In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus ransomware shield feature on your macOS device.
You will need the .DMG version of the Surfshark app and an active Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ subscription.
What's Surfshark's ransomware shield?
Ransomware shield is the latest addition to Surfshark's Antivirus, available from version 4.12.0.
It will protect you from malicious attacks on your device that attempt to encrypt your files and ask for payment to decrypt them. Ransomware shield works by monitoring your selected folders that applications try to access to interact with files.
Set up Surfshark's ransomware shield on macOS
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Open the Surfshark application and navigate to the Antivirus tab:
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Click Extra tools:
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Click Ransomware shield:
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Toggle the switch to enable it:
Use Surfshark's ransomware shield on macOS
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Open the Surfshark application and navigate to the Antivirus tab:
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Click Extra tools:
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Click Ransomware shield:
Managing protected folders
You can choose exactly which parts of your Mac need the highest level of protection.
- View protected folders: click on the Protected folders row to see which directories are currently shielded;
- Add or remove folders: by default, common locations like Documents and Pictures are often included. You can customize this list to include any other sensitive folders where you store personal or work files.
Controlling application access
Ransomware shield works by blocking unknown apps from interacting with your protected folders.
- Check allowed apps: click on Apps with protected folder access to see the full list of software permitted to modify your files;
- Trusted defaults: system-level apps such as Dock, Finder, and Messages are allowed by default to ensure your Mac functions correctly;
- Granting access: if a legitimate app you use is blocked from saving or editing files in a protected folder, you can manually add it to this list. For maximum security, only allow apps that come from official and trusted sources.
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