Do i need to install anti virus software for imac

Ive just brough a imac and installed microsoft office for mac onto it. Do i need anti virus protection?

Probably not necessary. There is virtually no malware affecting OS X. But it would be worth your while to read this user tip: Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security.

Similar Messages

  • Who can recommend a functional anti virus software for imac and macbaook

    Alarm! Great problems with Internet Banking!
    Access closed by bank because of "Trojaner" on my imac. Can't believe.
    Who can recommend a good anti virus software for imac, macbook and even ipad?
    Thanks for helping
    Eva

    ClamXav.
    You will find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
    The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
    More useful information can also be found here:
    http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

  • I Opened A Strange Attachment, Do I need To Install Anti Virus Software?

    I have Yahoo Mail and recently received some emails from myself with strange attachments. Similar emails were sent to random contacts in my Yahoo contact list. I did not send these emails. When I changed my email password, these emails stopped. However, I'm worried my iMac G5 (OS 10.6.4) has a virus because I opened one of the attachments. Also, could a worm virus on my IMac have caused these emails? Yahoo advised me to run anti-virus software. Do I need to run anti-virus software and if so, which one? I've been reading online that anti virus software can cause more harm than good and make your mac "buggy," whatever that means.

    P NewYork wrote:
    I've been reading online that anti virus software can cause more harm than good and make your mac "buggy," whatever that means.
    Yes, you read right! There are no known viruses that attack OS X and other exploits are very rare.
    It sounds like your email address is being spoofed.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoofing_attack
    This means that infected PC is going through its contact list and sending spoofed as that address.
    There's nothing you can do but alert your PC friends.
    EDIT: Are these emails actually being sent by your Mac? Check in Sent mail folder?
    If you feel you MUST run AV software to prove you have nothing , do a scan with ClamXav a mac friendly freeware app.
    -mj
    Message was edited by: macjack

  • What's the best internet anti virus software for iMac?

    Hi
    Was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what anti-virus/internet security software shall I get for my iMac?
    Thanks a lot!

    None. Have a look at these links from The Safe Mac, klaus1 and John Galt. They provide useful, informed opinion on the merits, or otherwise, of installing anti-virus software on a Mac:
    http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3030
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/23885605?ac_cid=tw123456#23885605 (see John Galt's response).

  • Anti Virus Software for iMAC

    I have just taken delivery of my new iMAC and what Anti Virus Software would one recommend or NONE at all ? I see on reviews Intego Mac is highly rated

    1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. 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 victim's computer. 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.
    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, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; 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.
    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 actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac App Store), 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. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
    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 find some other way to evade Apple's controls.         
    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 presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. Beyond XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT, there’s no evidence of any benefit from other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always 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 malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
    That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source. How do you know whether a source is trustworthy?
    Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, 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. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
    Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
    Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
    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.
    Follow the above guidelines, 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 from malware.
    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 the free softwareClamXav — nothing else.
    Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
    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. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. 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.
    ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows 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. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
    ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
    9. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but if they get a false sense of security from it, they may feel free to do things that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
    10. 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.

  • Shall i buy anti virus software for my MAC pro lion

    Do I need to install anti-virus software for my Mac pro?

    You do not need any anti-virus for a Mac.
    Do not download any software from the web to protect your Mac.
    Apple releases updates that will offer all the protection a Mac needs.
    Keep the software updated.
    Many in this community use ClamXav and recommend using it.
    Best.

  • Installing anti virus software

    Does anyone have experience with Norton Anti Virus Software for the Mac?  I am running OS X Maveracks with a Parallels Destop 9 VM running Windows 7 with Norton 360 Security (a hold over from when I migrated to the Mac).  I am thinking I would like to install some form of Antivirus software on the MAC - Norton recommends their Norton Antivirus 12 for Mac.
    Couple of questions -
    1.  With the MAC OS X Is it really necessary or recomended to install Anti virus on a Mac?
    2.  Does any one know of issues with compatibility issues with installing Antivirus software on both the MAC and Windows VM?
    3.  Is there a single Antivirus product that can be installed which will cover both the MAC and Windows environments?
    Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

    Honestly, there's no reason to install AV software on the Mac.  When I first switched to Mac many years ago, I thought it was needed and learned afterwards that it really isn't.  I haven't had any AV software on any of my Mac for years now.
    There are some that say you should have it, but it's really there to protect files/emails that you may be getting/sending to Windows users.  But that's why they need AV software in the first place!
    And last, to my knowledge there are still no "true" Mac viruses in the wild.  There are some trojans and whatnot that I know of, but they all need user interaction to actually install so as long as you use good common sense, this shouldn't be a problem.
    That's my opinion, however, and others may differ.

  • I am new to mac, is there any need to install Anti-Virus on my MacBook Pro ?

    I surf the internet and watch some videos, is there any need to install anti virus on my mac ?
    Thanks in advance.

    Have a look here  >  Antivirus Discussion
    More Info Here  >  http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

  • Anti Virus Software for New iBook - Any Need for it

    Hi,
    Is there any real need to buy any Anti Virus software for a new iBook running Tiger.
    If so what would be the best software to Buy.

    Hello Simon,
    As has been stated there are NO viruses for Mac OS X. None!
    Some will say that NO form of protection is required. Some will say that there is a good case for having at least some protection.
    There is an interesting article here
    No need to spend any money now!
    Regards
    Ian

  • HT2470 do we need anti virus software for macpro?

    i am gonna buy macpro? do i need to buy anti virus software or it is built in?

    See my Mac Malware Guide.
    Long story short, there is some Mac malware out there, but it's fairly easily avoided if you take some basic precautions.

  • Is there any benefit to installing anti-virus software on the Windows side of the Boot Camp configuration?

    Is there any benefit to installing anti-virus software on the Windows side of the Boot Camp configuration?

    The advantage is the susceptibility of Windows systems to viruses and passing those along.  While they may not affect, or infect, a Mac OS X systems, thy can be passed through to others.

  • Free anti virus software for nokia 5530

    Does anyone know where you can download free anti virus software for the 5530? i've tried a few sites (even trend micro) but none of the software i've downloaded is compatible with my phone

    The security model of SymbianOS 9.2 and above simply does not allow software to install without the user specifically allowing it and without the software in question being signed with a valid certificate. A phone running S60v3 and above simply cannot be infected with a virus.
    http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/viruses.htm
    The phone therefore needs no protection against viruses.
    It may, however, need protection against the user! If you accept and install anything sent to you via bluetooth, MMS or e-mail, or if you make a habit of installing cracked warez from dubious sources, them your phone almost certainly will become infected with some form or other of malware, although it will not be a virus. It might be a worm or a trojan. In any event, it's up to the user to behave responsibly.
    Another risk is that the phone may carry Windows or MacOS malware that was copied to it when it was connected in mass storage mode to a computer that was already infected. While such malware will be absolutely harmless to the phone (because the phone runs a completely different operating system on which the malware simply won't run), it could certainly be harmful for the next copmputer to which you connect the phone. The solution here is to scan the phone's mass storage with normal antivirus software on your computer.
    Was this post helpful? If so, please click on the white "Kudos!" star below. Thank you!

  • HT1338 Is anti virus necessary for iMac? if so, what is the best software?

    Is anti virus necessary for iMac? if so, what is the best software?

    1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. 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 victim's computer. 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.
    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, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; 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.
    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.
    For the reasons given above, App Store products, and 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. OS X 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 presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always 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 malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
    That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?
    Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, 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. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
    Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
    Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
    Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
    Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
    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.
    Follow the above guidelines, 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 from malware.
    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. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software  ClamXav— nothing else.
    Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
    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. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. 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.
    ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows 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. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
    ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
    9. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging "zero-day" threats, but if they get a false sense of security from it, they may feel free to do things that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
    10. 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.

  • What is the best anti virus software for a MacBook air?

    Hi,just joined the community  .just wanting to know what anti virus software for a macbook air running os x mavericks 10.9?I keep getting pop ups on safari.
    Any help much appreciated!

    There is no need to download anything to solve this problem. You may have installed a variant of the "VSearch" ad-injection malware.
    Triple-click the line below on this page to select it, then copy the text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination  command-C:
    /Library/LaunchDaemons
    In the Finder, select
              Go ▹ Go to Folder...
    from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.
    A folder named "LaunchDaemons" may open. Look inside it for a file with a name of the form
              com.something.daemon.plist
    Here something is a variable word, which can be different in each case. It could be "cloud," "dot," "highway," "submarine," "trusteddownloads," or pretty much anything else.
    There may also be a file named
               com.something.helper.plist
    in the same folder.
    Leave the LaunchDaemons folder open, and open the following folder in the same way:
    /Library/LaunchAgents
    In this folder, there may be a file named
              com.something.agent.plist
    where the word something is exactly the same as before.
    If you feel confident that you've identified these three files, back up all data, then drag the three files you found to the Trash. You may be prompted for your administrator login password. Close the windows and restart the computer.
    Don't delete the "LaunchAgents" or "LaunchDaemons" folder or anything else inside either one.
    The malware is now permanently inactivated, as long as you never reinstall it. You can stop here if you like, or you can remove two remaining components for the sake of completeness.
    Open this folder:
    /Library/Application Support
    If it has a subfolder named just
               something
    (where something is the same word as before), drag that subfolder to the Trash and close the window.
    Don't delete the "Application Support" folder or anything else inside it.
    Finally, in this folder:
    /System/Library/Frameworks
    there may an item named exactly
                v.framework
    It's actually another folder, though it has a different icon. Drag it to the Trash and close the window.
    Don't delete the "Frameworks" folder or anything else inside it.
    If you didn't find the files or you're not sure about the identification, post what you found.
    If in doubt, or if you have no backups, change nothing at all.
    The trouble may have started when you downloaded and ran an application called "MPlayerX." That's the name of a legitimate free movie player, but the name is also used fraudulently to distribute VSearch. If there is an item with that name in the Applications folder, delete it, and if you wish, replace it with the genuine article from mplayerx.org.
    This trojan is often found on illegal websites that traffic in pirated content such as movies. If you, or anyone else who uses the computer, visit such sites and follow prompts to install software, you can expect more of the same, and worse, to follow. Never install any software that you downloaded from a bittorrent, or that was downloaded by someone else from an unknown source.
    In the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences, select the General tab. The radio button marked Anywhere  should not be selected. If it is, click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then select one of the other buttons. After that, don't ignore a warning that you are about to run or install an application from an unknown developer.
    Then, still in System Preferences, open the App Store or Software Update pane and check the box marked
              Install system data files and security updates (OS X 10.10 or later)
    or
              Download updates automatically (OS X 10.9 or earlier)
    if it's not already checked.

  • What  is the best anti-virus software for my Mac?

    What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?

    If you are still using OS X 10.4.x "Tiger" please confirm.
    atpatt wrote:
    What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?
    Use what Apple already provided.
    There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
    You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
    Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
    Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
    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 "clean up", "speed up",  "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
    Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
    Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
    "Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
    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.
    Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
    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.

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