Do we need anti virus for a mac??, do we need anti virus for a mac??
do v need anti virus for mac?
Hi..
Not so much a virus to be concerned about on a Mac but malware is.
Good article here > Thomas' Corner : Mac Virus Guide
Similar Messages
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Mac doesn't need anti-virus software !!
Is that true??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wUmz8Vy9aM
this guy say YES!
and I agree with him !!
what do you think??The question needs a better context. See:
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.
Read the FAQ from the XLabs. There are reasons for having anti-virus software on your computer in certain circumstances. If those circumstances don't apply to you, then you don't need anti-virus software +at this time+. -
Does my new apple mac air come with anti-virus?
does the new mac air come with anti-virus?
1. This is a comment on what you should and should not do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to 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.
If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, 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.
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.
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. Sandboxing 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're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always going to be your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "Trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know what is safe?
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 unsafe.
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 outside the safe harbor, 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. For instance, if a web page warns you that Flash is out of date, do not follow an offered link to an update. Go to the Adobe website to download it, if you need it at all.
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.
"FREE WI-FI !!!" networks in public places are unsafe unless you can verify that the network is not a trap (which you probably can't.) Even then, do not download any software or transmit any private information while connected to such a network, regardless of where it seems to come from or go to.
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.
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 one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — 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.
To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. Most of the real danger comes from highly targeted "zero-day" attacks that are not yet recognized.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," 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.
An anti-virus app 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
Anti-virus software may be able to tell you which particular trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use the software unless an institutional policy requires it.
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 the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices. -
VIRUS in my Mac BOOK .. When I bought my mac book 6 months ago, everything was perfect.. but then when I open some webpage..it comes a lot of ads or pages unsafe .. that before it didn't appear.. I don't know if have to download a anti virus program.HELP
Not a virus, but it is malware: The Safe Mac » Search Results » adware removal.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection Thomas Reed recommends using Dr.Web Light from the App Store. It's free, and since it's from the App Store, it won't destabilize the system. If you prefer one of the better known commercial products, then Thomas recommends using Sophos.(Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.) If you already use Sophos, then be aware of this if you are using Mavericks: OS X Mavericks- Sophos Anti-Virus on-access scanner versions 8.0 - 9.1 may cause unexpected restarts
From user Joe Bailey comes this equally useful advice:
The facts are:
1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.
2. There is no anti-malware that can detect anything targeting the Mac because there
is no Mac malware in the wild, and therefore, no "signatures" to detect.
3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that
the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering
techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.
4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on
your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a
protection against malware.
5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware
from which they purport to protect you.
6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.
7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.
8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something
you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.
9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware. -
I need help iTunes 10.6.3 Mac running 10.7.3 not responding I have deleted iTunes and reinstall iTunes and it keeps happening I also scanned the computer for any trojans and any other possible viruses but the pc is running perfect waft do I do ? Please help me ?
Hey thanks for replying.
Here's what I did:
First I tried the Winsock reset in the Command prompt. Nothing changed.
Next, I tried the instructions on http://http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123. The only other program that came up on the 'Winsock Providers' tab on the program was 2 Windows Live applications, which I can do without. So I deleted all Windows Live Applications.
I did the Winsock reset in the Command Prompt again and rebooted my comp.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed. iTunes keeps freezing at various stages of the sync, then shows the candy cane-striped bar with either the words 'Finishing sync' or 'Cancelling sync', before showing the Apple logo.
Sometimes, iTunes gets to the syncing stage - "Copying # of ####" - where it will trudge through the first, second and third tracks before flashing "Copying 4 of ####" for a split second and I catch "Cancelling sync" briefly before the Apple logo appears.
Again, I've repeated the steps I mentioned in my previous post. Does ANYONE know when the new version of iTunes is set to be released?! This one is driving me INSANE, to say the least!! -
This is my first mac - what is the anti virus protocol with a mac?
this is my first mac - what is the anti virus protocol with a mac
Try using ClamXav 2.2.4. If you are not now using a hardware router I highly recommend you do so. Preferably use Ethernet for your local network. If you use wireless be sure it's protected by using WPA2 security.
Use your head and don't download something when you don't know what it is, what it does, or where it's from. Stay off of unknown websites and don't click links if you think you're not sure what will happen. -
I need advise and help with this problem .
First , I have been with Mac for many years ( 14 to be exact ) I do have some knowledge and understanding of Apple product .
At the present time I'm having lots of problems with the router so I was looking in to some info , and come across one web site regarding : port forwarding , IP addresses .
In my frustration , amongst lots of open web pages tutorials and other useless information , I come across innocent looking link and software to installed called Genieo , which suppose to help with any router .
Software ask for permission to install , and about 30 % in , my instinct was telling me , there is something not right . I stop installation . Delete everything , look for any
trace in Spotlight , Library . Nothing could be find .
Now , every time I open Safari , Firefox or Chrome , it will open in my home page , but when I start looking for something in steed of Google page , there is
''search.genieo.com'' page acting like a Google . I try again to get raid of this but I can not find solution .
With more research , again using genieo.com search eng. there is lots of articles and warnings . From that I learn do not use uninstall software , because doing this will install more things where it come from.
I do have AppleCare support but its to late to phone them , so maybe there some people with knowledge , how to get this of my computer
Any help is welcome , English is my learned language , you may notice this , so I'm not that quick with the respondGenieo definitely doesn't help with your router. It's just adware, and has no benefit to you at all. They scammed you so that they could display their ads on your computer.
To remove it, see:
http://www.thesafemac.com/arg-genieo/
Do not use the Genieo uninstaller! -
Hi! I need help, today I connected my mac Book Air to a tv for a presentation and as soon as I conected it the image on my screen went bigger. And I cant find the way to put it back as it was before. The Images are too big! heelp
Morning DeeHutton,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
For more information on this, take a look at this article:
iPhone: Hardware troubleshooting
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2802
Best of luck,
Mario -
Do I need a new Apple ID if I want iMovie/iLife on my new Mac for free?
Just last month, I bought my new Macbook with Retina. This is my first Mac - previously, I used PC. When I still had my PC, I had an Apple ID for when I used iTunes on there.
I keep reading that new Macs come with iLife, and for a school project, I need a video editing software - in this case, iMovie. I synced my Apple ID with this Mac, and when I go to the appstore, it wants to charge $15 for it, even though it supposedly comes with my Mac purchase. When I looked up how to get it, every other place says that my appstore should offer it, but I don't see it.
Am I doing something wrong, or does the whole "free iLife with a new Mac purchase" thing not apply anymore?So I managed to talk to someone on live chat support, and a detail I forgot about was that this computer was bought by someone else before me, but returned almost immediately, and apparently the reason why I don't have iLife is because this computer was previously synced with that person's apple ID before they returned the computer.
According to that chat, I am no longer able to get iLife. I'm supposing this is the case, since I looked again through my apps and my appstore and I still see nothing for iLife or iWorks. -
If I want to put windows7 on my Mac,do I need software for a new comp. or a refurbished?
If I want to put windows7 on my Mac,do I need software for a new comp. or a refurbished one?
Mikestoyzz wrote:
Looking on eBay,the software is labeled for new or refurbished.i'm putting it on through boot camp.
With my limited knowledge, I don't think that it matters. -
My Mac will not let me download any new updates. I have Mac OS X Version 10.4.11, and I cannot download any new updates. This disables me to update Itunes which is the problem in the first place. How would I fix this?
Welcome to Apple Support Communities
iTunes in Mac OS X Tiger is outdated. Open > Software Update to install the latest iTunes version for Tiger.
If you need iTunes 10.7 or a newer version, you have to upgrade to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. First, check that your Mac is supported > http://support.apple.com/kb/sp575 If it is, buy Snow Leopard > http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
After buying Snow Leopard, make a backup of your data, insert the DVD and upgrade to Snow Leopard. After upgrading, open > Software Update, and install the latest Snow Leopard version. Finally, run Software Update again to install iTunes 11.0.4. If you want to install iTunes 10.7 instead, download it from the Apple website > http://support.apple.com/kb/dl1576 -
The USB ports on my 30" Cinema HD display appear to not work. The monitor has not been used for almost a year, when I upgraded to a new Mac Book Pro and the 27" retina display. Now I need to move the computer back and forth between two locations using the two displays. The need for operating USB ports is essential. Any ideas. The display appears entirely normal. Am running OS X 10.9.
Disregard, problem solved.
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I need some help resizing my images on PS6. I am using a mac and have been trying to resize with same resolution and constaining proportions but for some reaseon the smaller resized image appears pizelated. Heres an image of before and after. The first image I use is a JPG 72dpi 1500px x1500px and I want to downsize it to 600x600px same res, but it keeps pixelating, this has never happened before. Any suggestions, thoughts?
thanks!I wouldn't say pixelated; more like blurry.
Like ConnectedCreative said, what steps are you using? Are you using "bicubic sharper" when resizing down? -
What is the latest update available for Mac OSX 10.5.8 that will allow me to get the latest update for iTunes. I really need to update my iPhone and CAN'T!! GRRRR!!!
Minimally you need Snow Leopard or greater:
Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, and/or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
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. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
Snow Leopard General Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
2. 1GB of memory
3. 5GB of available disk space
4. DVD drive for installation
5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
fees may apply.
6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and
terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service — this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
Lion System Requirements
1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
or Xeon processor
2. 2GB of memory
3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
4. 7GB of available space
5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
OS X Mountain Lion — System Requirements
Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 7,1 or later
2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) —
Model Identifier 5,1 or later
3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 2,1 or later
5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
7. Xserve (Early 2009) — Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
Are my applications compatible?
See App Compatibility Table — RoaringApps.
For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion. -
my Itunes account tells me i need to update it to version 10.6.1, but when I click download and the computer (mac 2007) goes to the "checking for softwares" page it doesn't find the update? Help me please, what do I do?
Try updating to 10.6.3.25.
A .dmg installer for iTunes version 10.6.3.25 for Mac OS can be found at the following download page on the Apple website:
iTunes 10.6.3 -
I'm a Microsoft Outlook for Mac user, I need information of how to know when e-mail was readed and confirm receipt of e-mails sent. thank you! regards Mauricio
Mail and Address book
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