XProtect

Apple’s built-in signature-based malware detection system for macOS. Scans files automatically in the background.

What to Know

XProtect provides baseline malware protection for all Macs without requiring third-party antivirus software. It automatically scans downloaded files for known malware signatures and blocks execution when threats are detected. Unlike traditional antivirus products, XProtect updates silently in the background via system data files, requiring no user action or MDM deployment. This ensures even unmanaged Macs receive protection against newly discovered threats.

For enterprises, XProtect serves as a security baseline, though many organizations layer additional endpoint protection solutions on top of it. Understanding XProtect’s capabilities helps IT teams avoid redundant security controls while ensuring adequate protection. XProtect focuses on prevalent Mac malware and adware, making it most effective against common threats rather than sophisticated targeted attacks.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: XProtect runs automatically on corporate Macs, providing baseline protection that requires no management overhead. IT teams layer enterprise endpoint protection solutions (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, etc.) on top of XProtect for behavioral analysis, threat hunting, and advanced detection capabilities that XProtect doesn’t provide.

MSP: For smaller clients or those with limited security budgets, MSPs may rely on XProtect as the primary malware protection, supplemented by content filtering and email security solutions. MSPs educate clients that XProtect is signature-based only and doesn’t provide real-time behavioral monitoring or advanced threat protection.

Education: Schools benefit from XProtect’s automatic protection on student devices without deployment complexity. Combined with content filtering and supervised restrictions, XProtect helps protect against malicious downloads while minimizing IT overhead for managing antivirus software across large device fleets.

In Addigy

Addigy does not manage XProtect directly (it’s a built-in macOS component that updates automatically), but admins can view XProtect version information in device inventory to verify devices are receiving updates. Addigy can deploy additional endpoint protection solutions that complement XProtect’s capabilities, and reporting tools can track malware detection events if third-party solutions integrate with Addigy’s platform.