Does Mac recommend an anti virus program?

Hi,
My MacBook has been acting up lately... shutting down when its fully charged and then saying that it resets the date to Jan 2000. If anyone has see this and knows if its a virus or maybe my kids hit the wrong keys. If it is a virus what is an apple recommended anti virus program? let me know. Thanks so much
Shari<3Mac

Infact! There are viruses for macs. Anyone who says differently doesn't know anything they are talking about. WINDOWS viruses don't have any impact on macs but windows viruses can still be transfered through macs. I have antivirus software Norton Antivirus 12. It helps protect against any viruses wheather its windows or mac. There are far less viruses for macs and Apple is usually pretty good and patching the security fixes in their OS. I recomend atleast turning on your firewall with can be found in the system preferences inside security. Firewalls allow access to trusted programs that you approve of. The first time you turn it on, everytime your open up a program that connects to the internet, you will be prompted with a message asking you to allow or block the program from accessing the internet. Simply click allow this action everytime and it'll be saved within the settings. I actually run Norton firewall and Apples firewall. Neither of them interfer with each other but the norton firewall is not needed really.
Mac viruses probably, and this is an estimate, <1% of all computer viruses out there. They are not known for getting viruses because of how little there are.

Similar Messages

Does Mac need an anti virus program

Hi, I keep wondering if mac needs anti cirus program, thanks.

stevejobsfan0123 wrote:
It definitely does NOT need any anti-virus.
It depends upon the OS X version and usage habits:
10.4 & 10.5 Yes, always on anti-virus is needed as Apple is not issuing security updates.
10.6 & 10.7 Yes and No
No: for always on/runs at boot time anti-virus (like Norton/VirusBarrier etc) as Apple changes things and is issuing updates which tends to break such software and causes increased CPU load, low battery time.
Yes: for run as you need it anti-virus like ClamXav. For cleaning Windows malware and checking for Mac trojans in emailed files.

Does Firefox incorporate an anti-virus program or must I download one?

The Web site says "Firefox integrates elegantly with your Windows anti-virus software. When you download a file, your computer’s anti-virus program automatically checks it to protect you against viruses and other malware" MY windows anti-virus software?
I have been using IE9 built-in anti-virus software. Now that I've switched to FF, what should I do?
Thanks, Al

None of browser have antivrus protection..Firefox have actually phising protection.. But its not an antivirus, it didnt gives you realtime protection against Malware, adware on your pc..you need to choose free or paid antivirus program for your pc

Does I Mac need an anti virus program?

if my new Imac needs an antivirus program, which one is the best?

This question really cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." There is Mac malware out there, and more is appearing all the time. You have to know how to protect yourself against it first and foremost. Then you may opt to use anti-virus software as a back-up safety net, if you want to, but the only ones I would recommend are the aforementioned ClamXav and Sophos.
For more information on how to protect yourself, see my Mac Malware Guide.

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions!
You will continue to hear different opinions here, where thoughts range everywhere between "anti-virus software is the evil spawn of Satan" to "anyone not running anti-virus software is a fool."
Truth is, this is still a very personal decision on a Mac. Depending on circumstances, it is still very easily possible to stay safe without using anti-virus software, but circumstances and personal preferences vary widely. Besides which, anti-virus software cannot even remotely provide you a guarantee of protection!
To learn how to stay safe (with or without anti-virus software), and how to decide whether to use anti-virus software, see my Mac Malware Guide.

With the recent amount of publicity of macs being targeted with viruses, it recommended to install an anti-virus program such as kaspersky

Is the mac mini safe against virus attacks or do I need to install a anti-virus program such as kaspersky. I normally check for updates and all my equipment religiously, can some please advise.
Thanks
rachealfromva

"Viruses" have not been the real issue on Macs. The real issues
have been malware and trojans. In these cases, the user is most
likely lured into believing that they must download certain software
and the user actively accepts it. The other case is users that try to
beat the system by downloading software from "warez" sites trying
to get out of paying for software. Torrent sites are also a favorite target
for trojans and malware as well.
The best defense against these sort of attacks is:
-If you didn't request it, don't accept it.
-If a site claims that you must download an upgrade
for a polpular plugin, Adobe Flash for example, go to
the plugin/software vendors site and verify that you
are not up to date and get it there.
-Only download and install software directly from vendor
sites and only from reputable vendors.
The one reason for AV software would be to check mail
that you may forward to Windows machines so as not
to affect them. And again, as far as mail, if it is unsolicited,
trash and delete and don't open any attachments or links.

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

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.

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.

No viruses on mac but should i still get anti-virus program?

I am getting a mac next week and i would like to know if i should buy an anti virus program even though macs dont get viruses.Thanks

There will be conflicts, and pages upon pages with arguments for/against anti-virus programs on a Mac.
ClamAV is a small program, unlike Norton, does NOT create any instability within MacOS and does not slow MY system down. I am not sure if you have used ClamAV, but there are thousands of users who use it WITHOUT a problem.
I use Clam to scan for a possible virus that come through e-mail, (ClamAV does scan e-mail too) and I use Microsoft Office tons, and use it between OS. Better to be safe than sorry, slowing down my computer or not. Again, I have not had any problems with installers, system performance, loss of memory etc. It's worth it IMO.

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.

Which anti-virus program do you recommend?

My school requires that I install an anti-virus on my iBook G4. Which anti-virus program works better with Mac?

Look at these links.
The Mac Malware Myth
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/29/the-mac-malware-myth/
Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?
http://db.tidbits.com/article/9511
Reviews of Antivirus products for Apple Mac OS X
http://netsecurity.about.com/od/macav/Reviewsof_Antivirus_products_for_Apple_Mac_OSX.htm
Antivirus software is not really necessary on a Mac, however if you receive many emails and forward them to PC users it may help them. I don't use any AV SW on my Macs. If you want to use one to detect a virus on emails, get the freeware antivirus application for Macs - ClamXav @ http://www.clamxav.com/ .
SecureMac has a lot of info about Mac security. SecureMac has provided several freeware Trojan removal tools. Download them here:
iServices Trojan Removal Tool (OS 10.4 or later) Download at http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/30265/iservices-trojan-removal-tool
DNSChanger Removal Tool (OS 10.3 or later) Download at http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/26652/dnschanger-removal-tool
 Cheers, Tom

What's the latest thoughts on if the Mac mini needs an anti virus program?

What are the latest thoughts about downloading an anti virus program for the Mac mini?

A lot depends on your computer habits and those who
you have contact with. Running the afore mentioned
software can provide a safety net.
These days, malware, Trojan horses, and phishing are
much greater a threat to Macs than viruses.   I'm not
saying that viruses are not possible, but they are not
as profitable.
Bottom line, use common sense. Don't install or open
anything you didn't request. Avoid torrent sites.   Never
give out personal information except when you specifically
request something that requires it.
Many large ISPs provide virus scanning of emails before
they even reach your computer.
Determining the need of an antivirus program starts
with an evaluation of yourself and your habits.
PS. I have worked with Windows computers from
        NT thru Windows7 and never had an antivirus
        program other than my own habits and have
        never been infected.

Anti Virus program for Windows Conversion

I am planning to put VMware Fusion onto my ProMac in order to transfer many of my former PC programs. Hearing that AVG was a very good Anti virus program, I e-mailed them about which of their products I could use. They informed me that they are not compatible to Mac, even though I'd be using it for my Windows conversion program. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what anti virus program works best in protecting my Windows conversion program on a Pro Mac?
Thannks,
3D Dad

I am not clear on what you mean by your "windows conversion program". If you are using Fusion... you will be running Windows. You should use whatever antivirus program you would feel comfortable with running on any Windows machine. While AVG is not the "best" antivirus program out there, it is considered an excellent free option. I have seen many test results that show acceptable performance. Without knowing the details of the internal tests conducted by David's company, I can't say if his results would reflect those of real world use (David... I'm not questioning your results... I'm just saying that without knowing more about the test... I can't take that as being anything more than someone just saying they tested it and it didn't work).
I am very against running any Symantec products on any of my systems (and I expect many here would agree). They tend to be resource hogs and very often cause more problems than they can fix. Kaspersky is considered on of the best "pay" antivirus programs out there and it's much more friendly on your system than Symantec's Norton Antivirus:
http://www.kaspersky.com/

Do I need an anti-virus program on a MacBook?

I'm a brand new MacBook user. Just bought the 13-inch aluminum body version from Club Mac and it was delivered yesterday. The notebook is actually for my wife to be able to use while she's recovering from knee surgery in a couple of weeks and I thought it was time to branch our family out from PC's and Windows. So I'm setting up the MacBook for her to be able to use it...and for our family to get more literate on a Mac and it looks great! My question is do I need an anti-virus program and if so, which is a good one recommended by Mac users? NOTE: because my wife is familiar with Windows, I had XP service pack 3 installed and have VM Ware Fusion onboard to be able to run both Windows and Leopard for her convenience and to assist us. So there MAY be some Windows use on this MacBook, at least at first. All responses, replies, suggestions, welcome. THANK YOU.

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.

Please recommend good Anti-Virus software?

for my PowerBook 4?
I heard that virus and some spy-ware? are safer or mostly not harmful on Macintosh. I don't know about it correctly and didn't think about it seriously.
But I heard that if some spy-ware? like virus or something is on my computer, other people can spy what I'm doing and get my personal information. Is that true? Are there good resources I can read about them seriously? Also, please recommend good Anti-Virus software.
Thanks much in advance!

I searched and found there is one Anti-Virus software for Mac. (but not sure though) There is Norton Anti-Virus 10.1.
Even though I feel like my Mac PBG4 doesn't have any problems, there could lots of virus on my PBG4?
I read an article (from MacWorld's buying advice) and it says that "...if you’re just going to try it out, be careful about all the components it installs on your Mac..."
I'm not quite sure about the point of this advice. Do you recommend to install it if I'm not quite serious about it? Still, I'm concerned about my all the personal information and important data on my PBG4 and so on.
Thanks for advices and comments!
Message was edited by: blue sky

Does Mac recommend an anti virus program?

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