Anti-virus software- you gotta love it......

OK, so i know the liklihood of getting a virus etc is next to zero, but my university still insist that I have a recognised (ie known brand) anti virus package on my ibook. i was thinking intego virus barrier X, but would be really interested to hear what other people's suggestions are.....is norton all that bad? What about sophos?
thanks

Nici wrote: "OK, so i know the liklihood of getting a virus etc is next to zero"Not anymore.
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 Trojan worms, rootkits, and spyware.
Also, don't get drawn in by the dire warnings concerning the RAR vulnerability in Symantec Norton AntiVirus. The article cited by "ds store" is alarmist w.r.t. the specific vulnerability and leaves out critical details. That article is more an opinion piece than a sound bit of reporting. There should be a patch forthcoming. Action on that can be followed here, where one will note that:
- A workaround has already been posted.
- A virus signature to look for potential attempts to exploit this issue has also been published.
A similar problem was just found with McAfee Virex.
Where the article is correct is that the Mac is increasingly attractive as a target for developers of malware and spyware. The smug attitude of Mac users who think they're invulnerable may encourage such work.
All software is subject to security issues: Apple is still releasing Security Updates for Mac OS X. No application or platform is invulnerable.
I use and recommend NAV and this glitch will not dissuade me from such.
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.

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This is a user forum; you have to put your request to Adobe.
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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

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.
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Cisco Jabber for Windows - Anti-Virus Software

Hello,
Cisco Jabber for Windows could not resolve outlook contacts, when a client has installed McAffee Anti-Virus Software.
Is there any documentation available, how to setup a Anti-Virus Software, to get Cisco Jabber for Windows running?
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Outlook 2013
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this is all what we mention about antivirus; http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/voice_ip_comm/jabber/Windows/9_2/JABW_BK_J6915A59_00_jabber-windows-server-setup/JABW_BK_J6915A59_00_jabber-windows-server-setup_chapter_00.html
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The only process that ever runs from Jabber for windows is "CiscoJabber.exe" which is located in the following path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Cisco Systems\Cisco Jabber
i hope this helps.

I have what appears to be a virus on my Mac namely MAL/FAK AV-OQ how can I remove it? I have only discovered after running SOPHOS anti virus software???

I have what appears to be a virus on my mac namely MAL/FAK AV-OQ I only discovered it after installing SOPHOS anti virus software.
I cannot remove it automatically with this software it says it has to be done manually.
Where do I start???
Help req'd urgently

That is Windows malware, and cannot affect your Mac. See:
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/threat-center/threat-analyses/viruses-and-spyware/Ma l~FakeAV-OQ.aspx
It may be attached to an e-mail message or could be something that was copied over from a Windows machine via flash drive or something similar. If it is attached to an e-mail message, simply delete the e-mail. (Do not let Sophos, or any other anti-virus software, quarantine the message or attachment! That can corrupt the mailbox that the message resides in.) If it isn't an e-mail message, you can let Sophos quarantine and delete the file or you can delete it yourself.

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

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Anti Virus Software....Do I need It On My MacBook Pro??

Hi
I was given the impression I didn't need anti virus software for my 1yo MacBook Pro?? am I correct or stupid? Please Help.....

Roadzee wrote:
Even better thanks...the question I have now is..do you recommend AV software if so what one is the best??
Thanks.
I have been using Macs with OS X since the day OS X was launched on March 24, 2001. (BTW, an experience I will never ever ever repeat, despite the overall clunkiness of OS9.) I have never downloaded, purchased, used, tested, or thought about using an anti-virus software. I still don't. In all that time, I have never experienced malware, trojan horses, and/or viruses. Whenever I read about these trojan horses or malware, it almost always requires user acquiesence, rarely superior coding of the malware.
Look, don't allow anything to have root access to your computer by keeping it secure by password, and only enter the password when you're sure of what's requiring it. Don't download anything that you don't trust. In other words, download Adobe Photoshop from Adobe's website, not from some random website in the Ukraine. I don't like anti-virus software because they gobble up system resources that don't need to go something like protecting the Mac from nonexistent trouble.
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Just bought new macbook pro, do I need anti-virus software?

Does a new macbook pro come with anit-virus software already loaded on it?

ya, the OS it self, but in all seriousness. no there is not standard anti-virus and most people get more issues from anti-virus software than from any virus out there. there are very very few viruses written for macs and for the most part i cannot see how it could slip in easily to your machine.
some people around here do use them but i do not so the only advice i can give you really is that norton AV is not that good for Apple compared to the other ones out there but really its not a big deal to get it.
-matt

Do we need anti virus softwares for Mac book pro?

do we need antivirus softwares for mac book pro?

That is a complex question, whose answer depends greatly on you. See my Mac Malware Guide for the information you need to protect yourself and to make a decision about anti-virus software.

Shall i buy anti virus software for my MAC pro lion

Do I need to install anti-virus software for my Mac pro?

You do not need any anti-virus for a Mac.
Do not download any software from the web to protect your Mac.
Apple releases updates that will offer all the protection a Mac needs.
Keep the software updated.
Many in this community use ClamXav and recommend using it.
Best.

Help! Anti-Virus Software

I recently bought a macbook pro two weeks ago and with my previous laptops (they were windows) ive always had to get anti-virus software. Do i need security for my macbook pro?

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 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're not absolute protection. The first and best line of 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 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 one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — 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. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "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.
An anti-virus app 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
Anti-virus software 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 the software unless a network administrator requires you to do it.
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 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 is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. 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.

Anti-virus software- you gotta love it......

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