Anti virus/security software...is it needed on macs?

I am new to the world of Mac and in fact this is my first computer ever purchased. (Macbook...purchased last November). I currently have no anti-virus /security software installed on the computer and I'm wondering if this is recommended for macs and what the general consensus is on what is needed if so. I buy things online so my credit card and personal info has been going out and I'm just wondering if it's necessary with macs to have this additional software. thanks for any and all advice!

I currently have no anti-virus /security software installed on the computer and I'm wondering if this is recommended for macs and what the general consensus is on what is needed
You may not have anti virus software running on your mac but it already comes with security built in. A firewall, kerbreros authentication. SSH and other tools that give you secure connections.
If we lived in a world of just macs then we would never really need anything other than that. However microsoft documents can be infected with macro virus's although these cannot affect a mac you can pass them on to pc users.
So if you dont receive word documents by email from pc users then you don't really need anti virus.
When purchasing thins online if you make sure the site your using is a secure website then that is a safe as you can be. All the popular browsers used on a mac support https sites. It is also a good idea not to do personal banking etc on unsecure public wifi hotspots.

Similar Messages

  • I have a mac book pro osx 10.7.5. Do I need to get anti-virus security software

    I have a mac book pro osx 10.7.5. i do not have a virus checker. Do I need to get anti-virus security software that will protect against the new virus? And what would you recommend.
    Thanks

    There will always be a "new virus". Is this the recent threat you are concerned about?
    http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-27681236
    It only affects Windows PCs, which is usually the case.
    have a mac book pro osx 10.7.5. i do not have a virus checker.
    Those two statements contradict each other. OS X 10.7.5 already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple. Installing third party "anti-virus" software cannot possibly protect you from all threats, whether they exist today, or may occur at any time in the future. Such products are far more likely to cause random instability, crashes, loss of data, time, money, or all the above, while providing nothing other than a misplaced sense of complacency - a threat all to itself.
    The sky is perpetually falling for so-called "news" outlets. It has been so for many people since the beginning of time, and it will remain so for all eternity. Don't confuse fearmongering with becoming informed.
    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.

  • Do I need virus/security software on my macbook pro?

    I recently made the leap and purchased the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. I have never owned a Mac before so I am wondering if I should purchase virus/ security software. I was told  "Mac doesn't get viruses", but I would still like to know that my investment is protected?

    Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There  is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
    1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. 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 computer, or who has been able to log in to it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
    The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in 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. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
    The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; 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.
    As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
    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.
    Apple has so far failed to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. These failures don't involve App Store products, however.
    For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—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. Sandbox 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 effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, and a technological fix is not going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
    The best defense is always going to be 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 scam artists. If you're smarter than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
    Software from an untrustworthy source
    ☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
    ☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software.
    ☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
    ☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
    Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
    ☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
    ☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission.
    Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
    ☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    ☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
    ☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
    ☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
    ☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
    ☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
    Unexpected events
    ☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
    ☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
    ☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
    ☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
    I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
    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.
    Stay within the safe harbor, 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.
    7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" (AV) or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
    Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
    ☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
    ☞ Its 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, commercial AV 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 may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
    ☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
    8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. 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 AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
    Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
    London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
    You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in everyemail attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
    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 all 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 may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It's as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. 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.

  • My iPhone 4 has crashed.  i tunes will not recognize it and I can't restore it.  I sync with macbook pro and all software is up to date.  no anti-virus applications/software are on my macbook.  any ideas?

    my iphone 4g has crashed.  itunes doesn't seem to recognize it and wil not let me restore it.  i have updated all software and there are no anti-virus apps/software on the macbook that this phone syncs with.  i do get an error message on the phone that says something like the accessory is not compatible but I have no accessory for the phone other than the apple chargers and ear buds.  any thoughts? 

    The possible fix for the "this accessory is not compatible" is to carefully clean the dock port with isopropyll alcohol especially the pins which are on top of the mid rib. Be firm but do not break anything. Let it dry for a minute. See if that helps, if not try to clean one more time. If problems persist might need to Visit Apple.

  • Best anti virus/spyware software to date?

    Hello,
    What is the best anti virus/spyware software to date?
    Thanks,
    Jordan

    Jordan asks:
    What is the best anti virus ... software to date
    I sez:
    Don't date software. Date girls.
    But if you MUST date software and are concerned about catching cooties, may I suggest that Intego's new VirusBarrier 4X ?
    Intego VirusBarrier X4 is the simple, fast and non-intrusive antivirus security solution for Macintosh computers, by Intego, the leading publisher of personal security software for Macintosh. It offers thorough protection against viruses of all types, coming from infected files or applications, whether on CD-ROMs, DVDs or other removable media, or on files downloaded over the Internet or other types of networks.
    Intego VirusBarrier X4 protects your computer from viruses by constantly examining all the files that your computer opens and writes, as well as watching for suspicious activity that may be the sign of viruses acting on applications or other files. With Intego VirusBarrier X4 on your computer, you can rest assured that your Macintosh has the best protection available against viruses of all kinds.
    Intego VirusBarrier X4 is an application that works in the background and checks everything that your computer does, looking for viruses. It detects and eradicates all known viruses, including Word and Excel macro viruses, and even viruses targeting the Windows operating system. It knows the unique signatures of all known Macintosh viruses, and whenever a new virus is discovered, Intego's Virus Monitoring Center goes into action to provide updated virus definitions, which you can download using Intego VirusBarrier X4's automatic NetUpdate function.
    When you purchase a license for Intego VirusBarrier X4, you have access to virus definition updates for one year from the date of purchase. After this time, additional subscriptions, allowing you to extend your access to virus definition updates, are available from Intego, and can be purchased by using NetUpdate.
    Intego VirusBarrier X4 was designed according to specific concepts. The main idea is that an antivirus program should not require the user to do anything once it is installed and configured, unless a virus is detected. The Intego VirusBarrier X4 philosophy can be summed up in three words: simple, fast and non-intrusive.

  • What anti virus protection software is best compatible while running firefox?

    I get a message that not all of the software with Kasperksy is compatible with Firefox, and I am in the timeframe that I will be updating or adding a new anti virus software to my desktop xp system. Wondering what anti virus protection software is compatible totally with firefox? Thanks for your help with this.

    Avira Personal Free - http://www.free-av.com/

  • Removed ALL of my anti-virus/spyware software and CANNOT CONNECT TO STORE

    ***?
    iTunes 9 will NOT allow me to connect to the store. I don't have any firewall issues and have removed all of my anti-virus/spyware software. HELP!

    This worked for me.
    ++molly15 wrote:++
    ++I was having the same problem. Finally figured it out! You have to uncheck "use proxy server" under control panel -> internet options -> connections -> LAN settings. Works just fine now.+

  • Can anyone recommend a good anti virus/security suite?

    I have a friend recommending "MacKeeper" but the Apple online store only has "ESET" with two reviews which are both one star!

    VIRUSES
    No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
    It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download  from:
    http://www.clamxav.com/download.php
    Note: ClamAV adds a new user group to your Mac. That makes it a little more difficult to remove than some apps. You’ll find an uninstaller link in ClamXav’s FAQ page online.
    If you are already using ClamXav: please ensure that you have installed all recent  Apple Security Updates  and that your version of ClamXav is the latest available.
    Do not install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac as it can seriously damage your operating system. Norton Anti-Virus is not compatible with Apple OS X.
    FAKE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE and associated MALWARE
    Do not be tricked by 'scareware' that tempts computer users to download fake anti-virus software that may itself be malware.
    Fake anti-virus software that infect PCs with malicious code are a growing threat, according to a study by Google. Its analysis of 240m web pages over 13 months showed that fake anti-virus programs accounted for 15% of all malicious software.
    Scammers trick people into downloading programs by convincing them that their PC is infected with a virus.
    Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product.
    Beware of PDF files from unknown sources. A security firm announced that by its counting, malicious Reader documents made up 80% of all exploits at the end of 2009.:
    http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9157438/in whichRogue_PDFs_account_for_80_of_all_exploits_says_researcher
    TROJANS and RE-DIRECTION TO FAKE WEBSITES
    The appearance of Trojans and other malware that can possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
    If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's  (that's you!)  DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
    You can read more about how, for example, the OSX/DNSChanger Trojan works (by falsely suggesting extra codecs are required for Quicktime) here:
    http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojan_osx_dnschanger.shtml
    SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X.  It's available here:
    http://macscan.securemac.com/
    First update the MacScan malware definitions before scanning. You can also contact their support team for any additional support - [email protected] [/b]
    The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
    (Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
    http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
    and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days free trial the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk. It will detect (and delete if you ask it to) all 'tracker cookies' that switch you to web sites you did not want to go to.
    A white paper was published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
    http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?main_page=document_ general_info&cPath=11&products_id=174
    Also, beware of MacSweeper:
    MacSweeper is malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a Finland based computer security software company on January 17, 2008
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
    On June 23, 2008 this news reached Mac users:
    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan/
    More on Trojans on the Mac here:
    http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
    This was published on July 25, 2008:
    Attack code that exploits flaws in the net's addressing system are starting to circulate online, say security experts.
    The code could be a boon to phishing gangs who redirect web users to fake bank sites and steal login details.
    Net security groups say there is anecdotal evidence that small scale attacks are already happening.
    Further details here:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7525206.stm
    A further development was the Koobface malware that can be picked up from Facebook (already a notorious site for malware, like many other 'social networking' sites like Twitter and MySpace etc), as reported here on December 9, 2008:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7773000/7773340.stm
    As to the recent 'Conficker furore' affecting Intel-powered computers, MacWorld recently had this to say:
    http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?email&NewsID=25613
    You can keep up to date, particularly about malware present in some downloadable pirated software, at the Securemac site:
    http://www.securemac.com/
    HOW TO AVOID RE-DIRECTION
    Adding Open DNS codes to your Network Preferences, should give good results in terms of added security as well as speed-up:
    If you are using a single computer: Open System Preferences/Network. Double click on your connection type, or select it in the drop-down menu, and in the box marked 'DNS Servers' add the following two numbers:
    208.67.222.222
    208.67.220.220
    (You can also enter them if you click on Advanced and then DNS)
    Sometimes reversing the order of the DNS numbers can be beneficial in cases where there is a long delay before web pages start to load, and then suddenly load at normal speed:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2296
    If your computer is part of a network: please refer to this page: http://www.opendns.com/start/best_practices/#your_network and follow the advice given.
    There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!
    WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR MAC HAS BECOME 'INFECTED'
    If you think you may have acquired a Trojan, and you know its name, you can also locate it via the Terminal:
    http://theappleblog.com/2009/04/24/mac-botnet-how-to-ensure-you-are-not-part-of- the-problem/
    Although any content that you download has the possibility of containing malicious software, practising a bit of care will generally keep you free from the consequences of anything like the DNSChanger trojan.
    1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially p'orn'ography sites.
    2. Check out what you are downloading. Mac OS X asks you for you administrator password to install applications for a reason! Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites. If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program. A recent example is of malware distributed through innocent looking free screensavers:  http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/malware-watch-free-mac-os-x-screensavers-bund led-with-spyware/6560?tag=nl.e589
    3. Use an antivirus program like ClamXav. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through this AV application.
    4. Use Mac OS X's built-in Firewalls and other security features.
    5. LimeWire (now defunct) and other peer-to-peer sharing applications and download torrents supplying pirated software, movies etc are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your Mac. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications. Similar risks apply to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and similar sites which are prone to malicious hacking:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8420233.stm
    6. Resist the temptation to download pirated software. After the release of iWork '09, a Trojan was discovered circulating in pirated copies of Apple's productivity suite of applications (as well as pirated copies of Adobe's Photoshop CS4). Security professionals now believe that the botnet (from iServices) has become active. Although the potential damage range is projected to be minimal, an estimated 20,000 copies of the Trojan were downloaded.  SecureMac offer a simple and free tool for the removal of the iBotNet Trojan available here:
    http://macscan.securemac.com/files/iServicesTrojanRemovalTool.dmg
    YOUR PRIVACY ON THE INTERNET and the latest risks to look out for:
    There is the potential for having your entire email contact list stolen for use for spamming:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/technology/internet/20shortcuts.html?_r=1
    NOTE: Snow Leopard, OS 10.6.x, offers additional security to that of previous versions of OS X, but not to the extent that you should ignore the foregoing:
    http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
    Apple's 10.6.4 operating system upgrade silently updated the malware protection built into Mac OS X to protect against a backdoor Trojan horse that can allow hackers to gain remote control over your treasured iMac or MacBook.
    http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/06/18/apple-secretly-updates
    And if you are using iPhone Apps you are also at risk of losing all privacy:
    http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/hacker-claims-third-party-iphone-apps-can-tra nsmit-udid-pose-se/
    The advent of HTML5  may also be a future threat to internet privacy:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/business/media/11privacy.html?_r=1&hp
    Security of OS X generally:
    http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
    http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/os/applemac/I731-007R-2007.pdf
    Security Configuration for Version 10.5 Leopard:
    http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/Leopard_Security_Config_2nd_Ed.pdf

  • Is there any anti virus application/software that i can download for ipad2?

    do i need to download/buy an anti virus protection for my ipad 2? if so,, any suggestions? tried looking for avg but it doesnt have a scanner all they have is net protection for adult websites (kinda sorta like that). thanks

    You don't need it. There are no viruses or malware for stock iOS devices, and therefore no anti-virus.
    Only if you have purposefully removed the security features Apple builds in to its devices would you be at risk.

  • My mac is trying to download security software, do I need it?

    I am a new mac user. My mac started downloading security saying it was necessary to remove whatever I had been infected with. I stopped the download. I bought a mac because I was told I did not  need to worry about security. Do I need security? Is there a mac security software that downloads itself? Also my mac has frozen a few times and I have had to hold the power button to reset. Is this normal?

    From another post on this site.
    AntiVirus sw will not fix this issue because it is not a virus. It is an installed program that was given permission to run by the user.
    it is easy to remove, but there are several steps:
    -have user quit all apps
    -have user force quit safari
    -have user open activity monitor and force quit mac defender/Security/Protector
    -quit activity monitor
    -have user delete mac defender/Security/Protector from downloads & applications folder
    -have user do a Spotlight search for 'MacDefender/Security/Protector'/'Mac Defender/Security/Protector' and move any Mac defender/Security/Protector files to the trash
    -have user go to system prefs>accounts>login items> and delete mac defender/Security/Protector from start up list
    -have user restart
    -have user empty trash

  • I downloaded 4.0 and discovered it is incompatible with Norton Firewall, Anti-virus and Toolbar. This needs to be addressed before I update Firefox again (I reverted back to the 3.6 version). Can you address this issue?

    I downloaded 4.0 and which is incompatible with my firewall and Anti-virus. This is a security issue to me which needs to be addressed before I attempt to update Firefox again. Please address this issue. I am using Norton 360 Premier Edition.

    Update: Symantec have released an update for Firefox 4 compatibility, for details see http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20100720113635EN&ln=en_US

  • Can any anti-virus protection software be used with Mac?

    I was wondering how to protect my laptop from viruses etc and whilst looking i've found no software thats for Mac,
    Can anyone suggest anything or know of any software to help?
    Thanks,

    You can get Norton Anti-Virus for Mac here:
    http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=ma&pvid=nav10 mac
    Bear in mind that (as far as I know) there are no viruses that have been found to infect OS X. The Norton package above is intended to make sure that your Mac files are clean of PC viruses so that you don't infect your PC-based friends.
    Martin Bradford-Gago
    Life as an Apple Switcher: http://aurora7795.blogspot.com
    MacBook, Intel Mac Mini, iMac G3   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Using Parallels Desktop to connect to Windows XP

  • What is the preferred anti-virus/malware software for MacBook Air

    What is the preferred anti-virusmalware software for MacBook Air?

    None is required.
    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.
    See these Apple articles:
              Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
              OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
              OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
              About file quarantine in OS X
    If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using VirusBarrier Express 1.1.6 or Dr.Web Light both from the App Store. They're both free, and since they're from the App Store, they won't destabilize the system. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.)
    From user Joe Bailey comes this equally useful advice:
    The facts are:
    1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.
    2. There is no anti-malware that can detect anything targeting the Mac because there
         is no Mac malware in the wild, and therefore, no "signatures" to detect.
    3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that
         the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering
         techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.
    4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on
        your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a
        protection against malware.
    5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware
        from which they purport to protect you.
    6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.
    7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.
    8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something
        you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.
    9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware.

  • What anti-virus server software is available?

    I've got OS X Server 10.4.8 running, with clamav doing its thing, and quite well. However, I was wondering what third party AV software is available to be the primary scanner?
    The reason is that while blocking infected mail has been good, I'd like a system that will intercept and clean files (normally macro virus stuff) and pass them along to the recipient.
    Currently users are trying to email files, and when they get blocked they iChat them instead, spreading the infection.
    I couldn't find any server software on Symantec or McAfee's sites.

    Hello,
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    Intego has Virus Barrier Server and Virus Barrier Mail Gateway for file and mail servers respectively (released Sept. 2006). Located at http://www.intego.com/vbserver/
    Sophos has Sophos Anti Virus available. http://www.sophos.com/products/es/endpoint/sav-mac.html Like Symantec it is the same software for client and server.
    McAfee also only has one solution for clients and servers. http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/antivirus/file_serversdesktops/virex.html
    Intego's products are fairly recent September 2006 so I don't know how much experience there is with their products out there.
    Hope that gives you a brief overview of the products available.
    As for your current issue, you can take four approaches (although I am sure there are more).
    1. AV software on the clients stopping macro viruses on the desktops
    2. AV software on a file server and use network home directories (also stopping viruses at the client level)
    3. Intego's Virus Barrier Mail Gateway on your mail gateway
    4. Network appliance based Anti-Virus gateway and route mail through it
    - Barrett

  • My anti-virus (AVG) software says the following cookie is a virus...Cookies.sqlite, cookies.sqlite-journal and they are some tracking cookies by firefox. Should I delete them?

    My anti-virus software (AVG) is coming up with a virus called "trafficmp" it want's to delete this from firefox. What is this type of cookie and should I delete it?

    Sounds to me like you should remove it. The best way to do this is by clearing all your cookies. I would follow the Deleting All Cookies on this page [[Deleting cookies]].

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