Do i need a virus program for me mac book

do i need an anti virus or clean up program for my mac book pro?

Mac 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 Mac malware takes the form of trojans that can only operate 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 software, such as a “codec” or “plug-in,” that comes from that same site, or an unknown 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” versions of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
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 ClamXav -- nothing else.

Similar Messages

  • Is there An anti-virus program for a Mac Book Pro

    Is there an ant-virus program for a Mac Book Pro?

    YES, there is. It is built into Mac OS X. All you need to do to use it is keep Mac OS X up-to-date.
    This built-in Anti-Virus works better and is far less obtrusive than any third-party stuff you can add on. Most of the third-party anti-Virus add-ons are JUNK.
    But Viruses, while they cannot be ignored, are actually quite rare on the Mac. If you have a flashy anti-Virus scan that reminds you it is there by slowing down your Mac and visibly scanning things, you can lull yourself into thinking you are protected, but you are NOT!
    A much more serious problem is malware, and most malware requires you to help (or at least be complicit) to get onto your Mac. Nothing can replace your constant Vigilance. They ARE out to get you, and steal your financial data, and take over your Mac.
    Don't click on ANY links sent to you in emails.
    Don't visit Torrent sites, and don't download software from third-party sites.
    Don't download "players" from the same site that is providing the content.
    No one can tell whether your Mac is infected with anything from outside your Mac. This is ALWAYS a scam.
    You have not won a contest you did not enter. You should never have to pay to collect your prize.
    Providing your banking information to anyone (to send you money) is an invitation for them to empty that account and disappear.
    The Safe Mac -- Mac Malware Guide

  • Do I need anti-virus software for my Mac Book Pro (purchased in Sept, 2011)?

    McAfee's website ...
    http://home.mcafee.com/Store/PackageDetail.aspx?pkgid=358&culture=en-us&affid=79 2&eid=covmcaggl89400000070427s&adid=8370783383&
    ... says I need anti-virus protection for my Mac (of course they'd like to sell it to me). Been a Windows man since Gates was just getting started. FINALLY switched over a few months ago. McAfee makes good points about getting this protection so I thought I'd sign in here and ask you guys (the experts:-)) what YOU think?? If I do need it, please recommend. I always heard that you don't need anti-virus protection for a Mac and was hoping that would be the case but I must admit it ... that sounds a little bit far-fetched/unreasonable. I don't mind doing it if it will add extra security and isn't too annoying as it has ALWAYS been on my Windows PCs through the years. Thanks, Dan

    No. You don't need AV software.
    What does McAfee sell? AV software so of course they are going to attempt to sell it to you. Their only interest is getting your money and nothing more then that. That web site is a total crock.
    Allan

  • What is the best scribe program for a Mac Book Pro?

    I am looking to purchase a scribe program for my new Mac Book Pro.  I need support as my arms/hands get numb.  I do a lot of writing.  What do you think would be the best for my Mac Book Pro?
    Many Thanks!!

    This would be speech recognition software. There is only one satisfactory product for this available on Macs - Dragon Dictate. From my limited experience it works exceptionally well given the state of the technology.
    It will require an appropriate microphone for best results plus the willingness to commit several hours to train the program to your voice. It can be used in most word processors/editors as well as work with many different applications' commands and OS commands.

  • HT3910 I need a recovery disk for my Mac Book Pro for IOs 10.6 Snow lepoard

    I have lost my revocry disk for my MAC Book Pro laptop.  How can I obtain a new one

    You can purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
    After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store.
    You may also purchase replacements for the two discs that came with the computer.
    Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.
    To contact product and tech support: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes
    international calling numbers..

  • Once and for all: Do I need anti-virus software for my Mac?

    I've always heard that you don't really need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for Macs - but I do wonder that there has to be viruses about that would affect Macs?
    I do alot of creative and professional work on my Mac. The data on it, means a **** of a lot to me, and I'd hate for my Mac to be infected with something horrible.
    Could anybody please tell me if I really do need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for my iMac? And if I do, which one do you recommend? (Ideally I would want it to be cheap and not hog lots of system resources)...
    Thank you!

    Hi
    I can only give you my personal experience on this one.
    The short answer is "no". I've been using macs for the past 4 years, my partner for many more. Neither I nor she have an anti virus program installed.
    We both use firewall on both the os x setup and via our router. I tend to install the security updates posted by apple after they are released and check the forums to be aware of any potential problems.
    A much better idea is to back up your important projects etc on a regular basis to dvd and external hard disk.
    I have one experience of anti-virus software on the mac:
    About 2.5 years ago i thought i had a virus - my diskspace was being eaten up at a very very fast rate - and i was worried. Found out that the os update from 10.3.2 to 10.3.5 had an incompatability issue with the mcafee shock game controller driver (obscure eh!)
    Anyway, after this experience and deleting the driver which i no longer needed, i decided to err on the side of caution and tried out both mcafee and norton. Both of which slowed down my system and norton especially caused problems when i was running logic pro etc. really really annoying.
    Once i'd got over my "insecure" stage and having spoken to other mac users i realised anti-virus software was causing many many more issues than resolving any - and besides since then i have still had no problems and have never come across any viruses on mac os x.
    It all depends on what makes you feel safer. Personally i wouldn't recommend ant-virus programs... i wonder if anyone has any positive experiences of anti-virus software on the mac?
    that's my 0.02 pence

  • What's Best Anti-Virus Program for a Mac?

    I know that most people think that Macs don't get viruses, but I'm a computer teacher in a public school and we recently got the W97M virus. It's in the Microsoft Word program, and although it may not hurt specifically our iMacs, it has caused other problems. We get frequent error messages and also the spinning ball, the latter of which could be caused by a number of reasons. Another teacher used her flash drive from school on her home computer, and the computer died. It was a PC, but she's not sure if it's from the virus or not.
    Anyway, I depend on flash drives a lot to transfer documents I create at school to my home computer and vise-versa. Ever since I heard about this virus, and we've gotten other viruses too, I haven't used my flash drives on my home computer. I have a G5 with the 10.3.9 operating system that eventually I'd like to upgrade. The only two anti-virus programs I've seen the names of are iAntiVirus and ClamXAV. I thought that I had read a while ago that ClamXAV detects the virus but doesn't remove it. (or it may have been another anti-virus program) I would like one that not only detects it but also removes it, whether the program is a free one or one you have to buy. Also, I need one that is okay with my present operating system (OSX 10.3.9) and also will work with whatever the newest OSX system exists when I upgrade.
    Thank you for your help.

    The developer of ClamXav created a front-end (the GUI interface) for an open source back-end that actually does the real work. There are apparently ClamAV applications for other platforms.
    So it seems like the developer is saying that the 1.1.1 version of ClamXav for Panther is the current front-end version, but the back-end "engine" is a slightly older version. The back-end for the Tiger and later version no longer works with Panther. But that should be OK, because the program downloads updated definition files as new malware is identified. Since the developer can no longer support creating a version for Panther, this version is the last one.
    Also, ClamXav is a scanning program. It does not take any action to remove malware (as far as I know). It just tells you about what if finds, and it's up to you to remove or replace the compromised file. I my case, the only things it finds are malware embedded in spam/junk emails, so I just need to find and delete those emails.
    Note: I had not used ClamXav in a long time, and the 1.1.1 version does not work in Snow Leopard. But there is a beta 2.0 version that does work with Snow Leopard.

  • The Best Virus Program For The Mac?

    Hi... I currently use Virus Barrier X6 w/ Net Barrier... What is the best Virus/Network Software for the Mac platform? Any Recommendations?
    So far I've had no problems and Virus Barrier did detect one virus which came in the form of a junk email attachment. I was able to "eradicate it" and have had no other problems since... Is VirusBarrier a good application for protecting against malware, viruses, etc...? If not can someone recommend? And what about virus protection for the iPad? (I just ordered one)

    OK... Than answer me this... Why is it only Windows which can be hit by a virus.
    There are several factors that make Windows more vulnerable. (Some may have been changed in the latest Windows.)
    Windows users normally run with privileges enabled because they are needed for common operations. OSX users can run in non-administrator accounts for normal use.
    Some Windows applications, such as Internet Explorer, can have full access to system files, so can modify the system or install software without the user's knowledge. These applications can blindly follow instructions from web pages or mail messages. OSX's Safari has a limited set of file types considered "Safe", and won't open any others that may be downloaded. The worst that a "Safe" file can do is play a media file, or open a disk image to show the files contained, and instructions on installing. The user would have to start the installation, and enter an administrator name and password, to modify the system. You will be warned the first time you try to open a downloaded file that is an application, or wants to start an application.
    Window's mail applications are happy to take commands from other applications to send files to other computers. OSX Mail will ask for permission when a new application tries to send mail.
    To try and improve security, Windows has added many warnings for activities that could be suspicious, but they can occur so often that users often just click OK without checking.
    Windows has the capability of automatically running application from a disc when it is inserted. This feature was used on CDs by music publishers to install new drivers to prevent copying, but can also install a virus. Just plugging in an infected USB memory stick can automatically infect your computer. Thee have been cases legitimate distributing of discs or memory sticks that were infected. IBM unknowingly distributed some recently at a security conference. There were infected USB sticks left in a parking lot of a government facility. Somebody who found one, plugged it into his computer to try and identify the person who may have lost it. It immediately installed a virus on the computer, which was on a secure, protected, network At one time, Mac OS had this "feature" but it was removed long before OSX, because it made it so easy to infect a computer. (There were some pre-OSX Mc viruses.)
    Why are Macs and OS X invulnerable to viruses?
    They are not invulnerable, but not as easy to infect. Occasionally security holes are found, but Apple provides security updates reasonably quickly.
    I've never heard Apple claim there are no viruses out there for OS X and I don't think they would do so...
    I think they did claim that in some TV ads. They didn't claim that there would never be any, though.
    I'm not trying to start an argument... Rather trying to find out about some software. All I've received (aside from one) is there apparently are no viruses for OS X. Whatever...
    Maybe they are right.
    I've been in the IT Field long enough to know anything is possible. And even disconnecting from a network still doesn't guarantee anything. I'm sure you've put data CDs in your Mac.
    Yes, but unlike Windows, that can't install anything automatically.
    Maybe the word "Best" wasn't the right choice... I was looking for more of a comparison and instead I get another smart @ss answer.
    That doesn't mean the answer is wrong. There are currently no OSX viruses out there. The anti-virus companies are desperately looking for some; so far unsuccessfully. They may even be trying to create some. That doesn't stop them ffrom climing tht there are such viruses. They often list the pre-OSX ones.

  • Do i need to get an anti virus program for my mac mini

    do i need to get an anti-virus software?

    OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
    A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
    Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
    Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
    Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
    Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
    Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
    Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
    Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
    Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
    Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
    Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
    Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
    Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
    Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
    Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
    Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
    If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
    Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
    The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
    OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
    Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
    If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
    Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
    Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
    Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

  • Where can I find a antivirus program for my Mac Book Pro?

    Can anyone help me?
    I would like to know where I can find a antivirus program that apple provide. I need to clean up my mac and install a antivirus program.
    Thank you :-)

    So far all of the "cleanup my mac" software I have tested has been a dismal failure.
    They either don't do anywhere near what they claim they will do or else they do dangerous stuff without even asking your permission first.
    For these reasons I recommend most strongly that you avoid them all.
    Allan

  • Do people get virus protectors for their Mac books?

    I have been told you won't get viruses on Macs....I know that someone got into my email account, which I promptly changed and closed....however, there is a slower Internet speed...getting booted off the internet when trying to skype etc. happening so I'm pretty sure there must be a virus.
    What to do?

    Whatever is going on, it's not malware. See my Mac Malware Guide.
    As to what it is, you haven't provided enough information for us to do much more than guess. Are you having problems with all networks that you try, or just with one or two specific networks? Does it affect other internet apps, or just Skype? When you say you're "getting booted off the internet," what does that mean, exactly?

  • I need the "old" FCPX for my Mac book

    Where can I download the "old" fcpX, I bought one two years ago and use it on my I Mac.
    Now I want to use it on my Mcc book pro (an old one, MAC OS X 10.6.8   8GB Ram) if I travel

    Not trying to police anything, but if you have a legitimate, licensed version of Final Cut Studio on your iMac, it was installed from a set of disks _ not a download.
    That license allowed users to install on one desktop and one laptop, So those same disks should be used to install the apps, including the "old FCP" on your MBP.
    I don't recommend copying the apps. It will probably work fine most of the time but far too often, problems arise down the line that would be avoided by a "clean install" of the apps; then – very importantly –successively  running Software Update until there are no more updates.
    If you would like more input on this, post over at the Final Cut Studio forum.
    Good luck.
    Russ

  • Need iphoto re installed for 2008 mac book pro

    Iphoto was deleted off my macbookpro, I bought it in June 08' I dont have the disks anymore. How can I download the software again??? I cant update because I dont have iphoto on my system!

    Phone Apple Support and order replacements, or buy iLife 09 on DVD.
    (64770)

  • Anti-virus program for iPad 2

    Do I need anti-virus program for my iPad 2?

    In another thread someone is saying that iPad has no Viruses. If Facebook is showing signs of a virus then FB has the problem not iPad.
    What a laugh!!!!
    That's like Microsoft saying their computers don't have viruses. It's all that **** software out there that has the virus problems.
    GMAB

  • HT4650 what's the best free virus program for Mac?

    What's the best free virus program for the Mac?Not just for viruses, but removing all the duplicate folders and tuning up my mac.
    I'm not exactly sure what all the Activity Monitor stuff is, but I know when my
    Mac is sluggish and slow. Any ideas? (No, MacDefender is not a possibility)

    See Here  >  Antivirus Discussion
    And Here for keeping your Mac happy...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1147
    http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/maintainingmacosx.html
    http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/performance.html

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