Anti-virus, spyware, adware

Hi,
I have not been using any 3rd party security software, but am now required to make sure that I have anti-virus, spyware, and adware protection with respect to my interface with a Windows network at my office. Two questions, please:
- Does my OS 10.5.6 already provide those security elements?
- If not, what security software would you recommend?
Thanks!

If you are running Windows you need all the protection money can buy. But if you are running Mac OS X:
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/
However, 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.
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
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 the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk.)
A white paper has recently been published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=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 information on Mac security can be found here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The MacScan application can be downloaded from here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
You can download a 30 day trail copy which enables you to do a full scan of your hard disk. After that it costs $29.95.
More on Trojans on the Mac here:
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
The latest news on the subject, from July 25, 2008, is:
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.
In light of the news net firms are being urged to apply a fix for the loop-hole before attacks by hi-tech criminals become widespread.
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 recent development is the Koobface malware that can be picked up from Facebook (already a notorious site for malware), as reported here on December 9, 2008:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7773000/7773340.stm
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!

Similar Messages

DoI need anti virus or adware/spyware remover for a MacBook Pro

Long time PC user, resently purchased a mac book pro & Loving everything about it.
just curiouse about keeping system clean,
Do I need anti virus or adware/spyware remover, for a MacBook Pro

You don't need jack diddly squat.
But if you have PC brethren and don't want to be a typhoid mary, then download the free ClamXav and scan with that.
First account on a Mac is a admin, it's best to run as a Standard user by creating another admin user, loggin into it and turning your first user to a Standard user. Everything works just the same, it's more secure than normal though as Mac's are being attacked, not as much as PC's.
Just a bit more protection, check your Software Updates once in awhile and you should be fine, except for Lion issues and we cant' help those as it's a new OS.
If your on Snow Leopard then stay there for another 6 months at least until the complaints go away here about Lion.

Anti Virus, spyware for Macbooks

Hi everyone, Im a new Mac user. Iam just confused about the Mac security, do Macs needs anti-virus, spyware software?? Someone said not necessary, others said Macs do get Virus so they need anti-virus software
any suggestion??

At this time there have been no confirmed Mac OS X viruses (subject to the semantic debate about whether the iChat exploit is properly classified as a virus or a trojan horse and not counting the Word macro virus that can affect Office v.X or non-updated copies of Office 2004), very few trojans and no adware or spyware. I therefore do not feel that antivirus or antispyware software is necessary at this time. It's never wise to become complacent, though, so security precautions are not wasted. Such security precautions mostly are common sense: don't download and run files from sites you don't know, don't double-click on attachments in emails you aren't expecting and/or from people you don't know, and make sure you password your system and keep that password secure as well as not having your system available and unattended (which also is a precaution against theft). In addition, it's possible for someone to inadvertently forward a Windows virus or worm to a PC user though you'd have to do it manually and said Windows malware cannot infect the Mac.
In addition, it's possible for someone to inadvertently forward a Windows virus to a PC user though you'd have to do it manually, and said Windows virus cannot infect the Mac.
If you do decide you wish to run antivirus software, I think that the donationware clamXav should be more than enough provided you remember to scan your system from time to time.
If you are running Windows on your system, either via BootCamp, Parallels Workstation or another solution, then that copy of Windows is subject to all the myriad exploits common to the Windows world, so you need to take full precautions, including running both antivirus and antispyware software.

Free Anti-Virus/Spyware Program?

Are there any good, free anti-virus/spyware programs out there to protect my Mac? Ones that remove Mac viruses/spyware as well as Windows ones too? I know there aren't nearly as many threats out there for a Mac compared to Windows, but they are still out there so I want to be safe and know my Mac is secure.
I'm an ex-PC user of many years so I am used to having some comfort knowing I have protection...
Message was edited by: JerichoX

there are some trojans and I think keyloggers exist too but they can't be installed without your active participation. meaning you have to download it, install it and enter your admin password. These things are sometimes disguised. there were a few posts recently by people who got a trojan while visiting adult websites the trojan was disguised as a codec that they were prompted to install to view certain content. However, currently that's pretty much the only way something like this can get into your Mac. If you use a standard account for normal computer operation and take minimal reasonable precautions about what you install on your system there is no need for extra protection.

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.

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.+

I think I have a virus/spyware/adware???

Hello!
Last week while I was on www.google.com searching images, my Safari download manager popped up and began downloading "soft_58s7.exe". I immediately deleted it and assumed that I had clicked on an image that took me to a link that gave me a virus. I continued on using google, and when searching something completely different the download occurred again, and again. Each time I deleted the file from my computer by locating it in Finder and dragging it to the trash.
However, not I get random pop-ups everyone once in awhile while using sites that I know do not have pop-ups (Google search, aol.com, facebook). So I think I have a virus.
I also tried to download ProtectMac Antivirus, but it tells me that it cannot be downloaded because there is another antivirus software on my computer that it is not compatible with. I checked my applications and there was an app called "VirusProtect", which I drug to the trash as well. However I still received this message that ProtectMac could not be installed because of another antivirus application. I believe that I either did not uninstall VirusProtect correctly, which I need help doing because the icon is no longer there, or this is also an effect of the virus.
Please help!!
Im on a MacBook, running OS X 10 .5.8
Thank you!
I think this is also an effect of the virus because I have no virus protection on my com

.exe files are Windows executables that do not run on Macs, and simply downloading one will not give you a virus. Random pop-ups in your browser may occur but as long as you dismiss them there should nothing of concern.
You cannot delete virus protection software by dragging it to the Trash. You must use the appropriate uninstaller that is included with the software.
Also see:
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.

What is the best anti-virus, spyware etc. software

Please can anyone help me. I bought a Satellite Pro M40 laptop which is lovely and installed Norton Internet Security 2006 and Ad-aware, however, I am so paranoid since going on broadband because of Trojans and spyware invading my pc. I posted another message because I had control panel open as a shadow image in the background so did a complete re-install using Toshiba disc, now another shadow appeared when online called Padtouch_wndllabel. I hear that spyware can disguise itself as other progs. I need real basic help really as its all new to me but wonder if there are any other protective measures I can take to check if my laptop has been infected or to stop it in the future??? - without going into registry files etc?? Maybe I should post this under Satellite Pro forum would that be best??
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
Manderz

Hi Manderz,
I hope that you enjoy using your new laptop! With regard to the "best" antivirus and anti-spyware software, there is unfortunately no one answer. Obviously, having any protection is better than none at all, so the Norton security suite you have installed is a very good start indeed.
Personally, I use a number of anti-spyware programs, including Ad-aware SE, SpyBot Search & Destroy, and Microsoft's own Windows Defender. All of these should be happy running alongside each other but it is very important that you only have one anti-virus program as this needs "control" over the dataflow in and out of your computer. Running more than one normally leads to each program battling against the other, usuallymaking the computer unusable in the process.
The importnant thing to remember with any of these programs is that regular updates and system scans are the key to catching any natsy visitors - try once per week to start and see how you go from there.
The other "top tip" is just being sensible with what you are doing on the internet: clicking "yes" on all those adverts or agreeing to anything you have not read or understood is inviting spyware onto your system.
I hope this does not sound too baffling or put you off using your new computer to its full potential - if you are unsure, just post away on the forums. There is no such thing as a dumb question if it going to save you frustration and worry.
Good luck, enjoy, and I hope this has been some help....

Recommendations for anti-virus, spyware for mac.

Any suggestions for virus, spyware programs or is the OS strong enough to do without?

OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "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.
Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
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.

What about anti-virus -spyware protection

Is Virus ,spyware protection aval. for i pad.

AV software cannot run on the iPad even if it existed.
iOS sandboxes apps, not allowing them to affect other apps or make system wide changes.
All AV software could do was scan itself for malware or possibly your email.

Mac vs Windows - cost of lost time from viruses, spyware, adware

My entire office just returned from a convention. Due to the open network at the convention, they set up a table back in the office where every single person who used a laptop at the convention must have IS check for and remove all viruses, adware and spyware. The lead IS network person had 60 on her laptop, other laptops are just as bad.
The cost of owning a Windows machine: hours of lost productivity as the IS department checks a hundred machines, and lost productivity as the owners wait to get their machines back.
Macs are more expensive? Hah! I walked in, showed my MacBook Pro and was waved through with, "I wish I had a Mac."

Macs are more expensive? Hah! I walked in, showed my MacBook Pro and was
waved through with, "I wish I had a Mac."
Well, I wouldn't take security so easy, even with a Mac.
There are (even few) viruses for the Mac and there is also a chance to get spyware on your computer.
So although the risk is low, I decided to have a virus scanner on my Mac running and regularly updating. Furthermore I configured the internal firewall to be as strict as possible (e.g. enabled stealth mode and check regularly that all services not needed are really disabled, maybe a bit paranoid, confessed).
Let me share an interesting (maybe wired) thought:
I noticed that within the last months, many security holes of OS X are coming to the public (e.g. WLAN exploit). Very likely because of the Mac became more popular (thanks to iPod and so also more people are using it.
The problem... a hacker can reach millions of people when writing spyware for Windows and only a few ten thousands when spending the same time for developing a Mac one. Currently, at least.
However the Mac's popularity grows and simultaneously it makes also more sense (for a hacker) to write viruses and spyware.
And while many Windows viruses and spyware is written by script kiddys, it takes a lot of more knowledge to hurt OS X. Good ? Sure, but there is another risk... experienced hackers could start developing for OS X and it may become a hard job for Apple to work against them.
The reason simply is that OS X hasn't been "publicly tested" as much as Windows. So there are surely a lot of hidden bugs, even security related. Let's face, no operating system is bug free, not the complex ones we all use today.
So maybe we should call it "Interesting times, today" and wait what happens. But generally I agree... Windows is the most insecure operating system. This is not a "I hate MS" opinion, but I daily work with both worlds and can't say how often I had to totally reinstall Windows on my laptop while using my PB for over two years.
Let's say "thank you" to Microsoft that hackers are spending their time on Windows and not on OS X

Is it really nescessary to use 3rd party Anti Virus/Spyware with FF?

I use FF browser and a 3rd party Antivirus/spyware program.
Is the 3rd party program really necessary or does FF have it built in? The 3rd party seems to slow down my startup.
S.

Absolutely necessary.
Unfortunately, a slight slowdown is the price you pay for protection. Post on the forum of the security application that you are using for assistance and advice concerning your problem.
Firefox does warn you when you try to go to '''''known''''' malware or phishing sites but does not replace a good security application.
*See --> https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/phishing-protection/
*'''''Sample''''' warning screens:
**http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/its-a-trap.html
**http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/its-an-attack.html
'''If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when <u>signed-in</u> to the forum.'''
Not related to your question, but...
You may need to update some plug-ins. Check your plug-ins and update as necessary:
*Plug-in check --> http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
*Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in: [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Using%20the%20Shockwave%20plugin%20with%20Firefox#w_installing-shockwave Installing ('''''or Updating''''') the Shockwave plugin with Firefox]
*'''''Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape''''': [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Using%20the%20Adobe%20Reader%20plugin%20with%20Firefox#w_installing-and-updating-adobe-reader Installing/Updating Adobe Reader in Firefox]
*Shockwave Flash (Adobe Flash or Flash): [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Managing%20the%20Flash%20plugin#w_updating-flash Updating Flash in Firefox]
*'''''Next Generation Java Plug-in for Mozilla browsers''''': [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Using%20the%20Java%20plugin%20with%20Firefox#w_installing-or-updating-java Installing or Updating Java in Firefox]

What is the best anti virus/spyware for mac i watched abit to much **** :(

is MacKeeper any good?

ClamXAV is free and as good as any commercial product - MacUpdate or CNET Downloads.

Best anti virus software

What is the best anti virus/spyware software for Mac's?

Read this:
http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/#needav
Then look at this:
http://www.clamxav.com/
Or this:
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx

Reccommended Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware application?

Hello,
I've recently come across some suspicious looking files on my iMac, and I think it may be time to invest in some anti-virus software to give me peace of mind.
For my Windows computer, I have an application for anti-virus, and then a separate program that protects me from spyware, adware, etc. Is there an application for Mac OS that has both of these features?

Read the following:
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.

Anti-virus, spyware, adware

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