Free Anti-Virus/Spyware Program?

Are there any good, free anti-virus/spyware programs out there to protect my Mac? Ones that remove Mac viruses/spyware as well as Windows ones too? I know there aren't nearly as many threats out there for a Mac compared to Windows, but they are still out there so I want to be safe and know my Mac is secure.
I'm an ex-PC user of many years so I am used to having some comfort knowing I have protection...
Message was edited by: JerichoX

there are some trojans and I think keyloggers exist too but they can't be installed without your active participation. meaning you have to download it, install it and enter your admin password. These things are sometimes disguised. there were a few posts recently by people who got a trojan while visiting adult websites the trojan was disguised as a codec that they were prompted to install to view certain content. However, currently that's pretty much the only way something like this can get into your Mac. If you use a standard account for normal computer operation and take minimal reasonable precautions about what you install on your system there is no need for extra protection.

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Best anti virus/spyware software to date?

Hello,
What is the best anti virus/spyware software to date?
Thanks,
Jordan

Jordan asks:
What is the best anti virus ... software to date
I sez:
Don't date software. Date girls.
But if you MUST date software and are concerned about catching cooties, may I suggest that Intego's new VirusBarrier 4X ?
Intego VirusBarrier X4 is the simple, fast and non-intrusive antivirus security solution for Macintosh computers, by Intego, the leading publisher of personal security software for Macintosh. It offers thorough protection against viruses of all types, coming from infected files or applications, whether on CD-ROMs, DVDs or other removable media, or on files downloaded over the Internet or other types of networks.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 protects your computer from viruses by constantly examining all the files that your computer opens and writes, as well as watching for suspicious activity that may be the sign of viruses acting on applications or other files. With Intego VirusBarrier X4 on your computer, you can rest assured that your Macintosh has the best protection available against viruses of all kinds.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 is an application that works in the background and checks everything that your computer does, looking for viruses. It detects and eradicates all known viruses, including Word and Excel macro viruses, and even viruses targeting the Windows operating system. It knows the unique signatures of all known Macintosh viruses, and whenever a new virus is discovered, Intego's Virus Monitoring Center goes into action to provide updated virus definitions, which you can download using Intego VirusBarrier X4's automatic NetUpdate function.
When you purchase a license for Intego VirusBarrier X4, you have access to virus definition updates for one year from the date of purchase. After this time, additional subscriptions, allowing you to extend your access to virus definition updates, are available from Intego, and can be purchased by using NetUpdate.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 was designed according to specific concepts. The main idea is that an antivirus program should not require the user to do anything once it is installed and configured, unless a virus is detected. The Intego VirusBarrier X4 philosophy can be summed up in three words: simple, fast and non-intrusive.

Recommendations for anti-virus, spyware for mac.

Any suggestions for virus, spyware programs or is the OS strong enough to do without?

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

Anti-virus, spyware, adware

Hi,
I have not been using any 3rd party security software, but am now required to make sure that I have anti-virus, spyware, and adware protection with respect to my interface with a Windows network at my office. Two questions, please:
- Does my OS 10.5.6 already provide those security elements?
- If not, what security software would you recommend?
Thanks!

If you are running Windows you need all the protection money can buy. But if you are running Mac OS X:
No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download from:
http://www.clamxav.com/
However, the appearance of Trojans and other malware that can possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk.)
A white paper has recently been published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174
Also, beware of MacSweeper:
MacSweeper is malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a Finland based computer security software company on January 17, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
On June 23, 2008 this news reached Mac users:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan/
More information on Mac security can be found here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The MacScan application can be downloaded from here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
You can download a 30 day trail copy which enables you to do a full scan of your hard disk. After that it costs $29.95.
More on Trojans on the Mac here:
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
The latest news on the subject, from July 25, 2008, is:
Attack code that exploits flaws in the net's addressing system are starting to circulate online, say security experts.
The code could be a boon to phishing gangs who redirect web users to fake bank sites and steal login details.
In light of the news net firms are being urged to apply a fix for the loop-hole before attacks by hi-tech criminals become widespread.
Net security groups say there is anecdotal evidence that small scale attacks are already happening.
Further details here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7525206.stm
A further recent development is the Koobface malware that can be picked up from Facebook (already a notorious site for malware), as reported here on December 9, 2008:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7773000/7773340.stm
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!

Best free anti-virus for Windows XP

I have an old Toshiba laptop which still uses Windows XP. What are the sites for the best free anti-virus for Windows XP SP2?
Thanks,
Bob

Hi,
Please check the following list:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
Sorry I can't work out this question: "My computer is windows xp but i have recent downloads for windows 8 is this right??????"
Regards.
BH
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What is the best free anti-virus download to use on my MacBook Pro?

I'm worried that whatever Apple has built into the computer is not enough security. Is there a free anti-virus download for Macs? Do they do the job or do I have to spend money on something better? The download would need to identify and fix the problems. I mostly email, search the internet, sometimes buy things, download Kindle books, do my banking, etc. I would really not want to spend any money if it's not needed. Thanks.

svdmmanta wrote:
Is there a free anti-virus download for Macs? Do they do the job or do I have to spend money on something better?
In General 3rd Party AV Software and Cleaning Utilities tend to cause More Issues than they claim to fix...
They Not Required...
Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
See > Mac OS X Built in Security > http://www.apple.com/osx/what-is/security.html
More Info Here > https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4545776?tstart=0
And Here > Antivirus Discussion
The Safe Mac > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/

Hi looking for a bit of free anti - virus and firewall for osx 10.8.2

hi looking for a bit of free anti - virus and firewall for osx 10.8.2 any pointers also any one used Mac cleaner ?

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.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
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 another 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 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.
For more information about Gatekeeper, see this Apple Support article.
4. Beyond XProtect and Gatekeeper, there’s no benefit, in most cases, from any other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. 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 reduces 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,” 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 users who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
“Cracked” copies of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
5. Java on the network (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related) is a weak point in the security of any operating system. If a Java web plugin is not installed, don't install one unless you really need it. If it is installed, you should disable it (not JavaScript) in your web browsers. Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those obsolete versions has known security flaws that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. The flaws will never be fixed. Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java can never be fully trusted, even if no vulnerabilities are publicly known at the moment.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
6. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use 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.
7. 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 can 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. If you don't need to do that, avoid it. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
8. The greatest danger posed by anti-virus software, in my opinion, is its effect on human behavior. When people install such software, which does little or nothing to protect them from emerging threats, they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may do things that make them more vulnerable. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
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.

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.
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Best free anti-virus mac

Hello.
Recently a new free anti-virus came out at App Store.
I had already VirusBarrier free... no problem until now.
I was wondering if this new Virus Bitdefender is really better.
Is there any problem if I install both of them?
Thanks

There seems to be a bias in favor of ClamXAV among the communities users, have you tried that AV software?
Installing more than one is usually not a good idea as they will see the virus signature definitions in each other and think there is a problem.

What best free anti-virus for imac?, What best free anti-virus for imac?

What best free anti-virus for imac?,

There are no viruses that can affect Apple OS X, but Trojans are a different matter.
Please read on:
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-1848
Regarding MacScan, First update the MacScan malware definitions before scanning. You can also contact their support team for any additional support - [email protected]
Security of OS X generally:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/os/applemac/I731-007R-2007.pdf
Security Configuration for Version 10.5 Leopard:
http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/Leopard_Security_Config_2nd_Ed.pdf
This Blog entry is also worth a read:
http://blog.damballa.com/?p=1055

O.T. Free Anti-Virus Software Recommendations Wanted

Any recommendations on free anti-virus software for the Mac ?

Some thoughts on Norton on Macs that I saved from another forum:
Do not use Norton Antivirus. Do not trust Norton Antivirus.
For starters, there are no Mac viruses. Nada. Zip. None. Paying money to protect your Mac from viruses is like paying money to protect your Mac from vampires.
Norton Antivirus has two problems that make it worse than useless. First, it has many known and documented bugs (including bugs that can cripple your system in a way that makes it impossible for you to authenticate as an administrator, bugs that can prevent you from re-installing Classic, and bugs that can corrupt files created with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Indesign).
Second, it has a history of false positives--incorrectly saying files are "infected" when they are not. In the worst and most dramatic case of false diagnosis, one NAV update wrongly said certain critical VM files used by the system were "infected;" people who believed this diagnosis and told Norton to "fix" the "infection" screwed up their systems but good.
NAV is also implicated in many kernel panics and other system crashes.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you have wasted your money on worthless software that can damage your system in an effort to protect yourself from a problem which does not yet exist on the Mac. I advise you to write off the money you spent as a loss and remove Norton from your computer.
Norton is NASTY stuff. Stay away from anything with the Norton name, especially do NOT let anything with the Norton name (like Norton Anti Virus, File Saver) ever reside on your computer.
NAV (Norton Anti Virus) can lead to permanent file damage. Files damaged by NAV are not recoverable. NAV can also prevent many PostScript files from parsing, even if not damaged permanently.
Disk Doctor and Speed Disk are known to cause the kind of directory damage that can lead to kernel panics.

Removed ALL of my anti-virus/spyware software and CANNOT CONNECT TO STORE

***?
iTunes 9 will NOT allow me to connect to the store. I don't have any firewall issues and have removed all of my anti-virus/spyware software. HELP!

This worked for me.
++molly15 wrote:++
++I was having the same problem. Finally figured it out! You have to uncheck "use proxy server" under control panel -> internet options -> connections -> LAN settings. Works just fine now.+

What free anti virus can I use without disabling City of Wonder game

Firefox updated me to Firefox 5, but when doing so it would not allow either of my free anti viruses AVG 2011, nor Avast anti virus
to run on Firefox 5 without disabling my City of wonder Game, and said these anti viruses were not compatible with Firefox 5.
What free anti virus can I use on my Home computer that will allow me to have protection on my p.c. w/out disabling these features?

Firefox updated me to Firefox 5, but when doing so it would not allow either of my free anti viruses AVG 2011, nor Avast anti virus
to run on Firefox 5 without disabling my City of wonder Game, and said these anti viruses were not compatible with Firefox 5.
What free anti virus can I use on my Home computer that will allow me to have protection on my p.c. w/out disabling these features?

Anti Virus, spyware for Macbooks

Hi everyone, Im a new Mac user. Iam just confused about the Mac security, do Macs needs anti-virus, spyware software?? Someone said not necessary, others said Macs do get Virus so they need anti-virus software
any suggestion??

At this time there have been no confirmed Mac OS X viruses (subject to the semantic debate about whether the iChat exploit is properly classified as a virus or a trojan horse and not counting the Word macro virus that can affect Office v.X or non-updated copies of Office 2004), very few trojans and no adware or spyware. I therefore do not feel that antivirus or antispyware software is necessary at this time. It's never wise to become complacent, though, so security precautions are not wasted. Such security precautions mostly are common sense: don't download and run files from sites you don't know, don't double-click on attachments in emails you aren't expecting and/or from people you don't know, and make sure you password your system and keep that password secure as well as not having your system available and unattended (which also is a precaution against theft). In addition, it's possible for someone to inadvertently forward a Windows virus or worm to a PC user though you'd have to do it manually and said Windows malware cannot infect the Mac.
In addition, it's possible for someone to inadvertently forward a Windows virus to a PC user though you'd have to do it manually, and said Windows virus cannot infect the Mac.
If you do decide you wish to run antivirus software, I think that the donationware clamXav should be more than enough provided you remember to scan your system from time to time.
If you are running Windows on your system, either via BootCamp, Parallels Workstation or another solution, then that copy of Windows is subject to all the myriad exploits common to the Windows world, so you need to take full precautions, including running both antivirus and antispyware software.

What is the best free anti virus software to install on a macbook pro?

What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?

yankeefan29 wrote:
What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?
No antivirus software is needed.
Install all System, Applications and Security updates released by Apple.
For more on this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11432
About antivirus:
http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-antivirus/

Free Anti-Virus/Spyware Program?

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