Antivirus and spyware

As a new user of mac os x I'm unsure what to use to protect myself so far most people say I donot need antivirus but is this the same for spyware

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.
If you are concerned there is an excellent freeware anti-virus checker called ClamXAV - VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.

Similar Messages

Which is the best antivirus and spyware for Mac?

Good morning,
Because of schoolwork and extracurricular activities, I am constantly sending and receiving e-mails and messages to and from PCs and other Apple devices, like IPads. Two years ago I purchased a 120,12GB MacBook Air and, until a few months ago, it went perfectly well.
I am not sure what happened, but lately, every time I go online, whatever I click -whether it is a random letter in a website, or a blank space in a page, anything- an advert appears or a new -unwanted- tab opens with publicity and such, the kind of additional tabs that open when you are watching movies online in a random website, but this time, it is happening with every website (even the Apple site) and almost constantly. I suspect it is something I downloaded or maybe something I received from an infected PC that I got a virus or problem from.
I tried using the MacKeeper software, but it is not working for me (?). Also I tried blocking pop-ups (I use Google Chrome), Java Script, automatic downloads, complements and everything I could when going online, but it has not gotten better over the last 9 months. My parents also recommended me a very good technician, who I personally know and has solved many of my previous problems, but he could not help me, in this situation.
For that reason, I have been considering either purchasing a good antivirus for my Mac or a new Mac and an antivirus for it, to prevent future problems like this one.
Either way, the question is the same,
Which is the best antivirus and spyware software for Mac?
Thank you so much for your attention.

Please get rid of MacKeeper, as it and most other such junk software will do more harm than good.
Please review the options below to determine which method is best to remove the Adware installed on your computer.
The Easy, safe, effective method:
http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
If you are comfortable doing manual file removals use the somewhat more difficult method:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
Also read the articles below to be more prepared for the next time there is an issue on your computer.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071
http://www.thesafemac.com/tech-support-scam-pop-ups/

I have just purchased an ipad2 do I need to download any antivirus or spyware.

I have just purchased an ipad2 do I need to download any antivirus and spyware.

No. I'll second the Jolly Giant.
Allan

3rd party antivirus and antispyware not detected by Network Magic

I have Norton Internet Security and PC Tool Spyware doctor installed on my laptop. The operating system is Vista 7 home premium. 2 Network magic alerts indicate that my antivirus and antispyware programs are turned off. These alerts refer to the programs that come with the operating system. It does not detect my 3rd party software programs which are up and running with no problems reported. Is there a way fix these alerts.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Henry4324 wrote:
I have Norton Internet Security and PC Tool Spyware doctor installed on my laptop. The operating system is Vista 7 home premium. 2 Network magic alerts indicate that my antivirus and antispyware programs are turned off. These alerts refer to the programs that come with the operating system. It does not detect my 3rd party software programs which are up and running with no problems reported. Is there a way fix these alerts.
Hi Henry4324,
I never heard of Vista 7 Home Premium.
Please publish a link to this operating system. Thanks. You may have a bootleg copy. In which Network Magic isn't going to work correctly.
thecreator - Running Network Magic version -5.5..9195.0-Pure0 on Windows XP Home Edition SP 3
Running Network Magic version -5.5.9195.0-Pure0 on Wireless Computer with McAfee Personal Firewall Build 11.5.131 Wireless Computer has D-Link DWA-552 connecting to D-Link DIR-655 A3 Router.

Cisco Nac agent "List of Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Products Detected by the Agent "

Hi All,
We have posture assessment working with cisco Nac agent. Checking only symantec Antivirus def update and installation. Since there is windows defender in all the user pcs and turned off not in use. But cisco Nac agent is showing both windows defender and symantec in List of Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Products Detected by the Agent field. We dont want windows defender to show in this list.
Anyone encountered this list before?? Please suggest.. I want to get rid of windows defender from this list in nac agent.

Closest enhancement I could check on this is
CSCts34764 NAC: Request for ANY rule to pass if 1 AS/AV definition is up to date
Currently Windows Defender AnitSpyware comes installed on all Windows 7 machines. Many users disable this and install their own AntiSpyware product. Currently when using the ANY AntiSpyware up to date rule, it will fail if say MSE is up to date but not Windows Defender (since it is disabled).
This is an enhancement request to add the ability to pass the ANY check if 1 AntiSpyware or AntiVirus definition is up to date but another is installed and out of date. Currently if a customer wants to accomplish this they need to create a rule for every AntiVirus or AntiSpyware product and use the "Any Selected Rule Succeeds" option which is very cumbersome to configure.
~BR
Jatin Katyal
**Do rate helpful posts**

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

Do you need to buy antivirus and firewall software for a new mac book pro?

If you purchase a new Mac book pro retina does it need antivirus and firewall products?

No. Although disabled when you buy it, OS X has a built-in firewall that you can easily turn on should you need to. You would only need to if you were connecting to public Wi-Fi networks like at Starbucks. AV protection is also built-in to OS X.
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 ClamXav.

On my windows 8.1 pc (i5 processor with 8GB ram) I can't get the automatic update voor CS4 master collection. I removed my panda antivirus and still can't automatically update. somebody any suggestion?

on my windows 8.1 pc (i5 processor with 8GB ram) I can't get the automatic update voor CS4 master collection. I removed my panda antivirus and still can't automatically update. somebody any suggestion?

thanks for your reply.
in Dutch it says that there are no updates available. I know that after
installing cs4 there are updates but i can't load them automatically. I did
a delete and reinstall, but still get the message.
kind regards,
2014-09-23 16:28 GMT+02:00 Atul_saini123 <[email protected]>:
on my windows 8.1 pc (i5 processor with 8GB ram) I can't get the
automatic update voor CS4 master collection. I removed my panda antivirus
and still can't automatically update. somebody any suggestion? created
by Atul_saini123 <https://forums.adobe.com/people/Atul_saini123> in *Downloading,
Installing, Setting Up* - View the full discussion
<https://forums.adobe.com/message/6755843#6755843>

Dunno.how to install the antivirus and zip file...

Hi..... I already bought a blackberry playbook...just now I want to install the antivirus and zip software,but it says the software is not support by the currently device...so how to solve this problem..and can you show the link to install this two software.... Thanx

There are no known viruses for the BlackBerry devices, therefore there is no Antivirus software available or required.

Hello everyone. I've got a macbook pro running on mac os x 10.6.8; trying to set up norton antivirus and it requires mac os x 7 or later. How can I safely upgrade to mac os. 7?

Hello everyone. I've got a macbook pro running on mac os x 10.6.8; trying to set up norton antivirus and it requires mac os x 7 or later. How can I safely upgrade to mac os. 7?

leroydouglas is correct, DO NOT install Norton or any other commercial anti virus software. They all work very poorly with Macs. If you insist on AV software, consider Sophos, it is free.
If you do wish to update your OSX, here are the available options:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6106Z/A/os-x-lion?find=lion
http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion
http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade/
Ciao.

I am trying to install Symantec Antivirus and it says I need Rosetta from Snow Leopard-How do I get this?, I am trying to install Symantec Antivirus and it says I need Rosetta from Snow Leopard-How do I get this?

I am trying to install symantex antivirus and it says I need Rosetta from Snow Leopard. How do I get this?

wicklows wrote:
I am trying to install symantex antivirus and it says I need Rosetta from Snow Leopard. How do I get this?
You have a Retina MacBook Pro, it runs OS X 10.7 or 10.8.
It won't run Snow Leopard (10.6) and Rosetta is only for Snow Leopard to run older PowerPC processor based programs when Mac's used to have those instead of the Intel processors they all have now.
So that software your installing is incredibly old, if you bought it, return it for a refund.
Also you don't need a anti-virus for OS X, Apple installed one for all OS X 10.6.8-10.8 users.
If you need anti-virus to clean the Windows files of their malware before passing it on, then the free ClamXav does the job.
http://www.clamxav.com/
If your worried about real threats, then this is worth reading.
Security Issues Warning List
Harden your Mac against malware attacks
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro?view=documents

Antivirus and cleaning of my mac air

Hi guys ... Sometimes I open sites which is not totatly secure .. I had istalled an app which is an antivirus called ClamXav .. and after scanning I realized I had a Trojan .. I removed it ... I want to know what is the BEST antivirus and what are the best apps for security issues. and I want your advice what to do to perserve my Mac fast and free of Malwares .. especially that I will continue open non secure website .. simply because I need some of them and also I don't know which is safe and which is not

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. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to your 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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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
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" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. 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 "anti-virus" products?
To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. New threats are emerging on a daily basis. Research has shown that most successful attacks are "zero-day" — that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based malware scanners do not defend against such attacks.
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," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject 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 anti-virus app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful 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 Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize without the need for any software; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
Software may be able to tell you which particular trojan it is, but do you really care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use recognition software unless an institutional policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every unknown email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar App Store product may be useful if an uninformed network administrator says you must have some kind of "anti-virus" application.
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 should you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, 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. "Hmmmm, this torrent is a crack of that new game I want. I think I'll download it. It could be a trojan, but the antivirus will warn me if it is." Then they wonder why their Mac is so slow all of a sudden. It's slow because it's running flat out mining bitcoins for a hacker who has already sold their credit card number and banking passwords to a criminal gang. Maybe a week later the antivirus does warn them, but what good does that do?
Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Suggest antivirus and firewall

Hi, im running a windows computer xp home service pack3,
I was having problems downloading films from itunes, and i suspected either a bug/virus in my computer
or conflict with security software in my computer was causing problems, So i wiped my computer and installed new version
of xp,Went onto itunes and downloaded film which seems to have downloaded okay,
I dont want the same problem so can anyone suggest please an antivirus and firewall for my computer [had pandacloud antivirus before] which shouldnt cause conflict problems with itunes?, Many thanks for any help given.

WIndows XP has a fairly serviceable firewall built into it already. As long as you are connecting to the internet via a router there really shouldn't be too much to worry about. Back in the day of directly connected modems people were inadverntly exposing their file systems to anyone who chose to look. A quick visit to Sheilds Up! should let you know if there are any significant issues.
I tend to recommend AVG-Free as an AV solution for personal use. Don't install its toolbar or search redirector. Whatever AV package you use you may want to go into its advanced settings and exclude it from monitoring your iTunes folder. This should prevent any conflict between the AV and iTunes.
tt2

Recommended antivirus and antimalware software for MaC

My computer is hanging up way to frequently and I think it is either a virus or lots of malware operating in the background. Does anyone know of a good Antivirus and Antimalware software for the MacBook Pro. mine is 4 years old and just updated the operating systerm OSX 10.8.5.
thanks Kristinafromtacoma

I agree that there would not be a virus causing the slow down, hackers can't be bothered to create a virus for a Mac, it is really hard to do and Apple only have 5% of the market/users.
Its more likely age.
Suggestions
-Full backup of your data(time machine) and then an erase and reinstall of the operating system. Then only return applications that you use and files that you need.
-Add more RAM, this will speed up your applications and startup time etc.
-Your hard drive may be reaching the end of its life, so replace it if you can.
Apple stores will do the erase and install of the operating system for you (free) and replace the hard drive if need be(not free). They are also good for a tune up(free). Are you close to one?
What are the specs of your computer (about my mac) serial number is better. This will tell me if you can get more RAM.

I try to restore ipad to ios 7.0.4 but the tunes show error ,the ipad could not be restore because the firmware file was corrupt, i have the latest update from itunes and windows and i turn off antivirus and firewall and the error is the same , what i do?

i try to restore ipad to ios 7.0.4 but the tunes show error ,the ipad could not be restore because the firmware file was corrupt, i have the latest update from itunes and windows and i turn off antivirus and firewall and the error is the same , what i do?, my ipad is show apple logo
please what i do

Hello JD_NINJA,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Error 9006 when restoring your iOS device indicates that there is security software on your computer which is preventing connection to the Apple server or your device. To troubleshoot this issue please follow the directions below.
Check your security software
Related errors: 2, 4, 6, 9, 1611, 9006. Sometimes security software can stop your device from communicating with either the Apple update server or with your device.
Check your security software and settings to make sure that they aren't blocking a connection to the Apple servers.
Get help with iOS update and restore errors - Apple Support
When restoring your iPhone, please make sure to follow the directions in the link below to properly restore.
Restore your device from an iCloud or iTunes backup - Apple Support
Take care,
Alex H.

Antivirus and spyware

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