? anti-virus in MIXED environment

Small 'island' of 40 graphic and photographic macs within sea of 1000's govt PCs
Our IT Security manager tolerates us (just...) but has sent us this article
http://www.scmagazineuk.com/mcafee-launches-mac-specific-internet-security-and-i ntroduces-new-emea-cto/article/174902/
I know that Mac community generally sees no need for AV products. Our (his) issue is we may unwittingly accept rogue files via client's USB stick and transmit such a virus to the network.
Macs are running OS x. None are running as windows machines.
We don't want to spend money unnecessarily on a product that compromises our workflow and speed and adds to our Mac IT maintenance
Any comments on MacAfee product? or any other? Govt service so probably wouldn't consider open-source products, more likely to favour Corporate or Enterprise solutions...

Hi Brendan:
This question has been addressed numerous times (no problem addressing it again from my point of view).
There are NO documented viruses that affect a Mac running OS X - none. A/V software on a Mac is, IMHO, a waste of resources.
If your IT security manager is interested, tell him/her that OS X sits on top of what is, essentially, a UNIX platform - a robust platform originally mainframe-based that was, I think, developed at the University of California. People have been trying to crack OS X Macs for a while. The argument that there are not many is bogus. Apple sold 3.5 million iMacs last quarter (I do not work for Apple!).
A Wikipedia description of OS X is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOSX
Barry
Message was edited by: Barry Hemphill

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

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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.
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Password issue - disks missing and can't install new anti-virus -- HELP!!!

Hi,
I've got a Mac Mini and since I moved it appears I lost the Mac disks. I've got some serious issues with the Mini's web-browsing slowing down, maybe virus issues and I need to renew my subscription to my anti-virus to hopefully correct the issue. It appears that I need to know the password, which I never set, but I need one to log-in.
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Welcome to Apple Discussions!
There are two issues here, the first being your password. If you can't remember your password and really do need to reset it, you will need your MacOS disk. If you have lost this, it would be wise to get a replacement - you can get these from Apple. Since there are other occasions you might need the original install disk, it's not just for an occasional password reset that you would do well to have one on hand.
It's not clear, however, in this situation why you would suddenly need a password. You say you did not originally set one, which is unlikely since it's one of the first steps in the initial set up of the system. It is of course possible to set a blank password, in which case the password will remain blank of course. The password would be required every time a major install or update was being run.
The second issue is the web-browser slowing down and your thought that this may be virus issues. This is highly unlikely. While there are a few potential Trojans which can gain access to MacOS, none seem to be in wide circulation. There are no viruses. More likely if you're noticing performance issues in your web browser is that you are suffering something more akin to cache issues or possibly a small amount of free drive space. Depending on which antivirus product you already have, it may even be that which is the cause, since this type of software typically adds considerable load to the CPU when running.
That isn't to say antivirus software is a bad idea, because it is better to be prepared than taken by surprise and have no defensive software in the event that MacOS becomes targeted. It's also beneficial to have it if your Mac is in a mixed environment where otherwise you could pass infections unknowingly to Windows systems.
In this situation I would be inclined to do some basic system maintenance using a tool such as YASU, but even that would require your password in order to run. As such, I would first try to clear your browser caches (in Safari, you'll find 'Empty Cache' halfway down the Safari menu) and obtain a replacement install disk from Apple to enable you to get full control of your system if indeed you have a password set and don't know what it is.

Any recommendations/experience with anti-virus software?

Any recommendations on/experience with anti-virus software?

Norland88 wrote:
Any recommendations on/experience with anti-virus software?
Mac OS X is a smaller market, and, so far, and for whatever reason, a smaller target. Consequently, although major A/V vendors do usually have a Mac division, it seems to me that they employ for it the B-team. As a result, some Mac A/V tools create more problems than they solve.
Furthermore, as WZZZ rightly points out, all A/V tools (irrespective of platfom) fight yesterday's problem. They can only protect you against the threats they've already seen and analysed.
So, the question is: Do you need an A/V tool?
The people who say, "No, because there are no Mac viruses" are technically right, but in a very narrow sense. There are no Mac viruses—but there is Mac malware. MacDefender and iWork Services are examples; the recent Flashback infection—there've been threads dealing with it in this very forum for the past month—is another. So it really depends on what you do. The iWork Services Trojan Horse spread through a hacked download of Apple's iWork suite, distributed primarily through P2P file sharing. If you do that kind of stuff, you are at risk. Flashback spread through a Java vulnerability. If you browse the net with Java enabled, you are at risk.
Then there's the issue of exchanging files with Windows. If you work in a mixed Win/Mac environment, or exchange documents with others who use Windows, you may be the unwitting vector of infection, by transmitting Windows malware from one PC-using correspondent to another. The Win malware would not affect you in any way—but it would certainly affect them.
Therefore, the answer depends primarily on you.

Anti Virus - Needed?

I'm new to Apple... just got a new iMac.
I'm a Comcast high speed internet customer and they offer the Norton Anti Virus Suite for free. I noticed they have a Mac version.
Would it be wise to install it on my iMac and Mac Book Pro?

No, it would be most unwise. Norton and Mac don't get along at all. It will bork your system.
I would use NO AV software, unless in a mixed environment atmosphere, it will cause more problems than it solves. There are NO viruses that attack a Mac, so it is like getting a vaccine against a disease that doesn't exist yet.
While there are no known viruses that attack Mac OS X at the present time it is possible for other malware to get onto your Mac.
So I go to lengths to protect my user. A hosed system can be replaced but a compromised user folder is compromised forever. Along with all your important data like bank records, credit cards, ... I.e. your "identity" stolen.
The best way to avoid that is by being a frustrating target. Use your built-in firewall which is industrial strength and/or a hard wired router, downloading only from "trusted" sites, installing all security updates and being careful about what you give administrative power to.
Don't use Limewire or any other P2P service to download your software, get it from reputable sources. In addition, always keep at least your users backed up, preferably a clone of your entire system on a separate disk. And put your sensitive passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers in a "secure note" in a new keychain or in an encrypted folder.
If and when a Mac virus does appear it will be headline news and you can download the AV software then. If you feel you have to run an AV program I'd suggest ClamXav a mac friendly freeware app that is very stable with OS X. It will check for known virus signatures at any rate.
Hope this helps.
EDIT: Here is a more through document on Mac security...
http://www.reedcorner.net/thomas/guides/macvirus/
-mj
Message was edited by: macjack

Use of anti-virus products with WebLogic

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ie between Netscape and WebLogic? If a virus is detected at the second firewall,
the anti-virus product will block the request from getting to WebLogic and return
an HTTP response to Netscape saying the transaction has been blocked. Does this
pose any application issues?

Hi,
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) ? You can find this MSI installer on the Symantec CD. This plugin provides an interface to CTA for checking the status of Symantec AV and its parameters as CTA has no way for directly getting this status from the Symantec Application.
In most cases the Symantec AV attributes are already pre-loaded on the ACS. You can verify this by making sure that you see the System Token named "Symantec:AV".
After completing the above steps then define a posture validation rule using
1. Symantec:AV:Protection-Enabled (Healthy for a value of "1" and Quarantine\etc else.)
2. Symantec:AV:Dat-Version (You will have to manually specify the minimum acceptable version (E.g. 2007.05.1... ) to declare a System Healthy).
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Naman

Anti-virus on UCCX/Call Manager

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We have Call Manager 7 and UCCX 7.
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The Compatibility Matrix has a section for Security/AntiVirus Software will tell you which AntiVirus is official supported: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cust_contact/contact_center/crs/express_compatibility/matrix/crscomtx.pdf
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http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cust_contact/contact_center/crs/express_7_0/reference/guide/UCCX_Best_Practices.pdf

Anti-virus software

hello,
i would like to know some of your opinions re: use of anti-virus software for mac. until now i never used any. i never had a problem with viruses & else. two weeks ago, i had a bad experience while using netscape browser: lost important data (all passwords, usernames, personal info; favorites; more).my laptop computer started to freeze frequently. maybe the problem is not virus related. but a few days ago, i read some article concerning the appearance of viruses made for mac. if any of you has a suggestion as far as the use or not of such software? if yes, which one would be best. i heard mcAfee is very decent...
my computer:
Machine Name: Mac Pro
Machine Model: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP11.005C.B01
in advance, i thank you
sandrine
powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

There have been attempts at mac virus's, however, there aren't any credible mac virus threats today.
You want to be sure the included OS X firewall is enabled, including it's stealth mode. Next, you may want to run an antivirus program, as a preventative and for peace of mind, and perhaps to stop spreading any virus's to your windows friends.
I use ClamXAV, which is available in universal version from http://www.clamxav.com . I have it scan my email (has warned me about phishing emails) as well as any downloads. There are other commercial antivirus packages made by Intego (Virusbarrier) and Symantec (Norton) for the mac environment. McAfee has all but bailed out of the individual system mac environment. Apple stopped using them on .mac, as there were significant Tiger issues early on.
The above assumes you're not running bootcamp and Windows. If you are, then you need to consider antivirus software for the Windows environment. In the Windows environment, there are many antivirus vendors, and you can probably catch some recent reviews from PC Magazine and others. McAfee does make a decent antivirus program for the Windows environment. I'd probably stay away from Norton, as I've read some comments that recent releases are perhaps getting too complex. If you watch Staples ads, they now and then have various Windows antivirus software for free after rebates. Best Buy recently had McAfees antivirus for Windows for $2 after rebates.

Heuristic Anti-virus is possible.

Hello,
Since, LabView, uses boolean algebra as it's foundation, it is now possible to write a Anti-virus package that doesn't need any virus definition files. There is a big but, and or if about this. First, you would need to write a complete operating system with LabView. Due to the boolean nature of the language it is possible to trace data, as if it were digital signals through a processor, or chip. Viruses illude user input, key loggers, are never on the screen, but take in information continuously without regard for which program is running. No matter how many programs are chained up or in a multitasking environment, you can still determin if the software is a driver, screen saver, or application. Extensions can help significantly, but those are there for human interpretation. If you data in isn't a true user input, if the software doesn't include a visible GUI, if there is no hardware for that driver. It all becomes measurable without knowing that this or that is a virus. How would it work in detail. Well, I labeled it a verified compiler. Machine code instructions do look all the same, and to operate the fastest and best consist of little else for any reason. But, what if you compiler worked as a decompiler and could recognize it's own macros refusing to accept anything from any other compiler. When a program enters the system, it can decompile it to determin if it were compiled by a given compiler and insure that there is no outside code. Of course this would eliminate Assembly Language Compilers without designing the Operating System to overlook a given security based upon a Programmer's Setup, verses a Standard User's Setup. This is all fine, but then you cannot allow for things like JAVA, and the works and programs from other compilers. The inability for software to recognize software and determin if it is or is not safe is all of the reason to use a verified compiler in conjunction with a decompiler. The number of viruses is so much greater, and consists of programs so much longer that searching for them is taking forever, and with each passing year longer and longer.
With this program language, it doesn't have to be that way, and what it would literally take, is a complete operating system written with this language, and a second decompile to verify program. It wouldn't give anyone source code, it only checks it's own macros, and makes sure that it isn't a virus based upon the nature of a virus and uses a heuristic search. It never needs to know how it was written, it just needs to know how it works.

I have 3 computers. One I built and use for Drafting and CAD, Simulations, and Programming. Another is a notebook, and the third is this one. This one is on the internet all of the time, and it doesn't run very well at all. The Notebook computer has a 64bit processor but, Compaq, installed a 32bit version of Windows Vista, so it works like molassis on a cold day. This computer is an old 32 bit Dell clunker. The computer that I use personally for draft etc. is a 64bit quad core machine, running hypertransport technology on the motherboard, DirectX 10.1 on the video card, and a Fatality1 Sound Card. It boots up in about 15 seconds, and never longer than 30. It runs well and fast. But, it's never online. If I re-installed windows, shortly after that would be only few hours it would spend on line registering software etc. If you can't boot up, and get to desktop in less than 1 minute, I could honestly believe that you don't really own your computer. You paid a bunch of advertisers and software companies to let you borrow their machine, which you kept connected to the internet. For as much as you can do with a computer, you don't know half of what it is capable of, nor what to expect from it.
The whole set of reasons that you have that cause the problems with viruses you are aware of, consists of only two things.
The programming language
Operating System
If the programming language recognized it's own high level macros, it could reject any assembly language program, or any other program written by another compiler.
If you are familiar with using logic gates, when you write a program using logic gates as program symbols, you can retrace any input or output to it's source. Decompiling the program, reproduces the logic gates and how they are linked. There are only so many ways for information to get to your computer. Storage Media, Modem and Network Connections.
If you are aware of how everyone has worked to fix this problem with viruses, most write a list. The list of commands in any computer language is shorter than the list of viruses that exist as a whole. If you aim to keep more information that you don't use on your computer, you don't need a new operating system. You can let everyone else decide what will fill your hard drive and determin for you which software you need or do not need to buy. Eventually, while working swiss cheese, you will eventually find a mouse in one of the holes.

Installing anti virus for Windows?

I am running Windows XP Pro through Boot Camp and VMFusion Ware. I'm going to use an anti virus and was planning on the free ClamXav.
My question is, does an anti virus in this scenario need to be installed and run in the Windows environment, or does it get installed and run through OSX

As I understand it, ClamXav is for Macs only, and you need an anti virus program that operates in Windows. I can recommend Avast, which is also free (there is a Pro version as well) but there are many other programs available. Whatever anti virus application you select must be installed and run in Windows, not the Mac.
Bob N.

Anti Virus Program on my Blackberry

I need to purchase a new anti virus software program for my laptop and I'm wondering if I should purchase one that can also be used on my blackberry torch 9800.
I have no idea if the blackberry already has security......
Suggestions as to what I should do.
Thank you.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

not needed, there has never been a Virus on a BlackBerry
BlackBerry is built on security.
Click here to Backup the data on your BlackBerry Device! It's important, and FREE!
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Anti Virus Software Yes or No?

Hi Guys
I purchased a new 2012 imac earlier this year and Id just like your advice on those who have been mac users for a long time. I know theres alot of mixed opinions about the need for anti virus and internet seceirty software but Id like your advice. Do you think its necessary to have third party virus protection? I know that alot of people say that mac's arent really prone to virus and trjoens etc. But whats your opinion? Should I invest in something like Kaspersky Security for Mac?
Thanks in advance
Tamara

Not iMO...
Have a look at this Informative Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/22247724
In General 3rd Party AV Software is Not Required as Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
To keep your Mac Happy...
Have a look here...
http://pondini.org/OSX/Scripts.html
More Info Here > The myth of the dirty Mac
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/maintainingmacosx.htm

Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Incompatibility with Norton Anti-Virus Prog

After successfully installing the hardware and software for Audigy 2 ZS Platinum, my Norton Anti-Virus Program quite working (it is part of 2004 System Works). I tried all suggested fixes recommended in the Norton Knowledge Base for this problem but nothing works. There is nothing in the Audigy 2 literature or on the box that says Audigy 2 ZS Platinum is not compatible with Norton but obviously Norton knows there is an issue. What can I do to fix this problem.

JohnZS wrote:
Hi all.
Normally I tend to help, but this time the tables have turned and I am looking for help.
My lovely Audigy 2 ZS Platinum PRO sound card was working lovley, no hickups or problems until I upgraded my monitor yesterday.
I have upgraded to a lovely CTX Triniton USB CRT monitor (to replace my old generic 7" monitor).
For some unknown reason EAX console nolonger works. It crashes with an error report.
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Surround Mixer no longer works either, in fact NONE of the Creative applications work, however the card works in games and music applications.
I am completely at my wits end. I uninstalled ALL of the drivers/applications and deleted the Creative directory. I am using the stock drivers and applications off the CD, but even THEY do NOT work!!!
HELP!!!
I reverted back to my old generic 7" monitor, but the problems still persisted!!
What is going on?
I did a full virus and spyware scan and that found NOTHING!!
Any help and advice would be appreciated.
PS I cannot reformat because I am using a RAID0 array which has important data on it.
Thanks
CTX Triniton USB CRT --> does USB mean, there are USB hub/controller(s) 'onboard' --> how many USB controllers more can be seen on device manager? Some of these may share IRQ with Audigy or its 'add-ons'.
Try to disable all those new USB controllers 'comes with monitor' or turn them OFF (from monitor panel) if it's possible. You can then later apply them easily.
<i>Also, did you install some software bundled with monitor. Thse may have changed some files to newer or older versions. Try re-installing SP2/directX/patches for OS.</i>
.jtpMessage Edited by jutapa on 09-08-2005 :23 PM

Norton anti-virus offer

This is probably a no brainer to most, but I have a S10-2 netbook and every time I cut it on, the Norton add pops up. How can I get this offer to go away (other than buying it)? Thanks, Mike

No, it would be most unwise. Norton and Mac don't get along at all. It will bork your system.
I would use NO AV software, unless in a mixed environment atmosphere, it will cause more problems than it solves. There are NO viruses that attack a Mac, so it is like getting a vaccine against a disease that doesn't exist yet.
While there are no known viruses that attack Mac OS X at the present time it is possible for other malware to get onto your Mac.
So I go to lengths to protect my user. A hosed system can be replaced but a compromised user folder is compromised forever. Along with all your important data like bank records, credit cards, ... I.e. your "identity" stolen.
The best way to avoid that is by being a frustrating target. Use your built-in firewall which is industrial strength and/or a hard wired router, downloading only from "trusted" sites, installing all security updates and being careful about what you give administrative power to.
Don't use Limewire or any other P2P service to download your software, get it from reputable sources. In addition, always keep at least your users backed up, preferably a clone of your entire system on a separate disk. And put your sensitive passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers in a "secure note" in a new keychain or in an encrypted folder.
If and when a Mac virus does appear it will be headline news and you can download the AV software then. If you feel you have to run an AV program I'd suggest ClamXav a mac friendly freeware app that is very stable with OS X. It will check for known virus signatures at any rate.
Hope this helps.
EDIT: Here is a more through document on Mac security...
http://www.reedcorner.net/thomas/guides/macvirus/
-mj
Message was edited by: macjack

Flash Player para de funcinar ao desinstalar o anti-virus

Comprei um computador que veio com o McAfee para testar por um mes, como nao pretendia usar este anti-virus desinstalei ele para colocar outro, so que apos desinstala-lo o flash player parou de funcionar no internet explorer e o gadget do windows tambem, ele ficou somente um ponto borrado na tela com a opcao de fechar.
Fiz a instalacao e desinstalacao do flash player varias vezes, mas nao resolveu nada, tentei ate deletar alguns arquivos na pasta do windows/macromed/flash, mas tambem nao resolveu, o unico jeito foi restaurar o sistema para antes de tirar o anti virus, quando fiz isso o flash voltou a funcionar normalmente.
Agora preciso saber como tirar esse anti-virus e deixar o flash funcionando. Obs.: meu sistema e windows 7 home premium 64bits

Os artigos a seguir podem ajudar:
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.go ogle.com&sl=auto&tl=pt&twu=1&u=http://forums.adobe.com/thread/885448&usg=ALkJrhhAntqPVtNrC pH8aTjX0ph5XA-iXA
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.go ogle.com&sl=auto&tl=pt&twu=1&u=http://forums.adobe.com/thread/867968&usg=ALkJrhgNp7GsrUGy9 EdrdfmuIi_y-jB_jw
The following articles may help:
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/867968
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/885448

? anti-virus in MIXED environment

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