Hi. I run parallels, should I install anti virus software?

Hi
I run parallels on my mac, should I install inti virus software on the Windows 7 I am using?

This does not make it any more or less neccessary to run anti-virus software on the Mac itself. You must install some kind of Windows anti-virus software in the virtual machine, however, if you are going to be using the Windows system in that virtual machine to go online or deal with files obtained from questionable sources. If that Windows system can be used in isolation, then you should be okay to skip the anti-virus software.

Similar Messages

I transferred big files from windows to my macbook, should I install anti-virus on macbook pro?

I transferred big files from windows to my macbook because I wanted to retire my old PC, should I install anti-virus on macbook pro because of those files I moved? Would you recommend? Or should I feel comfortable since I'm using OS X Mavericks? Anybody with the same case? Thanks.

Files moved from a Windows machine may contain malware, but that malware would not be a threat to your Mac. Windows malware cannot infect a Mac.
As for protecting your Mac against Mac malware, see my Mac Malware Guide.

Should I download anti virus software such as AVG for my new MacBook

Should I download anti virus software such as AVG on my new MacBook Pro

Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" (AV) software. The usual answer is "no." That answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
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 and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions.
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 computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. AV software is not intended to, and does not, defend against such attacks.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in 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. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; 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 been checked for security by Apple unless it comes from the 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. 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.
Apple has taken far too long to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. Those lapses don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—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. Sandbox 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 are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best 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 Internet criminals. If you're better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
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 padlock icon in the address bar when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, 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 AV or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its 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, commercial AV 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 may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. 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 AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
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 all 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 can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. 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.

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

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

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

Installing anti virus software

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

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

Should I get anti-virus software for my MBP?

I know there are not that many virus that Macs can get however I tend to download quite a lot of software from the internet that may not be that trust worthy. Should I get some anti-virus software, and if so, what would you recomend?

Mac OS X versions 10.6.7 and later have built-in detection of known Mac malware in downloaded files. 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. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware.
The most effective defense against malware is your own intelligence. All known malware on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of Mac OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of trojans, which can only work if the victim is duped into running them. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown site, merely in order to use the site, 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.
“Cracked” versions 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.
Disable Java (not JavaScript) in your web browser(s). Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in Mac OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those versions has bugs that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. Those bugs will probably never be fixed, because those older operating systems are no longer being maintained by Apple. Migrate to a newer version of the Mac OS as soon as you can.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" 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.

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

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

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

Should I install anti-virus program on my iPad?

Should I install an anti-virus program on my iPad?

You don't need one. As it stands, there are no known viruses for the iOS operating system.
You do still have to practice safe internetting. Don't click on links in unsolicited mails, be wise where you share your personal info, etc.
But most viruses are .exe files, written to execute on PC based systems, .exe files literally won't run on an iPad's operating system.

Can`t download & install anti virus software

Dear Sir,
I can`t download & install the anti virus & access the some internet sites

You don't need any Anti-virus for your phone.. The hanging problem is not due to any virus.. but some other issues.. It may be due to some application that you may have installed..Check if any Firmware update is available. Update your phone if there is ..

Do i need to install anti virus software for imac

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

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

HT1338 Problem installing anti-virus software

I am trying to install Symantec Endpoint Protection on my MacAir and it tells me I can't do so because I am missing Java Runtime Protection. How do I get this?

Hi,
I am Chetan Savade from Symantec Technical Support team.
Macintosh system requirements
Mac OS X 10.6.8, 10.7 (32-bit, 64-bit); 10.8 (64-bit)
Mac OS X Server 10.6.8, 10.7 (32-bit, 64-bit); 10.8 (64-bit)
System Requirements for Symantec Endpoint Protection, Enterprise and Small Business Editions, and Network Access Control 12.1.2
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH195325
@ Alberto Ravasio - It's very important in today's world to install Antivirus on MAC Operating System as well.
As per Alberto you can get Java here.
Helpful Link: Symantec Endpoint Protection for Macintosh Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH134203
Best Regards,
Chetan Savade
Technical Support Engineer
End Point Security
www.symantec.com

Should I buy anti-virus software for new iMac?

Just purchased my first iMac and Ive been reading that I really dont need antivirus protection, is this true? In the past I've always bought Norton Internet Security for my pc's.

You certainly don't need to BUY it. The free ClamXav will do:
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/

Is Anti virus software, such us Norton required on iMac?

Just setting up new iMac. Should I install anti virus software such as Norton?

It's not needed. Moreover, you mustn't install commercial antiviruses, because they slow down the computer and they don't do anything. OS X has got its own security systems as XProtect, so you don't need anything else and you can use your computer without worrying about it. See > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg

Internet/Anti-Virus Software/Clean-Up

I'm fairly new to Macs (ex-IBM user). I was told that I don't need anti-virus software with a Mac. Is that true? My Macbook seems to run a little slower as a surf the net now that I've had it for a few months. Should I have anti-virus software? Is there a way to "clean up" my Macbook from all the surfing and browsing? If I need the software - what is a good one for the Mac?
Thanks!

Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on spyware and viruses. There's also an excellent FAQ on system optimization.
There currently are no known viruses affecting OS X. There are several anti-virus programs that are sold through software retailers. You can often find demos here: VersionTracker or MacUpdate. An excellent open source program is ClamXAV. You can download it at the sites just referenced.
Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenance
For disk repairs use Disk Utility. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior; DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption; Disk Warrior 4.0 is now Intel Mac compatible. TechTool Pro provides additional repair options including file repair and recovery, system diagnostics, and disk defragmentation. TechTool Pro 4.5.2 is Intel Mac compatible; Drive Genius is similar to TechTool Pro in terms of the various repair services provided. The current version, 1.5.1, is Intel Mac compatible.
OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep.
OS X automatically defrags files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems.
I would also recommend downloading the shareware utility TinkerTool System that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old logfiles and archives, clearing caches, etc.
For emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack. If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the commandline.
When you install any new system software or updates be sure to repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand. I also recommend booting into safe mode before doing system software updates.
Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
5. PsynchX 2.1.1 and RsyncX 2.1 (Freeware)
6. Carbon Copy Cloner (Freeware - 3.0 is a Universal Binary)
The following utilities can also be used for backup, but cannot create bootable clones:
1. Backup (requires a .Mac account with Apple both to get the software and to use it.)
2. Toast
3. Impression
4. arRSync
Apple's Backup is a full backup tool capable of also backing up across multiple media such as CD/DVD. However, it cannot create bootable backups. It is primarily an "archiving" utility as are the other two.
Impression and Toast are disk image based backups, only. Particularly useful if you need to backup to CD/DVD across multiple media.
Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore.
Additional suggestions will be found in Mac Maintenance Quick Assist.
Referenced software can be found at www.versiontracker.com and www.macupdate.com.
Why reward points?(Quoted from Discussions Terms of Use.)
The reward system helps to increase community participation. When a community member gives you (or another member) a reward for providing helpful advice or a solution to their question, your accumulated points will increase your status level within the community.
Members may reward you with 5 points if they deem that your reply is helpful and 10 points if you post a solution to their issue. Likewise, when you mark a reply as Helpful or Solved in your own created topic, you will be awarding the respondent with the same point values.

Shall i buy anti virus software for my MAC pro lion

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

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

Hi. I run parallels, should I install anti virus software?

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