Frequently Asked Questions

Real-time protection constantly monitors every file your device opens, downloads, or executes — flagging threats the instant they appear. A manual scan, by contrast, checks files only when you start it. Both are valuable: real-time monitoring prevents infections as they happen, while scheduled scans can uncover dormant threats that arrived before your security tool was installed or updated.

False positives happen occasionally. If you are confident the file is safe — for example, software you compiled yourself — you can add it to your exclusion list. However, never whitelist a file purely because its name looks familiar. Verify the source and check its hash against known databases before restoring it from quarantine.

Yes. macOS includes built-in protections like Gatekeeper and XProtect, but they are not comprehensive. Mac-targeted adware, phishing attacks, and cross-platform threats are steadily growing. A dedicated security application adds layers that Apple's defaults do not cover, including web filtering, identity monitoring, and VPN encryption.

No — they handle entirely separate risks. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, which protects your privacy in transit. Antivirus software detects and removes malicious code on your device. A VPN cannot stop malware from executing, and antivirus cannot hide your browsing activity. For full coverage, both are recommended.