Anti virus software and patching os

Can anyone tell me their views on anti virus software running on a database server? We are windows 2003 / 11g.
I have not allowed it in the past but our networking folks think we should have it installed so we can at least scan the C: drive.
Also, what is your policy for updating the OS. I currently do not update the OS unless I have a know issue. Others seem to think this is crazy but this policy has worked well for the last 3 years. I should add that we replace our databases every 4 or 5 years and they are all behind two firewalls - access is only thru the web app or file server.
I would be very interested in other's policies.
Thanks,
Kathie

Personal opinion: I'd never put AV on a proper, production Oracle server -and by "proper", I essentially mean what you indicate: it's not accessible directly by the public; it's behind firewalls; it has no functioning connection to the Internet etc etc etc
We also disable automatic updates on all our Windows servers, because otherwise there's a tendency for a production database to die unannounced as the automatic updates kick in!
As for manual updates: we tend not to bother on a routine basis. We've fully patched a server when we were planning to take it offline for other reasons (an Oracle CPU patch, for example), so periodically everything becomes as up-to-date as it can. But during normal running, we just let it run without interruption (i.e., without updates) for as long as we can. Only

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I have a 6.1.6 MAC desktop and my bank has recommended anti-virus software and turn on Firewall - require advise please

I have a 6.1.6. MAC desktop and my on-line bank has recommended I download separate anti-virus software and turn on Firewall
Please advise
Thank you
Karinband

I concur with Etresoft. If they persist in their demands for you to install AV software and turning on a firewall, ask to speak to a manager of the bank and suggest to them that you are seriously considering changing banks. That usually changes their tune.

HT203163 I cannot access iTunes store from my laptop. I could for years but suddenly - no. Have removed all recently installed software. Have uninstalled and re-installed both my anti-virus software and iTunes. Have allowed pop-ups. Have flushed the DNS.

I cannot access iTunes store from my laptop. I could for years but suddenly - no.
Have removed all recently installed software. Have uninstalled and re-installed both my anti-virus software and iTunes.
Have allowed pop-ups.
Have flushed the DNS. Nothing.
Still can't access the store. Please help!

Close your iTunes,
Go to command Prompt -
(Win 7/Vista) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES, right mouse click "Command Prompt", choose "Run as Administrator".
(Win XP SP2 n above) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/Command Prompt
In the "Command Prompt" screen, type in
netsh winsock reset
Hit "ENTER" key
Restart your computer.
If you do get a prompt after restart windows to remap LSP, just click NO.
Now launch your iTunes and see if it is working now.
If you are still having these type of problems after trying the winsock reset, refer to this article to identify which software in your system is inserting LSP:
iTunes 10.5 for Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123?viewlocale=en_US

Should I protect my iMac with anti virus software and if yes what do you recommend thanks

should i prtect i mac with anti virus software?

If desired, use ClamXav. Any Mac OS X antivirus software which people actually charge for, as opposed to free downloads, should be avoided.
(70900)

Anti-virus Software: Norton Anti-virus OR Intego's Virus Barrier?

Hello all.
Let's just assume here that "we need an anti-virus software" and not dwell into the other area of discussion about Macs not needing any, despite the recent 'worms'.
Which one would you get, which one is better overall? Norton Anti-virus or Intego's Virus Barrier?
I think I remember reading a MacWorld magazine back a few months and think they rated Virus Barrier the best.
What about you guys? Thanks and cheers.

First, do not believe the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) spread about Norton AntiVirus. A good bit of that is undeserved, especially when it comes to NAV 10, which is the Tiger-compatible version and what I use.
I recently engaged in a debate on this subject in this thread, so you can read some of my thoughts there in response to the usual FUD spread about NAV and Symantec Norton products in general.
See my "Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware" FAQ for my recommendations as well as a list of some recent Mac OS X security threats that have emerged, including Trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
You can also read another post of mine on this topic here re: NAV vs. Intego.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

Is there an anti-viral software and spyware that is recommended??

Is there anti-viral software and spyware that is preferred for the I-MAC and MAC book Pro?? I don't want to slow my system like one's I've used for PC's in the past.

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 for Tiger from:
http://www.clamxav.com/download.php#tiger
and for Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion from here:
http://www.clamxav.com/
Note: If you wish to uninstall ClamXav: keep a copy of the disk image from when you downloaded it, or download it again - the uninstaller is included with the application. To uninstall, quit ClamXav Sentry (if you use it) and make sure it's not set to launch at log in. The uninstaller will remove the engine and any schedules you've got set up, then just drag ClamXav.app to the trash.
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 which Rogue_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]
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 and MacDefender (also goes under the name of MacProtector, MacGaurd, MacSecurity or MacShield) :
These are malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer in an attempt to obtain payment.
Mackeeper is equally worthless and should also be avoided. Again, the developer seeks to obtain payment for an application that does nothing that free utilities do not also offer, and in many cases it will also mess up your system.
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:
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
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.
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. Peer-to-peer sharing applications and download torrents (such as the now defunct LimeWire) 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. They can contain Botnet Trojans. 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
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/what-is/security.html
http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/os/applemac/I731-007R-2007.pdf
Security Configuration for Version 10.5 Leopard:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Leopard_Security_Config_2nd_Ed.pdf
NOTE: Apple's Snow Leopard and Lion operating systems silently update 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: Macs running Snow Leopard or Lion now check for new malware definitions daily, allowing Apple to quickly deploy protection from threats before they have a chance to spread.
Few malicious titles actually exist for Mac OS X, and those that do rely almost entirely upon duping users to install software that pretends to be legitimate.
http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/06/18/apple-secretly-updates
However, if you are running Lion Server:
Apple's new server operating system -- OS X Lion -- is so inherently insecure that Stamos recommends keeping it off the network altogether and using Macs only as standalone machines connected to IP or Windows networks, not those designed for Macs.
The Mac Server's networking protocols -- especially DHX User Authentication -- are designed for ease of use, not security. It is trivial, Stamos said, for hackers to set up a Mac user to download a file that will overflow the buffer protecting the heap segment of the server's memory, allowing the file's malicious payload to run uncontrolled in the server's memory and give itself whatever access rights it wants.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=3301796&olo=email

Should I get anti-virus software for my MBP?

I know there are not that many virus that Macs can get however I tend to download quite a lot of software from the internet that may not be that trust worthy. Should I get some anti-virus software, and if so, what would you recomend?

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

I Opened A Strange Attachment, Do I need To Install Anti Virus Software?

I have Yahoo Mail and recently received some emails from myself with strange attachments. Similar emails were sent to random contacts in my Yahoo contact list. I did not send these emails. When I changed my email password, these emails stopped. However, I'm worried my iMac G5 (OS 10.6.4) has a virus because I opened one of the attachments. Also, could a worm virus on my IMac have caused these emails? Yahoo advised me to run anti-virus software. Do I need to run anti-virus software and if so, which one? I've been reading online that anti virus software can cause more harm than good and make your mac "buggy," whatever that means.

P NewYork wrote:
I've been reading online that anti virus software can cause more harm than good and make your mac "buggy," whatever that means.
Yes, you read right! There are no known viruses that attack OS X and other exploits are very rare.
It sounds like your email address is being spoofed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoofing_attack
This means that infected PC is going through its contact list and sending spoofed as that address.
There's nothing you can do but alert your PC friends.
EDIT: Are these emails actually being sent by your Mac? Check in Sent mail folder?
If you feel you MUST run AV software to prove you have nothing , do a scan with ClamXav a mac friendly freeware app.
-mj
Message was edited by: macjack

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

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

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

Since download of Firefox Hello desktop & laptop both on Windows 7 are very slow even after refresh, download history removed and anti virus software turned off

Since download of Firefox Hello my home desktop & laptop, both on Windows 7, are very slow to open. I have refreshed firefox, removed download history and turned off the anti virus software in extensions. All the plugins are up to date. Can we revert back to Firefox without Firefox Hello?

Firefox Hello is simply a wrapper for technology already in Firefox, it doesn't negatively impact performance if you aren't using it. Are you saying that your entire computer is slow or just Firefox?

Do i need to install and anti virus software on my macbook air? if yes, which one should i install?

Do i need to install and anti virus software on my macbook air? if yes, which one should i install?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
OS X has got its own security systems, so you don't need any antivirus. Furthermore, they will only slow down your computer. If you want more information, read > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg
If you want an antivirus, install ClamXav, but you don't need an antivirus

My MBpro has been running some kind of app in the background upon turning on, heating up for no cause. Is this normal since Snow Lepard? It's been updated and I also have anti-virus software too.

My MBpro has been running some kind of app in the background upon turning on, heating up for no cause. Is this normal since Snow Lepard? It's been updated and I also have anti-virus software too.

you're welcome....
also check activity monitor - all processes - see what's using up most of your cpu resources under % CPU....
highlight anything that's really high and hit quit process......anything over 10% is considered high - unless it's your browser....
good luck...

I have upgraded to os x 10.10 and now anti-virus software is disabled. It is trend micro maximum security.

I have upgraded to os x 10.10 and now anti-virus software is disabled. It is trend micro maximum security.
To keep my subscription does this mean that I to go back to os x 10.9.5 Mavericks?

I would remove the anti virus software. Does not help.

I just opened an email from someone I knew via Insight Broadband. It was a link. I clicked on it and it led to a enhancement drug web site. Do you think I downloaded a virus? I didn't buy any anti-virus software. Thanks to anyone who has time to help me.

I just opened an email from someone I knew via Insight Broadband. It was a link. I clicked on it and it led to a enhancement drug web site. Do you think I downloaded a virus? I didn't buy any anti-virus software. Thanks to anyone who has time to help me.

Hello:
There are NO viruses that affect a Mac running OS X - none. FWIW, I suggest that you NOT buy A/V software. It is a waste of both money and computer resources.
Having said that, there are a couple of instances of malware that have popped up. Just don't follow links from unknown sources.
Barry

Who can recommend a functional anti virus software for imac and macbaook

Alarm! Great problems with Internet Banking!
Access closed by bank because of "Trojaner" on my imac. Can't believe.
Who can recommend a good anti virus software for imac, macbook and even ipad?
Thanks for helping
Eva

ClamXav.
You will 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/

Anti virus software and patching os

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