Adware/Spyware/Malware on Mac OS X?

I was just using Safari to browse theonion.com, when the browser window minimized and was replaced with a small popup that warned me to submit to a virus scan. I clicked "Cancel", and it brought me to a bogus virus scanning webpage (complete with Vista logo) that covered all the tabs I had opened in Safari, and wouldn't let me click back and forth between tabs. I had to quit Safari to get it to stop.
Is this a sign that I have some kind of adware/malware? I ran a tool called Rootkit Hunter that came up negative, but is there anything else I should be doing? Or is it the fault of the website?

Is this a sign that I have some kind of adware/malware?
It's malicious, but it's entirely on the web page, not anything inside your computer. As already said, closing the page normally puts a stop to it. Very occasionally you will get a minimized window which will not close and which will periodically open new unwanted pages: in this case you will have to quit Safari, but after that the problem will not persist.

Similar Messages

Spyware/malware and Mac Mail

Here's the deal... I've been having trouble with my cable email provider not accepting my email password. It's my second email account so I don't pay a lot of attention to it. Anyway, I found out they have been blocking my email account since 4/10/14 because somebody has accused me of spamming, which I haven't done. They didn't bother to notify me, they were waiting for me to call them.
Well, to get this email account up and running again, they want me to run a spyware/malware program on my Mac. How is that going to prove anything to them if I'm supposedly the one doing the spamming? What program should I run and won't I be open for trouble on my computer by doing so.
I asked the guy how they would know if I ran the software, "We'll just take your word for it!" is what he said. ??? Anybody have any suggestions?

Tell them you ran Sophos Home AV Mac. It's free. You can even really do a scan and then uninstall it--or keep it. It comes with an uninstaller. If it finds anything, it will probably be something that will only run on Windows...or it might just find some adware. I'm actually using it on 10.8. It slows things down a tiny bit sometimes, but that's the only issue I've seen with it. If you were spamming, it could mean that you had inadverently been enlisted in a botnet. But there are none for Mac as of this writing.

My macbook is infected, adware, spyware, and malware. What can i use to clean it?

What software can I use to clean and protect from adware, spyware and malware?

There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
What software can I use to clean and protect from adware, spyware and malware?
Avoid all non-Apple products claiming to "clean" or "protect" your Mac. 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 "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
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 iCloud, 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.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it. The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget 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. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
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.

Are MacBooks vulnerable to worms and malware/adware/spyware?

Hi guys,
Are MacBooks vulnerable to worms and malware/adware/spyware?
As i've read from sources, I understand that Macs do not get viruses and it only affects our friends who are on Windows. Nonetheless, i've installed iAntivirus (free version I got from download.com).
However, I realised there's a high amount of popup ads recently after I close the window I use to surf the net. Is this due to adware? Also, is it possible that I get spyware on my Mac? Is there anyway to rectify the problem? Please help!
Thanks.

As of yet malware is written at the OS level, not the core level so if Windows picks up malware it will affect your WIndows installation only. However, as of Snow Leopard, Windows can now see and write to your Mac partition meaning there is the possibility of malware code winding up on the Mac partition. That offers another vector for infection of the Mac but since there is no Mac malware nor processor level malware, that is not an issue for us at this time.
Note: even without BootCamp we can spread malware to our Windows using friends by forwarding email or passing on Office documents that contain it.

I was online checking flights when a window popped up on my screen saying my computer has been infected by 3 viruses: Backdoor, Adware, and Malware. Does Mac automatically send this alert or is it a program designed to gain access to my system?

I was online checking for flights when a window popped up on my screen saying my computer had been infected by 3 viruses: Backdoor, Adware, and Malware. Does Mac automatically send out this alert? The pop up has a "cleanup button", and is asking me to register some antivirus to enable a full cleanup. Is this really from Mac/Apple or from some entity trying to gain further entrance to my data? Can't seem to get assistance from Apple until 6 am. I am not computer savvy. PLEASE ADVISE!!!

Do not ignore this... it's malware, not a virus. Even if you didn't click on anything, make sure your Mac is free of malware.
Follow the instructions from the first two links.
http://www.fixkb.com/2011/05/remove-mac-protector.html
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/02/new-macdefender-malware-threat-for-mac-os-x/
And read here. http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/
Never accept unsolicited offers from the internet.

HT203987 Adware and malware removal from Safari only

I was going to Ebay to check an order and a box popped up and claimed to be Microsoft service tech and that my windows be infected with adware/spyware virus and to call an 877 toll free #. Well when I called the number I was upset and gave them a real reading. They told me to take it to get repaired and hung up on me. I contacted FTC and filed a complaint which probably will do no good. I tried to follow instructions that were given by Apple, but I can't get to preferences. I'm not really versed when it comes to repair. Can anyone help me? I am using Yosemite 10.10.2. Only Safari has this problem. I also use Firefox and Google search engines.

That is phishing scam. Do not click any links or call any telephone numbers.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Problems
If you are having an immediate problem with ads popping up see The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide and AdwareMedic. If you require anti-virus protection Thomas Reed recommends using ClamXAV. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for this recommendation.)
Open Safari, select Preferences from the Safari menu. Click on Extensions icon in the toolbar. Disable all Extensions. If this stops your problem, then re-enable them one by one until the problem returns. Now remove that extension as it is causing the problem.
The following comes from user stevejobsfan0123. I have made minor changes to adapt to this presentation.
Fix Some Browser Pop-ups That Take Over Safari.
Common pop-ups include a message saying the government has seized your computer and you must pay to have it released (often called "Moneypak"), or a phony message saying that your computer has been infected, and you need to call a tech support number (sometimes claiming to be Apple) to get it resolved. First, understand that these pop-ups are not caused by a virus and your computer has not been affected. This "hijack" is limited to your web browser. Also understand that these messages are scams, so do not pay any money, call the listed number, or provide any personal information. This article will outline the solution to dismiss the pop-up.
Quit Safari
Usually, these pop-ups will not go away by either clicking "OK" or "Cancel." Furthermore, several menus in the menu bar may become disabled and show in gray, including the option to quit Safari. You will likely have to force quit Safari. To do this, press Command + option + esc, select Safari, and press Force Quit.
Relaunch Safari
If you relaunch Safari, the page will reopen. To prevent this from happening, hold down the 'Shift' key while opening Safari. This will prevent windows from the last time Safari was running from reopening.
This will not work in all cases. The shift key must be held at the right time, and in some cases, even if done correctly, the window reappears. In these circumstances, after force quitting Safari, turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect Ethernet, depending on how you connect to the Internet. Then relaunch Safari normally. It will try to reload the malicious webpage, but without a connection, it won't be able to. Navigate away from that page by entering a different URL, i.e. www.apple.com, and trying to load it. Now you can reconnect to the Internet, and the page you entered will appear rather than the malicious one.

I want to get a virus protection program but want to include adware, spyware, ect how do i find one for free?

Would like a anti virus protection on my mac but if i do i want one that includes adware, spyware, and any thing else
that might help get rid of these things that pop up from time to time.

A good, free anti-virus utility is ClamXAV. You will find it at MacUpdate or CNET Downloads.
If you find a trojan on your computer see the following about getting rid of it.
Trojan War
If you discover a trojan program is running on your computer then look to the following information for assistance:
1. A recent discussion on the Apple Support Communities: MacDefender Trojan.
2. An excellent site devoted to Mac Malware: Macintosh Virus Guide
Removing strange software can be a task. The following outlines various ways of uninstalling software:
Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a Startup item or a Log In item. Startup items are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the Delete [-] button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, Easy Find, instead. Download Easy Find at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Note that you must have this software installed before you install software you may need to uninstall. Uninstallers won't work if you install them after the fact. Here is a selection:
AppZapper
Automaton
Hazel
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them and others at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on removing software and dealing with spyware and malware.
After removing all the components of the software you may have to restart the computer to fully disable the software. This will be the case when removing software that has installed a daemon. After the daemon has been removed you need to restart the computer to stop the daemon. Alternatively, you can kill the daemon process using the Terminal application or Activity Monitor.

Adware/spyware virus

I was on safari and then a pop up came up that says windows firewall warning your computer might have adware/spyware virus. I keep clicking okay and it keeps coming back up and its there and blocking me from using safari.
how can I get rid of this? I cannot get onto safari on my mac to download anything to get rid of it because the pop up won't go away.

Force quit Safari and then relaunch it with the Shift key held down. If that doesn't work, disconnect the computer from the Internet and try again.
Those specific popups are loaded directly from the web and not produced by any malware on the computer. No removal tools are needed to resolve it.
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Email Virus/Spyware/Malware

Greetings,
I am rather curious as to how things work nowadays. Is it possible to get a virus/trojan/spyware/malware simply by browsing through your Mail Inbox and going through emails without clicking on any links in the email or opening up attachments? Perhaps exeuctable code secretly hidden in the email message?
I received a spam email from an online social network called Twoo which stated that I had a message waiting for me on the website. I didn't click on any links whatsoever, I just read the email. Afterwards, I deleted it and considered it as spam.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

Most Mac users very quickly discover that AV software on a Mac is more of a problem then it claims it will solve. The majority of them are only able to discover Windows virus since that is all the is available at this time. To do that they use an inordinate amount os suystem resourse while search for nothing. They usually manage to corrupt files systems while doing that. They are also know to have false positive on file important to the system. So once they are quarrentined the Mac is dead. They do all of this great stuff if you install them. I personally prefer to go without them and avoid the problems they cause.

Is Virus/Spyware/Malware Software necessary?

I am a recent Windows to Mac convert (I will be getting my MacBook TODAY!!:), and i've been trying to find out if it's necessary to run virus/spyware/malware protection on my MacBook. I have to admit, coming from Windows, the idea of NOT using anything kinda scares me...but like I said, i've always used Windows, so maybe i'm just conditioned to feel this way, lol. I also pay my bills online - are there security measures already built in to the Mac software that makes it safe to do without running additional protection software?
Thanks for your help and being patient with this Mac newbie

Mac OS X ≠ Windows. Discard your preconceptions...
No, you don't need anti-virus software for Mac OS X. In general, anti-virus software does more harm (system slowdowns, incompatibilities) than good, since there aren't any viruses in the wild that affect Macs. No software can protect you from user error - if you download some software from an untrusted source (e.g. a torrent of pirated software), then provide your admin password to install it, well, that's a 'wetware' error...
If you'll be running Windows (via Boot Camp or a virtualization solution) you'll certainly need it on the Windows side.
Likewise, the Mac OS X browser (Safari) provides secure connections to secure websites, along with a private browsing option so cookies, passwords, etc., are not saved.

DoI need anti virus or adware/spyware remover for a MacBook Pro

Long time PC user, resently purchased a mac book pro & Loving everything about it.
just curiouse about keeping system clean,
Do I need anti virus or adware/spyware remover, for a MacBook Pro

You don't need jack diddly squat.
But if you have PC brethren and don't want to be a typhoid mary, then download the free ClamXav and scan with that.
First account on a Mac is a admin, it's best to run as a Standard user by creating another admin user, loggin into it and turning your first user to a Standard user. Everything works just the same, it's more secure than normal though as Mac's are being attacked, not as much as PC's.
Just a bit more protection, check your Software Updates once in awhile and you should be fine, except for Lion issues and we cant' help those as it's a new OS.
If your on Snow Leopard then stay there for another 6 months at least until the complaints go away here about Lion.

Defense: Malware targeting Mac's

Mac's users running any browser with JavaScript turned on by default are vulnerable to being tricked into clicking on a trick image and/or link.
That image may appear to be a standard OS X window with a close box or the typical OS X looking window asking a question with OK or Cancel. It can look like anything really, it's purpose is designed to get you to click anywhere on it and initiate a download to your computer.
Safari tries to be helpful and "Open Safe Files" by default, which is being used with numerous success to run code on one's machine, by bypassing the normal user action of 'open the downloads folder and then clicks on the download to run' process in exchange for convenience.
Most Mac's are used with one person, and the initial setup of a new Mac (or a new OS X install) is the first user is automatically a Administrator User. Running one's typical day to day use while in Admin User mode gives any code running on one's machine more privileges and access than it would receive if the user of the computer created another OS X account and ran most of their computer use as a General User.
The ultimate access for rogue code would be Root User, which on Mac's is turned off by default, however a temporary access window to Root User is allowed when a Admin User provides his or her Admin Password. Once rogue code gets Root user access, it's all over, OS X is completely compromised.
The key to security on a Mac, or any computer system actually, is a process called "Compartmentalized Security" where the more privileges code receives, the more it's subjected to time and scrutiny to determine it's legitimacy.
Web browsers are the forward troops facing a overwhelming enemy, the World Wide Web. Not one modern web browser is 100% safe, not Safari, not Firefox, not IE, not Chrome, not Opera. Neither are plug-ins or scripts that run within these browsers 100% safe.
So the key to maintaining security is to provide a high level of "Compartmentalized Security" steps which shifts the exploit potential further down the privilege level so it can't do much of anything or gain further access.
People can get carried away with downloading and installing software in a rapid fire manner, this provides a ripe opportunity for malware to get onto one's computer, even gaining root access right away.
So in order to provide better compartmentalized security, provide more time and steps before potentially installing rouge code. I suggest the following actions:
1: Run most of your day to day computer use as a General User with less privileges. This can be done by creating a new Admin User, logging out of the present user and into the new Admin User, then turning the first user into a General User.
Whenever certain actions are needed, like accessing the Application's folder (where programs can be changed by malware) a Admin Name and Password will be required. A small hassle, but it provides another step for it to get past.
2: Use Firefox web browser and the following Add-ons: NoScript, Ad Block Plus and Public Fox.
Under the Toolbar customization, drag the NoScript button to the toolbar. NoScript turns off all scripts and plug-ins by default, which if you trust the site your on, you click the button for turning them on and the page automatically reloads.
In Public Fox preferences, set a password on downloads, this way a popup window appears before any download occurs, keeping malware from sneaking into your downloads folder and potentially being clicked on.
With Ad Block Plus, subscribe to the Easy List which automatically appears in the browser window. This will auto-update to keep advertising, which has been used numerous times as a attack venue, from appearing.
Click&Clean, Ghostery, BetterPrivacy, FlagFox, WOT, HTTPS-Everywhere (from the Electronic Frontier Foundation) are also highly recommended add-ons.
3: In Safari preferences, turn off "Open Safe Files" install the Ad Block Plus add-on and the Click2Flash add-on. If any add-on appears in the future to simulate what NoScript and Public Fox does on Firefox, then enable those add-ons.
4: Check the staus of your browser plug-ins. These websites makes it easy, bookmark them in a obvious place so you remember to visit them routinely. As soon as a vulnerability appears, either update or turn off the affected plug-in in your browser until a patch is issued.
https://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
https://browsercheck.qualys.com/
5: If you enjoy surfing the backalleys of the Internet and you have at least a decent dual core Intel based Mac, I'd highly advise installing the free VirtualBox and loading a free ISO of Linux Mint DVD 32 bit 10.10 (most consistent and easy to use, everything included, Linux distro)
http://www.virtualbox.org/
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
The object is to load and install Linux Mint into the virtual machine like installing a operating system onto a regular computer. Once completed, then save a snapshot to revert to after your Firefox browsing session (in Linux) is completed. All and any potential malware, caches etc is flushed when you revert the entire guest OS back to the earlier state. Keep the Guest OS updated via the Software Update option and save a new snapshot.
6: Use common sense, if it don't look right, then stop and flush the OS X based browser from memory via the Apple > Force Quit menu.
7: Install the free ClamXav, it will remove the OS X malware it knows about, offering some after the fact defense and Windows malware from their files.
http://www.clamxav.com/
I don't advise a full time, always on and running anti-virus solution for Mac's due to Apple's tendancy to change the underlining OS themselves to thwart potential malware. So something like Norton which maintains tight control over OS X should be avoided.
Malware on Mac's are a scarce thing because of Apple's top down approach, but trojans are a potential attack venue and people need to insure more steps to avoid being tricked.

Thomas A Reed wrote:
That causes problems for some apps, which won't run on anything but an admin account or on the account they were installed on.
Then the programs need to be reinstalled for "All Users" which most do now by default or reinstalled for the new Admin account. Since the previously Admin is now a General User, it's not a issue. If the program needs Admin/Root access the user should be made aware of that fact and understand they just elevated privileges to a most dangerous level.
Linux has a security key that displays in the menu bar that one has opened a "sudo window" which any code run during that time can have Root level access. Of course OS X has no such warning.
And it's not a guarantee of security - a user who gets in the habit of authenticating to admin to install stuff from their Standard account is no safer than the user who gets in the habit of authenticating to install from their Admin account. This is a good general suggestion, but may not work for everyone and provides practically no real security against "social engineering" by itself.
The only guaranty of security is unplugging the power from the computer and tossing the machine into a pit of molten lead.
The user is rarely installing/uninstalling or making such drastic changes to their machine that entering their Admin name/password is such a burden. Those rare folks who do reside in that realm or even for a short duration, log into the Admin User from the start and competent enough to know the difference anyway.
Again, using things like these won't protect you by themselves. How do you know if a site is trusted and should have JavaScript turned on? And most folks are finding this malware via trusted sites that have had malicious JavaScripts "sneaked" into their code, through malicious ads or search engine optimization poisoning. How can you know if your trusted site is affected? And, given how much this malware has been jumping around over the last week, I seriously doubt Ad Block Plus can keep up.
Well your LESS protected without them. So far the NoScript "web cop" Add-on has protected Firefox users from the MacDefender trojan by not allowing Javascript to run by default.
Even if a trusted site has the malware and one turns off NoScript for that site, then Public Fox (with a password block on downloads) stops any automatic download from occurring.
Ad Block Plus defends against advertising which has been used as a malware vector. It provides the option to whitelist favorite sites which trust has been established by the user.
Again the reasoning here is to provide a "security guard" approach, nobody gets in without approval.
I'd highly advise installing the free VirtualBox and loading a free ISO of Linux Mint DVD 32 bit 10.10
That is not a realistic suggestion for the average person, who will have neither the desire nor the knowledge to run Linux.
Well note that I placed a condition on that advice, "if one likes surfing the backalleys of the Internet" as all browsers are venerable to some extent from direct website intrusions. So another "compartmentalization" level is required for sites that are prone to that sort of behavior which use images or warz as click bait.
And mind me saying Thomas, it's rather presumptious of you to dictate what another would like or not like.
Remember Apple opened the door to multiple operating systems running on their hardware, the PPC days are long gone, a brave new world is here where one can run all the major operating systems on one machine.
Heck, Steve Jobs even used Linux on his Pixar renderfarm, I bet his MacPro runs everything under the sun just like my 17" Quad does.
Apple is the second largest grossing corporation in the world next to Exxon, professional IT people like myself use Mac's now because of their ability to run all major operating systems. It's looking rather sad showing up to the job dragging a ugly bulky Dell when one can have a slim sexy looking silver MacBook Pro.
So no need to get fan boy defensive any longer.
Note that even folks with Safari's Open "safe" files after downloading option turned off have been affected by opening the installer manually. And some have been alerted to the presence of malware by the automatic appearance of the installer. I'd still agree, though, but would add that you should keep your Downloads folder cleaned out, so that any suspicious items that turn up will be easily recognized, and not mistaken for something you downloaded earlier.
As to Click2Flash, I think nobody should be on the web without it! I don't trust Flash as far as I could throw Adobe.
This should have been #1! AV software has struggled to keep up with all the variants of MacDefender, malware sites move on sometimes an hour-by-hour basis and malicious code sneaks into trusted sites. In all, no automated defense tool will protect you from a new threat... only your "wetware" can do that!
Well at least we agree on something, I actually don't approve of anyone using Safari AT ALL, because of it's lack of a NoScript option and failing every Pwn2Own contest.
But there are those who will, by stubborness or brand loyalty, will continue to use Safari so I recommend at least a partial security solution.
And since the MacDefender trojan uses Javascript, not Flash, Click2Flash offers little protection, just another preventative measure against other attacks.

I think I've been hacked. Does anyone know if it is ok to download spyware on a Mac?

I believe my email has been hacked. Can I download spyware for a Mac? Is this necessary? Any suggestions on good spyware for a MAC

Most cases where email is hacked don't involve your computer. The typical method is by gaining access to the email directly through the email provider at their website. In addition to changing your email password with the provider you may want to implement 2-step verification if they offer it (Gmail, Apple, and Microsoft mail services as well as other do offer 2 step or 2 factor verification).
If you want to scan your computer, the following link is to one that seems to be highly recommended. I have never used it or any other on my Mac. http://www.clamxav.com

I just heard a news report that there is a problem with malware in mac computers that came through a recent java update. Is this true? If so, what should be done about it?

I just heard a news report that there is a problem with malware in mac computers that came through a recent java update. Is this true? If so, what should be done about it?

As usual those "news" reports mangled the facts and got most of the story completely wrong. This particular attack did not arise through a Java update, it was distributed through a fraudulent Flash download popup window, or malicious websites that Safari is designed to block.
If you run Java on your Mac you may be vulnerable to this malware. If you do not run Java there is no risk. If you routinely keep your Mac up to date with Software Update the risk is greatly reduced.
Shut off the mass market junk that masquerades as "news" and read this to learn some real facts:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3271

How do i check i fave virus or spyware on my mac?

Hi i am a new user of mac i have a iBook G4 and a Mac OSX. I am a dab hand at using PC's and checking for virus etc but i don't understand how and where to even look to see if i have any virus's or spyware on my mac's. Can anyone give me information as to where in the system i have to look. But please remember i am a newbie to this and not very good with computer terminology.

Hi, zedzed, and welcome to Apple Discussions. Viruses and spyware are non-issues on a Mac running OS X. There simply aren't any viruses "in the wild" that can attack one. Someday there may be, and if you're nervous about that possibility you can download and use the freeware ClamXAV antivirus utility. Most Mac users I know don't use any antivirus software.
As for spyware: certain commercial application packages send info about your computer back to their developers as part of the required installation/registration/activation process, and if you want to use those applications, you're stuck with that. Some people regard it as spyware, a term with no universally agreed-upon definition. But I haven't heard of any Mac-based spyware resembling the many virulent and malicious Windoze-based forms. And OS X is inherently far more secure against every sort of intrusion than Windoze has ever been.
You've posted your question in a forum devoted to questions about the old Mac OS 9. If you have other questions in the future, you may want to visit the Discussions homepage and choose a forum that's appropriate for the subject matter of whatever question you want to raise. The question will then catch the atttention of more people who are knowledgeable about that subject matter.
Enjoy your Mac!

Adware/Spyware/Malware on Mac OS X?

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