Do you need an anti-virus for mac

Just wondering ??

There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac has NOT been infected by a virus, it may have another security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may 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/

Similar Messages

  • Anti virus for mac or not?

    Do we need an anti virus for mac or not? if so, which one is the best?

    That's a complex issue, with no easy yes or no answers. First and foremost, you have to learn how to protect yourself... all else is secondary. See my Mac Malware Guide for information about this sort of thing, and for some suggestions if you opt to use anti-virus software.
    (Fair disclosure: The Safe Mac is my site, and contains a Donate button, so I may receive compensation for providing links to The Safe Mac. Donations are not required.)

  • How to uninstall norton anti virus for mac

    how to uninstall norton anti virus for mac

    A little late to the game, but .sit files are Stuffit files as developed by http://www.stuffit.com/ Apple used to use this compression format, but does no longer, and no longer includes the free Stuffit Expander program made by Stuffit.com. If you need to extract an old .sit uninstaller, get it from Stuffit.com. And also any company making such a program for Mac OS X should seriously consider upgrading their downloads to be .dmg.zip files instead, which are more easy to extract on Mac OS X without downloading extra software.

  • What is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

    what is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

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

  • I Do I need an anti-virus for my macbook pro or not and which is the best anti-virus for it if needed and i can download it from which site?

    Hello everyone.I just wanted to know that do i need an anti virus for my macbook pro and if yes then which is the best anti-virus for it and i can download the anti-virus software from which site? Thanks for everyones help for my previous question..it really helped me.

    There's no know virus that can impact a Mac, but if you run Windows via Parallels or Boot Camp then you're just as vulbnerable as any PC user.
    If you want to scan your system to be sure check out the free utilities ClamXav and Sophos Anti Virus

  • Do I any need of anti virus for my iphone 5

    Do I any need of anti virus for my iphone 5 &
    when i create my master card payment method it seems your payment method was decline plz choose another method...

    No you don't need anti virus for your iPhone 5.
    What app are you trying to use to make purchases>?

  • Anti virus for mac, anti virus for mac

    Is ther an anti virus for mac?

    Sophos free home use for mac
    http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
    also ClamXav  available free from apple store
    I found I was happier with sophos running
    http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57422099-285/two-free-mac-antivirus-apps-com pared/
    read
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/askjack/2010/feb/03/apple-data-computer-sec urity
    Personal Preference.

  • My company requires that I install an anti-virus program on my MAC in order to gain access to our shared drives from home. The IT group suggests I download Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition. Is there reason I shouldn't do this?

    My company requires that I install an anti-virus program on my Mac in order to access shared corporate drives via Citrix from home. The IT guys recommend Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac. Is this OK or are there other programs I should use instead?

    Sophos or ClamXav either one are recommended. FYI... the Mac drive may slow down as a result of installing a/v software.

  • Do i need a anti virus for my mac

    Do i need anti-virus for my iMac? I am running leopard, its an 2008 all in one 20" hd screen

    Hello, not really, but if you like...
    ClamXAV, free Virus scanner...
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    Free Sophos...
    http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools.aspx
    Little Snitch, stops/alerts outgoing stuff...
    http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html
    Get MacScan...
    http://macscan.securemac.com/
    Disable Java in your Browser settings, not JavaScript.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5241?viewlocale=en_US
    http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en-GB&answer=142064
    http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/How%20to%20turn%20off%20Java%20applets
    Flashback - Detect and remove the uprising Mac OS X Trojan...
    http://www.mac-and-i.net/2012/04/flashback-detect-and-remove-uprising.html
    In order to avoid detection, the installer will first look for the presence of some antivirus tools and other utilities that might be present on a power user's system, which according to F-Secure include the following:
    /Library/Little Snitch
    /Developer/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/MacOS/Xcode
    /Applications/VirusBarrier X6.app
    /Applications/iAntiVirus/iAntiVirus.app
    /Applications/avast!.app
    /Applications/ClamXav.app
    /Applications/HTTPScoop.app
    /Applications/Packet Peeper.app
    If these tools are found, then the malware deletes itself in an attempt to prevent detection by those who have the means and capability to do so. Many malware programs use this behavior, as was seen in others such as the Tsunami malware bot.
    http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57410096-263/how-to-remove-the-flashback-ma lware-from-os-x/
    http://x704.net/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5844&p=70660#p70660
    The most current flashback removal instructions are F-Secure's Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.K.
    https://www.securelist.com/en/blog/208193454/Flashfake_Removal_Tool_and_online_c hecking_site
    More bad news...
    https://www.securelist.com/en/blog/208193467/SabPub_Mac_OS_X_Backdoor_Java_Explo its_Targeted_Attacks_and_Possible_APT_link
    Removal for 10.5...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1534

  • Best Anti-Virus for Mac.

    My new MacBook Pro is getting delievered soon, I want a few opinions on what the best Anti-Virus for it will be. I know that Macs are more secure than Windows, but I still want to have an Anti-Virus on it as I've already had a virus on my current Mac. I have been using Trend Micro on my Mac as I got it free from a rep in my old job. I'm wondering if in the kast year that I've not been working with computers and Macs, has there been a better Anti-Virus made for them? I'd like one that also covers identity theft etc. A few answers would be good for this.... Thanks :-)

    This is a very contentious issue, that you will always get different points of view.
    IMO, antivirus software is not essential at this stage, however, this does not mean that you should blindly 'surf the net' without a care in the world.
    The most recent exploit attempts have used flaws in Java, so the first thing I do is not use Java. Apple does not install it by default, so if you have a new install, then you won't have Java installed, so you cannot be effected by this these types of exploits.
    If you do have Java installed, then make sure you have the latest updates from Apple installed, as they introduced features to protect you from these exploits, but also turn off Java if you have not used it after some time.
    Java is not used much these days in Web sites, so unless you need it specifically for a site you visit, you probably don't even need it on you Mac at all.
    Another recent flash exploit used a default setting in Safari to bypass OSX security settings, this being 'Open "Safe" files after downloading'. Go to Safari > Preferences > General and untick the setting at the bottom of the window, so this exploit cannot be utilised on your Mac.
    With Flash, only download it from the Adobe website, and if you get notified by a site that you need an update, I personally go to Adode's web site myself and download updates manually
    Other tools you can use to make you Web safer, is to install to extensions to Safari, which are quite good.
    WOT - Web of Trust. This is a safety rating of a website to indicate if they are trustworthy or not, Green has been rated as safe, Red not. It is not perfect, but at least gives you an idea if the site is safe or not. As a rule, I don't go to Red sites.
    Click to Flash - This prevents Flash from automatically running on sites, and you need to actually click on it on the page to download the Flash. This has two effects, it doesn't load anoying flash onto sites, unless you want it and two, if there are any exploits out there using flash, they can't automatically load.
    Ad-Block - Blocks many anoying web ads, if you don't like them.
    To install Select Safari > Safari Extensions and search for your desired extension
    If you feel you want an Anti-virus application, ClamAV sounds like it is good and it's free without over resoursing your Mac. Remember though, that any AV application is only as good as its database, so if something new comes out it may not protect you anyway. From what I read, many of the AV apps only protect you from Windows viruses anyway, which don't effect Macs in the first place, so seem quite redundant to me.
    Also in the background, Apple have a Blacklist of known issues, which they can update to you automatically when new threats are found. If you attempt to install something from one of these, you are notified by a promenent Red message warning you of the issue, allowing you to abort the installation, before it become an issue.
    Your biggest AV is you, don't install applications your not sure about. One good thing about the OS, is that to install any app, you need to give your password. If you are not trying to install something at the time, don't give your password over and the app cannot install and cause you any harm.
    Don't install MacKeeper if you come across it, its not what it appears, has no ethics and is basically unnecessary.
    One thing I also do is use 2 web browsers. I use Safari for my normal everyday browing, and I use FireFox for secure sites such as Banking etc. Firefox I have set to record no history, passwords etc, so there is no record on my computer of this type of information for anyone to access. This protection is more if anyone get physical access to my computer, which in my world, that is entirely possible.
    The link AnaMusic posted is a great wealth of knowledge and deffinetly looking at.
    As I said, it a contentious issue and there are many different opinions, so I not saying that everything I say is gospel either, just my opinion.
    A

  • I need a anti-virus for my ibook g4 (10.4.11)

    my ibook g4 has all latest software update installed and i need a anti-virus scanner/remover, i need a cheap or free one.

    Hello,
    I use Clam Xav on all my Macs, it's also free and does not abuse the system resources like paid Ani-Virus's do.
    Just search the web for Clam Xav

  • Do I need buy anti virus for ipad mini?

    Do I need to buy anti virus for ipad mini?

    Nope as long as you don't jailbreak or do anything else the software cannot get viruses

  • Do I need a anti virus for a imac

    new to the apple faimly and love this i mac
    yhe question I have is do I need a anti virus and mail ware on this pc  From what I have heard it is not needed on apple

    Thanks for the reply That great
    I first started out with an I pod then a IPhone  Now this I mac and just like the ipod and iphone the imac just works I dont miss all of  windows crashes and how slow windows were I will never go back
    I love this Imac

  • Do you need an anti-virus software on Mac

    Is it necessary to have an anti-virus application on a Mac?

    In most cases, no.  See my Mac Malware Guide for details.
    (Note that my pages contain links to other pages that promote my services, and this should not be taken as an endorsement of my services by Apple.)

  • Anti-Virus For Mac OS X

    Hello.
    I've just got my first modern Apple Computer (got a really old one), and have almost all my life use Windows, but now when i finelly purchase a Apple i was wondering about a Anti-Virus Program.... Any one have a program/link to Program there is free, but also protect the Mac properly!
    I've found one free here on the Apple site called "Clam-xav" does anyone have expirence whit it?

    MathiasBrix,
    ClamXav works fine. If you don't need the GUI and are comfortable in Terminal, you might want to consider using just clamav.
    The antivirus engine (the software that does the actual detection work) in clamXav, clamav, is the same one Apple ships as part of OS X Server. Apple recommends using antivirus on your Mac. Taken together - that Apple itself uses and recommends using antivirus - makes a strong argument for using antivirus on your own Mac.
    Although it is an antivirus program, clamav detects a large number of phishing scams and some other types of spam.
    -Wayne

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