Anti-virus protection for my IMAC?

Should I invest in anti-virus software?
What should I use?
I only surf the net, don't download, I'm the only one who uses my computer.
Thanks!!!

Most commercial ("invest in") AV and internet security packages for Mac cause many more problems than they fix. These companies make money off people coming from the Windows world who get hammered with intrusions as soon as they plug in their computer. Some have even invented news of threat to use fear as a marketing tool. May the bedbugs from a thousand cheap hotels invade their shorts!
I've run without AV software since getting our first mac abotu1990. Their are threats but reasoanable computer habits (like not clicking on something that looks fishy, say, doesn;t have a "cancel" button to click) can preven tt most attacks better than software.
If you feel the need for AV software, there are two free packages that work well and with little impact on performance. Google up "ClamXav" and "Sophos."

Similar Messages

Is there an anti-virus protection for this phone?

I believe that I could have picked up a virus is there a way I can check

I highly doubt you picked up a virus. The only way to install code is via the Windows Store which all apps are reviewed by Microsoft before releasing to the public to download.
What makes you think you picked up a virus?
To answer your question, no there is no anti-virus protection for Windows Phone.

Virus protection for an imac intel

Are imac intel's secure from viruses? If not what is the Virus protection software I should buy?

Get Intego Virus Barrier X4 !!!!!!!!!!
Forget symantec, I had trouble with Norton Antivirus, For a few months it was fine than all of the Sudden it wouldn't update, even if I took it off the computer and reinstalled it.. I called them and I was transfered to over 8 different technitions and not one of them could help me. I kept getting error messages and i even tried software update trouble shooters from their website, and nothing, just more wasted space..
NORTON TAKES FOREVER TO SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR VIRUSES
The same issues happened to my iBook as well a few day later.
I made my transition to INTEGO VIRUS BARRIER X4. THE ARE NUMBER ONE IN PROTECTING YOUR MAC FROM VIRUSES. IT IS SO USER FREINDLY AND IT INTEGRATES VERY WELL WITH THE SYSTEM.
INTEGOS VIRUS BARRIER X4 HAS A FEATURE CALLED TURBO MODE, AND IT CAN SCAN AN ENTIRE HARD DISK IN MINUTES. The software doesn't hog memory, scan seeminglessly in the back round.
IT HAS A COOL INTERFACE, AND SIMPLY TO USE, EVEN MACWORLD MAGAZINE RATES THEM NUMBER ONE.
All the other antivirus's all come from compaies that made software for windows, they only make software form mac because the Mac population is growing. These guys are Mac only software, so they do their homework making sure it's the best.
It's not cheap, but do research and you can find the program for $47 in some websites, sometimes lower or highier. I first got it from amazon since they are more reliable to buy from.
I was amazed by the performance and got one for my laptop a few weeks later.

Anti Virus protection for tablet?

Just purchased my first tablet. I will use it for business and access internet via Jetpack.
What about antivirus protection? Is that even an issue with tablets? Does Verizon offer any antivirus protection with Jetpacks?

I would check in the Windows Store for any anti-virus applications.

Do I need additional anti-virus protection for my Macbook Pro for everyday us than what is already on the laptop when you buy it?

I just purchased my Macbook Pro so it is brand new and I will only use my laptop for everyday use at college. So do I need extra protection for it and if I do what do you recomend.

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 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. 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 catch some terrible disease every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have a false sense of safety. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then also feel free to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Best free anti virus protection for windows xp

Anyone out there know which is the best anti virus software that is free.Not a trial one. I had Norton but do not want to pay for it any more.My computer is windows xp but i have recent downloads for windows 8 is this right?????

Hi,
Please check the following list:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
Sorry I can't work out this question: "My computer is windows xp but i have recent downloads for windows 8 is this right??????"
Regards.
BH
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

Do i need virus protection for my imac g5 and if so what type

please help cause i new with macs

If you're using Mac OS X 10.5.8, as your profile indicates, I would disagree with advice not to use anti-virus software. Systems running Mac OS X 10.5.x and older are missing almost all of the anti-malware protections that have been added to subsequent systems, and malware authors are still writing code to target those systems because of that. A good, low-profile anti-virus program, like Sophos, would not be a bad idea on such an old machine.
Note that, whether you use anti-virus or not, you need to be cautious. You especially must disable Java in your web browser! The version of Java on such an old system is outdated, with no possibility of updating it, and contains vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. Java is bad even on a modern, fully up-to-date Mac, but it's just completely and utterly unsafe to use in any way in the web browser on a system running 10.5.8 or earlier!
Similarly, you should not use Flash Player in your web browser. The latest version of Flash Player will not work in 10.5.8, leaving you with only being able to run a version of Flash that can be attacked through vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. You will want to remove or disable Flash.
You will also need to keep all other third-party code updated - most notably, Microsoft Office, if you use it.

Do I need virus protection for my Imac ?

Is this a dumb question ?

Macs are not impervious to virus's. But if you do er on the paranoid, then there are a few options out there...
ClamXV http://www.clamxav.com/
an open source antivirus engine as a back end and has the ability to detect both Windows and Mac threats.
And Sophos http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
I don't have any virus protection, and have never had any problems... this is one of the reason I made the switch.

Anti virus protection for iPad2

Jus bought nu ipad2 My 1st time to hav apple product so stil groping Wat is gud antivirus protection for this mobile device Wud appreciate any input Tnx

Thank you for your reply Deggie. And your candor is most enlightening for a greenhorn like me.
I especially appreciate your answering the query. I guess that in sites like these one must get used to sarcastic blabbering from smart-alecky denizens. Oh well, such is the price of knowledge!
Have a good day!

Should I buy anti-virus software for new iMac?

Just purchased my first iMac and Ive been reading that I really dont need antivirus protection, is this true? In the past I've always bought Norton Internet Security for my pc's.

You certainly don't need to BUY it. The free ClamXav will do:
There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac has NOT been infected by a virus, it may have another security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
More useful information can also be found here:
http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

What is the best downloadable clean/anti virus software for the IMac

I want to clean up and protect my iMac but there seems to be so many bogus sites out there. What is a good one?

Check out User Tip: Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security and Mac Malware Guide.

What's the best anti-virus program for my iMac?

Any help is appreciated.

ClamXav 2.2.5. But if you are concerned about the recent malware issues then see:
Helpful Links Regarding Flashback Trojan
Visit Thomas Reed's site for insight and help: Mac Malware Guide
A Google search can reveal a variety of alternatives on how the remove the trojan should your computer get infected. This can get you started. However, be careful about what you do as new variants of the malware circumvent the efforts of earlier tools.
Also see Apple's article About Flashback malware.
Apple has released Java updates for Snow Leopard and Lion users:
Java for OS X Lion 2012-003; available only for users of Lion with Java installed.
Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8; available only for users of Snow Leopard.
Flashback malware removal tool; available only for users of Lion without Java installed.
Install whichever shows up in Software Update. It removes the malware (if present), updates Java (if present) and tightens up Java settings for the future. You may download from Apple's web site instead of using Software Update, but it's important to know which one to get, because the other two won't work for you.
For the truly paranoid see 10 Simple Tips for Boosting The Security Of Your Mac.

What's the best anti-virus protection?

What's the best anti-virus protection for my imac?

If you are running an older, unsupported OS like Leopard or Tiger, then you might consider running Sophos Home (free). Since Apple is no longer providing security updates for these, it could be a good idea.
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
System requirements
Not sure if Sophos Anti-Virus will work on your Mac? These are the technical requirements:
    Mac with Intel or PowerPC processor
    256 MB of memory
    150 MB of available disk space
    Mac with OS X 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion) or 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
    Supports all Apple Mac hardware including iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air

What is the best anti-virus software for my Mac?

What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?

If you are still using OS X 10.4.x "Tiger" please confirm.
atpatt wrote:
What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?
Use what Apple already provided.
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.
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.
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.

Do I need anti-virus software for my Mac Book Pro (purchased in Sept, 2011)?

McAfee's website ...
http://home.mcafee.com/Store/PackageDetail.aspx?pkgid=358&culture=en-us&affid=79 2&eid=covmcaggl89400000070427s&adid=8370783383&
... says I need anti-virus protection for my Mac (of course they'd like to sell it to me). Been a Windows man since Gates was just getting started. FINALLY switched over a few months ago. McAfee makes good points about getting this protection so I thought I'd sign in here and ask you guys (the experts:-)) what YOU think?? If I do need it, please recommend. I always heard that you don't need anti-virus protection for a Mac and was hoping that would be the case but I must admit it ... that sounds a little bit far-fetched/unreasonable. I don't mind doing it if it will add extra security and isn't too annoying as it has ALWAYS been on my Windows PCs through the years. Thanks, Dan

No. You don't need AV software.
What does McAfee sell? AV software so of course they are going to attempt to sell it to you. Their only interest is getting your money and nothing more then that. That web site is a total crock.
Allan

Anti-virus protection for my IMAC?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for