Details of Adware for Mac on F-Secure weblog

Does anyone think this is true about adware for Macs at the following weblog address <www.f-secure.com/weblog/#00001030>?
No virus or adware is one of the reasons I picked Mac over PC, have I wasted my money?

No virus or adware is one of the reasons I picked Mac over PC, have I wasted my money?
There are a couple of documented 'proof of concept' malware apps out there for the Mac, or several thousand real life ones out for Windows - seems a pretty obvious answer to your question.

Similar Messages

What is the best Internet security soft wear for mac

What is the best Internet security soft wear for mac

Cameron897 wrote:
What is the best Internet security soft wear for mac
As others have already said, you already have it. Here are some details, depending on what version of OS X you are using:
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

Details for 'Is Web service security available?'

Hi i am working on scenario rfc to webservice.Its as secued webserivce i need to do ssl configuration.
In component monitoring..for the integration engine its in yellow...
Details for 'Is Web service security available?'
Communication error Proxy calls on the sender or receiver side are not permitted on the IS (client)
can any one please help me out..
Thanks
sriram

I have already installed certificates on the j2ee engine & i have given the paramaters for keystore entry & keystore value.Still i have the same error
In component monitoring
For integration engine
Details for 'Is Web service security available?'
Communication error Proxy calls on the sender or receiver side are not permitted on the IS (client)
In message monitoring
Audit Log for Message: f614df00-e9e0-11da-95ef-0004ac577b32
Time Stamp Status Description
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success The message was successfully received by the messaging system. Profile: XI URL: http://saptst01:51000/MessagingSystem/receive/AFW/XI
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success Using connection AFW. Trying to put the message into the request queue.
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success Message successfully put into the queue.
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success The message was successfully retrieved from the request queue.
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success The message status set to DLNG.
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success Delivering to channel: ZCH_VERISIGNPPGR
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success SOAP: request message entering the adapter
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Success SOAP: call failed
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Error SOAP: error occured: iaik.security.ssl.SSLException: Peer sent alert: Alert Fatal: illegal parameter
2006-05-22 15:18:58 Error Exception caught by adapter framework: Peer sent alert: Alert Fatal: illegal parameter
Can any one please help me out.
Thanks
sriram

HT5130 Unable to install Security Update 2012-001 for Mac OS 10.6.8

Have just tried to install Security Update 2012-001 for Mac OS 10.6.8 and get message saying cannot download. Download stalls at Zero kB downloaded. Dialog says an error occurred during download.
Internet connection is fine and first time denial has occurred.

Looking at all the posts about the deficiencies of this update, you may have just lucked out, especially if you are, like many of us, still running PowerPC programs under Rosetta.

Import Outlook 2011 for MAC database from a security copy

After many years using Outlook for Windows, I bought a MAC Book Pro and Outlook 2011 for MAC. I use it for mail, contacts, notes and calendar and yesterday I had a problem. Since then, when I click the Outlook icon what appear is the system completely void. Contacts, notes, schedules, mail folders, everything have disappeared. I have a security copy done on an external hard disk, where I find everything, but I don't know what must I do to recover the Outlook database. I would be very grateful for some help taking into account that I have minimal experience on iOS software.
Thanks

Hi Ryan,
I suggest double check the permission configuration.
And also check whether the reply button enabled.
Thanks

I have a 4 yr. old iMac. I recently got a trojan on it that sent out emails to my address book. I got Norton Internet Security for Mac, and now my Mac is running slow, with way too many spinning beach balls of death. Was it a mistake to install Norton?

I have a 4 yr. old iMac. I recently got a trojan on it that sent out emails to my address book. I got Norton Internet Security for Mac, and now my Mac is running slow, with way too many spinning beach balls of death. Was it a mistake to install Norton?

yankeecat wrote:
I have a 4 yr. old iMac. I recently got a trojan on it that sent out emails to my address book.
There is no such Trojan or other malware known today that will do that using OS X nor has there ever been one. The most probable explanation is that somebody hacked into your e-mail account on the server, so you should change that password to something stronger right away. If it had come from your Mac then there would almost certainly be copies of those messages in your Sent Mail mailbox.

Since downloading Security Update 2012, Word for Mac no longer able to save or save as documents; program freezes after clicking save

Since downloading Security Update 2012, Word for Mac 2004 is no longer able to Save or Save As documents. After clicking Save or Save As, the program ceases to respond and must be Force Quit. Any tips on making Word functional again?

There was a second Security Update (v1.1). Did you download that one. It was supposed to have fixed the problems created by the prior update. At least is solved my problems with Quicken 2007 for Mac and AppleWorks 6.

Outlook for Mac - security

I just installed Microsoft Office 2011 on a new MacBook Air (OSX 10.8.4). It’s the Office 365 version so it includes Outlook, in addition to Word, Excel andPowerPoint.
I suppose that Outlook is more (?) connected to my network than Word, Excel and PowerPoint...
Does use of Outlook (I have not yet added an email account to the app) create a security vulnerability significantly over and above that associated with Word, Excel andPowerPoint?
I have installed Sophos' free antivirus software on the machine and the firewall is on, but I'd welcome thoughts on whether I should avoid use of Outlook altogether (i.e. rely on Apple's Mail) or if there is limited extra risk from a system security perspective or, whether there are risk-mitigation options.

Hi Carlos,
This forum is for general questions and feedback related to Outlook for Windows. Since the problematic account can work well in Outlook 2010 with Windows 7 but not in Outlook for Mac 2011, I suggest we can ask a question in
Outlook for Mac 2011 forum for more troubleshooting.
The reason why we recommend posting appropriately is you will get the most qualified pool of respondents, and other partners who read the forums regularly can either share their knowledge or learn from your interaction with us.
Thanks for your understanding.
Best regards,
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help, and unmark the answers if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]
Niko Cheng
TechNet Community Support

Home Security System For Mac?

I'm on the market for a home security system I can run through my home computers. I was all set to purchase a nice Logitech system with an outdoor camera and everything else, and noticed it doesn't work with Mac.
I've done a lot of research, but I'm not finding a recommended system for Mac users.
Can anyone make a recommendation or point me in the right direction?
Thanks.

You might check CNet Downloads or MacUpdate and search for the software. Then you will know what systems should work with Macs such as Thinking Home that works with X-10 devices.

How do I delete Kaspersky Security for Mac

I have tried to delete Kaspersky Security for Mac many times but the icon still comes up to tell me to renew. How do I delete the icon and the program?

You can contact Kaspersky support for uninstall issues here.
Anti virus software is invasive and difficult to remove. If you can't resolve the problem directly from Kaspersky, backup all important data then reformat the disk and reinstall OS X.
For v10.7 Lion, v10.8 Mountain Lion, or v10.9 Mavericks: Startup your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys. From there you should be able to access the built in utilities to reformat the disk and reinstall OS X.
For OS X prior to v10.7, startup from your install disc while holding down the C key.

How to get free AVG Net Security Update for Mac

I have AVG Internet Security anti-virus on one of my Macs and got a notice there is an update. However, everything I find on the AVG site and elsewhere is .exe files and not for Mac. WHERE do I get the correct one? And a notice appears saying it is now $50 - originally it was free!
Also, is it safe to use AVG just for Net security and free MacScan for the MacBook itself? When my website was last hacked, AVG did not report it at all as it had the previous time. On my iMac I use free Sophos.
Is there a site that recommends the best free (or low-cost) anti-virus programs for both the actual Macs and Internet use? Most seem to be run by the makers of the anti-virus software.

I've used ClamXav for years, and recommend it. When it comes to virus's, like the stock market, past performance is no guarantee for the future. ClamXav is donation ware (free to download and use, donations accepted), and is kept very up to date. You can download it from http://www.clamxav.com . I have mine set up to scan email and downloads.
In addition, you should have your OS X firewall enabled, including in the advanced options, stealth mode.

Antivirus, internet security for macs

i"ve heard that macbooks doesn't need internet security or anti virus, How true is this since I saw a Norton security product for macs?

Since there is nothing for the AV software to do on a Mac, they just cause problems. Most AV software is greater hazard then the things they claim they are protecting you against.
Don't install any.
Allan

Conflict with Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 for MAC

I installed Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 for MAC.
Its Web anti-virus function does not work well. After enable for a while, it blocks all internet connection.
I tried many ways, included
- putting Safari, Itune, ...into KIS's Trust Zone application
- set Pravacy for KIS control OS X
but it seems no effect.
Is there someone getting the same issue with me?
Any solution?
Thanks.

Despite repeated attempts I was unable to install Kaspersky's latest software on a new copy of Mavericks shortly after its release.
Its installer failed:
Kaspersky's product may have been updated in the last couple of weeks, but given that developers have had many months to prepare for Mavericks, it calls their competence into question. It's your Mac, install what you want, but the number of problems reported on this site that are directly attributable to using such junk exceed those caused by actual malware by orders of magnitude.
Protect yourself by observing these few basic principles, not by delegating that responsibility to Kaspersky or anything like it:
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.

It was advised on a radio program to get Security for Macs as they are becoming a target. Is this the case?

It was advised on a radio program to get Security for Macs as they are becoming a target. Is this the case?

Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
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 and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. 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 computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in 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. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
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 Internet criminals. If you're better informed 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 with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, 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. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
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. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
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
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ 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 padlock icon in the address bar 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" (AV) or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. 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 AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its 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, commercial AV 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 may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV 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 low-level 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 AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, 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 malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
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 can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. 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.

Since I downloaded Security Update 2012-006 for Mac OS X 10.6 I have been unable to print or upgrade my Quicken 2006. How can I fix this? Hurry! I need to pay my bills. thank you very much

Since I downloaded Security Update 2012-006 for Mac OS X 10.6 I have been unable to print or upgrade my Quicken 2006. How can I fix this? Hurry! I need to pay my bills.
thank you very much

Looks like Apple did the same thing with Lion that Microsoft did with Vista. Brought it on the market before it was ready.
I run a MacBook Pro and upgrading to Lion caused me two days of trouble and computer crash. Router settings removed and router blocked. Dongle not recognised, you name it.
In the end, I gave up and using my Snow Leopard installation disk and a Time Machine Backup finally got my computer up and running again. Thanks to Lion, I think I'll stay with OS X 10.6.8 at least it's reliable.

Details of Adware for Mac on F-Secure weblog

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