mac that they downloaded from the App Store, especially if they could not find the same option on the official website. In this article, we will explain how to verify the authenticity and safety of the Bitdefender app for Mac, and what to do if you suspect that you have installed a malicious software on your Mac.

How to verify the authenticity and safety of the Bitdefender app for Mac

The first thing to note is that there are two versions of Bitdefender for Mac: Bitdefender Virus Scanner and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. The former is a free app that scans your Mac for malware and adware, and can be downloaded from the App Store. The latter is a paid app that provides real-time protection, ransomware remediation, VPN, and other features, and can be downloaded from the official website or from the App Store.

The Bitdefender Virus Scanner app for Mac from the App Store is safe and authentic, as long as you download it from the official Bitdefender page on the App Store. You can check the developer name, the app icon, the app description, the app reviews, and the app version to make sure that you are downloading the genuine app. You can also compare the app information with the information on the official website.

The Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac app from the App Store is also safe and authentic, as long as you download it from the official Bitdefender page on the App Store. However, you may not find the same option on the official website, because the website only offers the option to download the app directly from Bitdefender, not from the App Store. This is because the App Store version of the app has some limitations compared to the direct download version, such as the inability to scan Time Machine backups, external drives, or network volumes. Therefore, Bitdefender recommends downloading the app directly from their website for the best performance and features.

What to do if you suspect that you have installed a malicious software on your Mac

If you are worried that you might have installed a malicious software on your Mac, you should take the following steps to check and remove it:

• Scan your Mac with the Bitdefender Virus Scanner app or the Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac app, and follow the instructions to delete any detected threats.
• Check your Mac’s security and privacy settings, and make sure that you have not granted any suspicious apps or extensions access to your system or your data. You can find these settings in the System Preferences app, under the Security & Privacy section.
• Check your Mac’s applications folder, and delete any apps that you do not recognize or trust. You can also use the Finder app to search for any files or folders that may be related to the malicious software, and delete them as well.
• Check your Mac’s browser settings, and remove any unwanted extensions, plugins, or toolbars that may have been installed by the malicious software. You can also clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history, and reset your browser’s settings to default.
• Restart your Mac, and see if the problem persists. If it does, you may need to contact Bitdefender’s customer support, or seek professional help from a qualified technician.

Conclusion

The

Bitdefender app for Mac from the App Store is safe and authentic, as long as you download it from the official Bitdefender page on the App Store. However, you should be aware of the differences between the free and the paid versions of the app, and between the App Store and the direct download versions of the app. If you suspect that you have installed a malicious software on your Mac, you should scan your Mac with Bitdefender, check your Mac’s settings, and delete any suspicious apps, files, or browser extensions. If the problem persists, you should contact Bitdefender’s customer support, or seek professional help from a qualified technician.