Anti-Virus Software Needed @ Work in a Windows/Exchange 2003 Environment?

I'm taking delivery of a new 24" iMac, and will be using it at work in a Windows/Exchange 2003 environment. I'll be using VMWare Fusion, and Win XP Pro 32 bit to run our business-critical applications. Also, until Office for Mac 2007 is released in January, I'll be using Office 2007 (including Outlook 2007) from the Windows partition. I'm the "pioneer" (the first) Mac user at our company and want to get this right. Regarding antivirus sofware (which I've never had to worry about on my home G5):
1.) Do I need it at all?
2.) Do I need to get it for the Windows partition? the OSX partition? both?
3.) If I need anti-virus software for either or both, what is recommended, given my workstation/network setup? will the same product work for both OSX and XP? or do I need separate programs for each?
Thanks!

For the windows antivirus software I would avoid Norton. I've had problems with every version of it that I've used, both on my own pc and others. I've also had problems with Mcafee. Go with either ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite, Kaspersky Antivirus, or AVG from Grisoft. AVG has caught things that norton doesn't. I use the free version in conjunction with ZoneAlarm on my XP machine, but they have business versions. Zonealarm's firewall works very well. The inbound/outbound program control is hard to beat. Their anti-spyware/adware solution leaves a little to be desired though. For the ultimate antivirus protection on a PC, you really need to run redundant programs.
However for Mac, I can't recommend anything, since I'm not yet a mac user. Not yet.

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What Anti-Virus software are you running under Windows 8?

I'm running Avast! Home Edition in W7 but in Windows 8 i'm letting it do it's thing.
What about everyone else?
T410(2537) -- i7 620M - Intel HD GPU (1440 x 900) - 8GB RAM - 128GB Crucial M4 SSD - 250GB Hitachi HDD - Windows 7 & 8 Pro

Hello,
Various anti-malware vendors are still going through the Windows 8 certification process for their software with Microsoft, however, many of them already have products that work under Windows 8. Two testing organizations, AV-Comparatives and AV-Test, have been keeping track of which products work under Windows 8, and the results can be found on their respective web sites:
AV-Comparatives: Windows 8 Approved Security Products
AV-Test: Security Products for Windows 8 (Home User)
I would recommend checking each list frequently, as they seem to be getting updated on a daily basis.
Regards,
Aryeh Goretsky
I am a volunteer and neither a Lenovo nor a Microsoft employee. • Dexter is a good dog • Dexter je dobrý pes
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What kind of anti-virus software works with Windows Multipoint Server 2012?

Is there any certified anti-virus software for Multipoint server 2012?

You can use ie one of these
System Center EndPoint Protection
ESET Antivirus
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise
Symantec Protection Suite

Anti virus software - do i need it for my mac?

Hi - with all the publicity in the news about the hacking of PC's and we only have 2 weeks to protect our computers from hackers - would you recommend that we purchase particular software for our iMac's to combat this forthcoming attack? Any information gratefully received. x

with all the publicity in the news about the hacking of PC's and we only have 2 weeks to protect our computers from hackers
You have to protect your computers from hackers all the time. The point is that you have to do that, and delegating that responsibility to some magical product that claims the ability to do it for you is an ineffective defense.
There is no two week countdown to anything; there never has been.
- would you recommend that we purchase particular software for our iMac's to combat this forthcoming attack?
Absolutely not. OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Anti Virus Software - Do I need?

Just bought and new MacBook Pro with Mac OS X(10.6). Had heard with Mac's there is no need to purchase Anti Virus Software such as Norton Anti Virus that I currently still have a subscription for with my old Dell. Should I continue this subscription?

I'm also a new Mac user and have been looking for information on whether to use a virus protection program or not. I've seen people say that Norton will mess up your computer more than any other virus would and that I should use ClamXAV.
I also see people saying that if you have windows on your mac that you should use a virus software and people also recommend ClamXAV.
I also see people saying something about using Windows under Bootcamp. Pardon my stupidity, but what is that?
I work with PC's at work and I have Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac on my MacBook pro, so I'm guessing I should get the ClamXAV? I just want to avoid any issues with my new Mac and working with Microsoft, I don't want to get any viruses from co-workers or give them any.
THX

Does my iMac need anti-virus software

I've read recently that iMacs have been susceptable to viruses. Does my iMac need anti-virus software? And if so, d0es Apple recommend any one in particular?

Mac OS X versions 10.6.7 and later have built-in detection of known Mac malware in downloaded files. The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware.
The most effective defense against malware is your own intelligence. All known malware that affects a fully-updated installation of Mac OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of trojans, which can only work if the victim is duped into running them. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown site, merely in order to use the site, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim.
“Cracked” versions of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
Disable Java (not JavaScript) in your web browser(s). Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in Mac OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those versions has bugs that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. Those bugs will probably never be fixed, because those older operating systems are no longer being maintained by Apple. Migrate to a newer version of the Mac OS as soon as you can.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use ClamXav — nothing else.

Anti-virus software on Windows XP pro sp3 with Virtual PC

Hi,
I'm running Virtual PC 7.0.3 with Windows XP pro Sp3 on eMac. Has anyone found the need to run a anti-virus software etc as part of the Windows system? Or will the firewall on the broadband router modem be sufficient protection?
Many thanks.

Thanks for the reply.
Any recommendations on AV software?
I tried installing a free version of AVG AV but the install would not complete, I ended the process after 1.5 hours.

Once and for all: Do I need anti-virus software for my Mac?

I've always heard that you don't really need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for Macs - but I do wonder that there has to be viruses about that would affect Macs?
I do alot of creative and professional work on my Mac. The data on it, means a **** of a lot to me, and I'd hate for my Mac to be infected with something horrible.
Could anybody please tell me if I really do need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for my iMac? And if I do, which one do you recommend? (Ideally I would want it to be cheap and not hog lots of system resources)...
Thank you!

Hi
I can only give you my personal experience on this one.
The short answer is "no". I've been using macs for the past 4 years, my partner for many more. Neither I nor she have an anti virus program installed.
We both use firewall on both the os x setup and via our router. I tend to install the security updates posted by apple after they are released and check the forums to be aware of any potential problems.
A much better idea is to back up your important projects etc on a regular basis to dvd and external hard disk.
I have one experience of anti-virus software on the mac:
About 2.5 years ago i thought i had a virus - my diskspace was being eaten up at a very very fast rate - and i was worried. Found out that the os update from 10.3.2 to 10.3.5 had an incompatability issue with the mcafee shock game controller driver (obscure eh!)
Anyway, after this experience and deleting the driver which i no longer needed, i decided to err on the side of caution and tried out both mcafee and norton. Both of which slowed down my system and norton especially caused problems when i was running logic pro etc. really really annoying.
Once i'd got over my "insecure" stage and having spoken to other mac users i realised anti-virus software was causing many many more issues than resolving any - and besides since then i have still had no problems and have never come across any viruses on mac os x.
It all depends on what makes you feel safer. Personally i wouldn't recommend ant-virus programs... i wonder if anyone has any positive experiences of anti-virus software on the mac?
that's my 0.02 pence

Will I need anti virus software for boot camp?

Hi everyone,
i'm looking at installing leopard and xp onto an external portable hard disk. Will i need to install all the rubbish windows xp anti virus software if i'm not going to run / connect to the internet while using xp? My main use for xp is for some unavailable software and pc games.
And if i don't install the anti virus software would potential viruses affect only my external hard drive with the xp partition or both my internal drive and external drive?
thanks guys

"...i'm looking at installing leopard and xp onto an external portable hard disk...."
Why both? For instance, I have XP on my MacBook and I also have an old hard drive with XP (from another computer) in a portable case with USB. I can plug that thing into my MacBook and it is merely seen as an external storage drive. (I've never tried to boot from it though...)
"...Will i need to install all the rubbish windows xp anti virus software if i'm not going to run / connect to the internet while using xp?..."
Obviously viruses etc come from outside places, so either they come from the 'net or else from email or disks or storage sticks. If someone knowingly or unknowingly planted malware on them then your not safe. Macs are immune (99.9%) and of course Windows is wide open for trouble. If you stay off the 'net that is 90% of the battle. The rest is whether or not YOU place on your system a file or disk or jump drive which has "been places".
"...And if i don't install the anti virus software would potential viruses affect only my external hard drive with the xp partition or both my internal drive and external drive?..."
With BootCamp you only need a hard firewall (a router, wireless or wire) and free AVG antivirus to protect your Windows side. (Unless you are doing serious file swapping and surfing scary websites - then you need to purchase top notch AV like Symantec) but that is only a problem for your Windows installation.
Your Mac side will always (99.9%) be safe from your Windows problems.
That is the great thing about BootCamp. Your Windows side could be totally infected and destroyed and you can still boot to OS X no problem and perform a fresh install of Windows. Windows needs protection - OS X just doesn't (unless the FBI, Interpol, and MI5 are after you - if someone WANTS to trash OS X they can. It appears no one ever wants to though...)
I'm saying that if you intend to have external BootCamp SIMPLY to be safe (instead of just right on your Mac's internal hard drive) from viruses, it is not necessary. If you have Windows on your internal drive and only boot to it while offline it is the same safety level - totally safe. If you have the hard firewall and free AVG you are seriously safe as it is. And your Apple side is always safe no matter what.
Just my opinion / experience. Others can chime in with their views / experiences - I'd like to hear them...
Cheers

Do imac's need anti-virus software?

Hi there, I am new to imac, I recently just replaced my windows 7 laptop with the new imac 21.5 inch. I have heard some very different opinions on this topic and to be honest I dont know which way to go. Is it necessary to have anti virus software/internet security protection on my imac? Previously to purchasing my my imac I used Kaspersky Pure. My sister still uses Windows 7 and has Kasperky Pure also. So whats the right thing to do? Anti Virus or not? I just want to make sure I do the right thing.. and since Im new to imac I thought the best thing to do was to ask for some expect advice.
Thanks

Mostly there is no need. Apple provides malware protection updates automatically if something appears that represents a threat. In recent years there haven't been any serious concerns.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using ClamXav.

Do Apple products need anti virus software?

Comcast says I need anti virus software for my email account. Do I?

Just for full disclosure, there are a handful of malware pieces out there. Also, "virus" is not the correction common definition. A virus is a particular type of unwanted, or damaging software. The more recent all encompassing term is malware, which is short for "malicious software".
1. Viruses - Zero. Not a single virus of any kind has been found in the wild that affects the Mac OS.
2. Worms - One long dead worm that reportedly infected less than 100 computers.
3. Trojans - These are the most common (and there aren't a lot of them). They attempt to trick you installing them by pretending to be something else. They can't self replicate like a virus. Each infection requires the user's help to get it installed.
4. Java attacks - These were the most recent. It was the first attack to successfully infect the Mac OS simply by visiting an infected web site. No user interaction was necessary. The easy fix was to turn Java off in your web browser. Leave JavaScript on. Despite the similar name, they have nothing to do with each other.
Java, and the Mac OS have since been updated against these attacks, and the writers of these attacks apparently haven't been able to find a way around these patches. There have been no such attacks for over a year.
Basically, the Mac needs no help. Those who do run AV software, or are required to (business office, school systems, etc.) are there to help catch the myriad of Windows malware that gets passed around. For the Mac in such situations, you're really just catching Windows malware that comes to you in the form of an email attachment so you don't unknowingly forward them to Windows users.

Do macs need anti virus software?

I have heard people say that you do and other people say that you don't. Which one is it?
Austin

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac App Store), but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could find some other way to evade Apple's controls.
4. When you install the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime), yet another layer of protection is added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you log in. It seems to check for, and potentially remove, malware that may have been installed via a Java exploit. Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but not against unknown attacks. There is no user interface to MRT.
5. Beyond XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT, there’s no benefit, in most cases, from any other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. All known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source. How do you know whether a source is trustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style "virus" affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful. Fortunately, Java on the Web is mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other inessential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers. In Safari, this is done by unchecking the box marked Enable Java in the Security tab of the preferences dialog.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a specific task, enable Java only when needed for the task and disable it immediately when done. Close all other browser windows and tabs, and don't visit any other sites while Java is active. Never enable Java on a public web page that carries third-party advertising. Use it, when necessary, only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
9. The greatest harm done by anti-virus software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may behave in ways that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
10. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.

Mac doesn't need anti-virus software !!

Is that true??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wUmz8Vy9aM
this guy say YES!
and I agree with him !!
what do you think??

The question needs a better context. See:
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.
Read the FAQ from the XLabs. There are reasons for having anti-virus software on your computer in certain circumstances. If those circumstances don't apply to you, then you don't need anti-virus software +at this time+.

Does the Mac need anti-virus software?

I have been told the Mac does not need anti-virus software. I have Kapersky on my Mac now and was told to take it off. I was told Apple updates the protection software daily. Any thoughts?

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
For the reasons given above, App Store products, and other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. OS X security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
An anti-virus app is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
Anti-virus software may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use the software unless a network administrator requires you to do it.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user you don't have to live in fear that your computer is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Cisco Jabber for Windows - Anti-Virus Software

Hello,
Cisco Jabber for Windows could not resolve outlook contacts, when a client has installed McAffee Anti-Virus Software.
Is there any documentation available, how to setup a Anti-Virus Software, to get Cisco Jabber for Windows running?
Cisco Jabber for Windows Version 9.2.4 Build 4528
Outlook 2013
Thanks
Alex

this is all what we mention about antivirus; http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/voice_ip_comm/jabber/Windows/9_2/JABW_BK_J6915A59_00_jabber-windows-server-setup/JABW_BK_J6915A59_00_jabber-windows-server-setup_chapter_00.html
Some antivirus or firewall applications, such as Symantec EndPoint Protection, block inbound CDP packets, which disables desk phone video capabilities. You should configure your antivirus or firewall application to allow inbound CDP packets. See the following Symantec technical document for additional details about this issue: Cisco IP Phone version 7970 and Cisco Unified Video Advantage is Blocked by Network Threat Protection.
with that being said; we probably would like to get the jabber process excluded from the antivirus list so that it allows for inbound MAPI communication as that is what is used for quering for the outlook contact.
The only process that ever runs from Jabber for windows is "CiscoJabber.exe" which is located in the following path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Cisco Systems\Cisco Jabber
i hope this helps.

Anti-Virus Software Needed @ Work in a Windows/Exchange 2003 Environment?

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