Best virus scan and remove software

need suggestion to best virus scan software.

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 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” copies 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 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 Migrate to a newer version of the Mac OS as soon as you can.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.

Similar Messages

  • Best virus scan

    what is the best virus scan product to use for a MAC Pro - acting unusual and I feel I need to run a virus scan - but nee to identify a product

    katerachel wrote:
    what is the best virus scan product to use for a MAC Pro - acting unusual and I feel I need to run a virus scan - but nee to identify a product
    If your Mac Pro is acting unusual, "feeling the need" to do something isn't an appropriate way to address the problem. The very last thing you should do is to download and install some magic cure-all claiming the ability to fix what's wrong, because it is only likely to make things worse. The most highly visible and aggressively marketed third party products are the most effective ones at wasting your time and money.
    Barring hardware failures, whatever is wrong with your Mac can almost certainly be fixed for free. Common hardware failures such as hard disks can be replaced at a reasonable cost. Either way, you must diagnose the problem to be able to fix it, and that starts with describing its symptoms. Please post a new Discussion in the correct area - this one is for the MacBook Pro but if you are running OS X "Snow Leopard" click: Start a discussion
    OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it updated 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.

  • In 1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar shows 100% but task is still running. Where it says x of y items complete, x is y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Please explain.

    In >1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar sometimes shows 100% complete but task is still running. Under the status bar, where it says something like "x of y items complete," x is greater than y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Why does this happen?

    In >1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar sometimes shows 100% complete but task is still running. Under the status bar, where it says something like "x of y items complete," x is greater than y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Why does this happen?

  • P30 shuts down when running virus scan and other apps

    Hi,
    I've got a Satellite P30-110. Lately it has started to shutdown without warning and power off. When I start it back up again it loads normally without a scandisk.
    It first started when I was using FAST via crossover cable. It would shutdown shortly after starting to gather the files. Then it started happening when I tried to run a virus scan using McAfee VirusScan 9. Now it also happens when I try to encode video.
    I have tried doing all of the above after starting in Safe Mode, running msconfig and disabling all startup items and normally. Still I get the exact same result.
    I have not installed any new hardware or software. I have updated my BIOS to v1.3. My notebook is plugged in when this happens. I have enough HD space. I just don't have a clue as to whats happening!! Please help!

    Hi there, The simplest way is to use a vacuum cleaner hose on the fan grills as described in an earlier post. However, if ther is a lot of dust and debris stuck in the heat sink then it may be necessary to remove the heat sink first. This can be done by removing the cover on the bottom of the notepad (adjacent to the fan grilles), and then remove the screws holding the heat sink in place.
    Note that the heat sink will be attached with contact paste to help the heat dispersal. Please don't forget to power off the PC first, and also make sure that there is sufficient contact paste when refitting the hest sink.
    HTH

  • I have downloaded a fake firefox update and actually installed it on my netbook. what should i do? im now currently running nod32 virus scan and antimalware on my netbook

    while i was browsing photos on google, another page just came up that said i have to update firefox and my flash player for security reasons and then a box just popped out and i clicked save file. After i installed it, i came back to the download page and i became suspicious because it has no mozilla.com in its address, it was http://setupfirefox.co.cc/
    i researched on it in the web and i realized that i have just downloaded a fake firefox update which probably has a virus on it.
    well, my anti malware scanner has detected 2 trojan horses and i removed it and restarted my netbook but i don't know what damages has been done by it..i dont even know if all traces of it has been removed..

    I understand .. .. I know i am ending the process .. I have the symantec corporate edition for my anti virus .. and i have detected some of them with it .. but i believe I am going to have to run the scan in safe mode .. I could not follow your path outlined to the executable file .. I went into my C actually on mine its h windows folder and could not find it .. .. to be cont..

  • Best Virus Scan for Leopard

    Hi all,
    What Virus Scan should I purchase to protect my Macbook?

    Hello. I was on my Camino Browser recently with my eMac, and suddenly noticed a popup box saying something like "Your computer may be at risk, click here to install Malware Alarm for protection etc.". It then started what appeared to be a scan of the eMac and appeared as if it would eventually tell me that my computer was infected with various things. The site that it redirects to is scanner.malware-scan.com.
    I quit Camino to get out of it and no longer have it showing up on screen. I didnt download anything. On a Camino browser forum, someone mentioned that is something going around at the moment and an A/V program called Intego was mentioned for Macs. I am thinking of getting Leopard before too long and wonder if Intego is recognized as a good one? Will of course consider Clamware mentioned in this thread. Cheers.

  • Firefox keeps opening new tabs on its own...I've run virus scans and re-downloaded..HELP!

    Ok, random tabs open in Firefox often enough to really get annoying. I don't want to switch back to IE (ew), but I will if I can't fix this. Normally, it's a Google ad that opens, but today, a site for adult products opened. I have a 13 yr. old daughter who does NOT need to see this.
    Here's what I've done to try to correct this problem so far...
    -I've un-installed and re-installed Firefox at leas 4 times
    -I've run Malware Bytes Anti-Malware, Ad-Ware, AVG scans and Super Anti Sypware...multiple times
    -I've deleted and replaced the dll file WS2_2.dll with a new one
    -I've re-configured add-ons according to another support site.
    Anyone got any better ideas? I really don't want to go back to IE! Please help!!

    Hi Guys,
    I'm not actually from Mozilla Firefox, but I've had this problem before, and I've solved it with the help from another website.
    What you need to do is download a programme called "tdsskiller" from here:
    http://www.geekpolice.net/t23369-computer-infected
    scroll down the page and you should see a link. (I know the article itself seems irrelevant to your problem, but trust me, the programme they recommend works on this virus too.) It's only 1.3MB or so, so it doesn't take up huge amounts of space either! :)
    I can safely say that it is COMPLETELY safe to download this from geekpolice.net, as this website is a free website which helps people with viruses on their computer. If you ever have another problem with anything to do with computers, go and have a look on geekpolice.net, they should have something that might help you.
    Before anyone wonders why I am singing its praises so much, no I am not advertising them for any personal gain, but they have helped me get rid of some pretty nasty viruses on my computer before, so I am very grateful to them :)
    SO, anyway, after you've downloaded the tdsskiller, you should run it, and it may find some infected files, in which case let it repair them. After rebooting your computer, the annoying opening tab thing should be gone!
    I hope this works for anyone who's stuck :) If it doesn't, I'm really sorry, but it has definately worked for me!
    Good luck!
    Yashmeee :)

  • Windows 7 goes into sleep/standby when virus scanning and defragging

    I've recently noticed that Windows 7 will apparently go into sleep mode in the middle of virus scan or hard drive defrag.  Needless to say, this is a bit annoying.  Windows is set to sleep after 30 minutes, but I can't understand why it's doing this if if the hard drive is being used for a virus scan or defrag.  I could jury rig a solution by increasing the time before Windows goes into sleep mode, but I can't understand why Windows is even eligible for sleeping in the middle of a pretty intensive system scan!  The scanning programs I use where I've noticed that this occurs are Security Essentials and Smart Defrag.
    Anyone have any thoughts on why this is happening?  

    How long does the scanning procedure or defrag keep, more than 30 minutes?
    If certain application is running at background (such as Defrag) after 30 minutes without user operating, the monitor will be turned off but the application is still running until it completes. Then, the hard drive will be turned off and the system enter in Sleep Mode completely. The symptom is by default.
    If you would like to keep monitoring the status of defrag or scan, you should set the time longer than 30 minutes.
    Thanks,
    Novak

  • Best virus scan for a macbook?

    what's the best virus scanner to have on my macbook. on my pc i used to have avg, but its windows only. what are your opinions?

    Hi Issues:
    I think the the general consensus will be it is unnecessary . but If you feel that you will need one try this:
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    Regards,
    Billy

  • How do I scan and remove a virus from my iPad?

    MY  iPad  has been having many bad things go on like only one of the speakers works, videos are all messed up into thousands of miniature squares that are obviously not meant to be that way.  When I type it won't type as fast as my fingers and I type rather slowly.  It will be loading an unlabeled and un identifiable  something with and without the internet on even when all of the applications are closed. 
      Do these these things stand for that somebody is pirating my information or uploading stuff without permission?  Who can help out with the issues without it being unaffordable?  Please offer me plenty of ideas and options to save things before replacements are demanded.  The problems are the same in my iPhone 4S.  Might this mean that I have it in my iCloud Account?

    If the iOS devices have not been jailbroken or hacked, they cannot get a virus...there are none for the iOS devices.  You may be experiencing overload of the system or hardware problems.  To see if it is a system overload, double click the home button and dismiss each app by swiping the material above the app icon up and off the top of the screen.  That terminates the app and dismisses it.
    Then reboot by holding both the power and home buttons until the apple logo appears, ignore the red slider if that appears.
    Then see if the bad behavior continues.  If it does, visit an Apple store genius bar and have the techs run their diagnostics to see if the hardware has problems.

  • How to recover "bookmarks" after formatting hard drive because of virus? and what software to get it back?

    I use Windows XP Home with Mozilla 3.6.10. due to viruses I oblige to format my hard drive but I can not get my bookmark. now I want it back, how do I do? and with what software to get it back?

    Although this is not a Firefox question, take a look at
    http://www.diskinternals.com/
    http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-products.htm

  • Best FREE cleanup and security software for macbook?

    I need something reliable and efficient to cleanup and use my Macbook Pro safely. 
    I know there are some expensive options but would like suggestions for good, FREE software!
    Thanks

    The Mac OS is based on Unix and does a very good job of cleaning up after itself. I can't think of anything you'd really need unless you want to clear caches or something on a regular basis. In that case I would recommend the free Onyx utility. Read Thomas Reed's excellent article on the 'myth of the dirty Mac' here - http://www.reedcorner.net/the-myth-of-the-dirty-mac/.
    As for anti-virus software, you really don't need it, either. However, if you're just paranoid and coming from the PC world, you might want to read Thomas' excellent discussion of Mac malware here - http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/.
    If you want to install some sort of free a/v software, I believe that Thomas recommends both ClamXav and Sophos. If you feel that you need them, download them.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • Just did a virus scan and found an infected file...

    One result from my ClamXav scan...
    Library/Caches/Java Applets/cache/javapi/v1.0/jar/javainstaller.jar-3cc46f89-2f31e643.zip: Java.Downloader.OpenStream. A FOUND
    How do I remove/repair this?
    Alex

    Hi Alex!
    JAVA: CLEAR APPLET CACHES
    Many of the "Virex", "Possibly Infected" & "Non-Critical Errors" can usually be tracked down to the JAR cache folder, which stores Java Applets. Possibly the occasional Trojan as well.
    Browser Cache cleaning and third party utilities, do not seem to eliminate them. Nor does "Virex". I don't know about ClamX.
    They can, of course be manually trashed, but here's another way to get rid of those pesky little buggers!
    HD > Applications > Utilities > Open the Java folder > Double click THESE to open:
    Java 1.3.1 Plugin Settings Click "Cache" tab > Click "Clear JAR Cache"
    Java 1.4.2 Plugin Settings Click "Cache" tab > Click "Clear"
    Good Luck!
    ali b

  • I cannot get adobe reader to download on an Acer Aspire 1 using Win 7 and Mcafee virus scan and firewall?

    as sta.ted above i cannot download the Reader software from the Adobe website.there is nothing saved in nthe Windows downloads folder nor is there any sign of the Downloads box. We hnave W7 on the pc so know what to expect. Have even tried saving it in ano9ther location. Stil no good. Currently have the new Firefox and Windows and Mcaffe dowloads are happening automatically. Any ideas? Using an Acer Aspire one netbook

    Try to boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support (press F8 on the boot screen) as a test to see if that helps to download the Adobe Reader file.
    *http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Advanced-startup-options-including-safe-mode
    If that still fails then you will have to use another computer to download the file and use an USB stick too transfer the file.

  • Getting a smaller duplicate of my firefox page everytime I open a new window and I have to close it out, nothing is working and even ran a virus scan- getting f

    Geez, have to go to 10 different things to even get here!!!! I am having a problem with getting a smaller version of firefox every time I open a new window but it is blank, it looks like your web page, I have to close it out to view my page I was opening. I ran a virus scan and there is nothing. I have windows and firefox is my home page, btw when I go to IE I do not have this problem, Seems like when firefox installs a new version something happens,.

    Try to disable hardware acceleration in Firefox.
    *Tools > Options > Advanced > General > Browsing: "Use hardware acceleration when available"
    *https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
    *https://hacks.mozilla.org/2010/09/hardware-acceleration/
    Start Firefox in <u>[[Safe Mode|Safe Mode]]</u> to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).
    *Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window or otherwise make changes.
    *https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
    *https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

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