How to protect against viruses

suddenly tonight whilst on Safari, my computer highlighted that I had about 50 viruses, some high risk. My trash box was overflowing.
and on Safari, **** site pages kept popping up, even though i wasn't operating safari? what's happening and what can I do?

Your Mac does not have any viruses.
There are no viruses that affect or infect OS X - not one, which has been available for 10 years now.
This is a phishing scam to get a credit card number from you to purchase software that is worthless.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650

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What is the best protection against virus

what is best protection against any virus.

what is best protection against any virus.
You.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
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 "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
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 iCloud, 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.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget 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. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
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.

How to protect against iworm

I found some info online that said what type the Go To Folder under Finder, to find out if you have the iworm. I don't have it. About once a week, my mac mini gives me a list of anything new I need to download from Apple. I haven't received anything that is protection against iworm. Does anyone know what I am supposed to do?
Thanks.

stpedler wrote:
I found some info online that said what type the Go To Folder under Finder, to find out if you have the iworm. I don't have it. About once a week, my mac mini gives me a list of anything new I need to download from Apple. I haven't received anything that is protection against iworm. Does anyone know what I am supposed to do?
You are not supposed to do anything except update your Mac.
XProtect (Apple malware security) gets updated when needed.
It is is not specifically identified in software updates.

I'm running Windows ME, FF2.0 is all that's available, How can I protect against viruses?

Since I'm running Windows ME everything is somewhat limited. At the FF Homepage it states I should upgrade, however I know this not an option for me. What can I do to protect myself from obtaining viruses and what-not while running the FF2.0? I understand it's an old operating system but upgrading to another is not an option for economic reasons, in short, I'm poor, so I have to work with what I have. I like FF way better than IE and would like to continue to use it.

Firefox isn't an anti-virus program. Regardless of which version of Firefox you are using, you need a good anti-virus application, in addition to Firefox.
I am using Clamwin on an old Win98 PC, that I can't tear out of my mother's hands long enough to break it and force her to use the new PC we bought her almost 3 years ago. Most AV vendors dropped support for 98/SE/ME a few years ago and Clamwin seems to be one of the few AV applications that still supports those old OS's. And it is a free, open source program.
http://www.clamwin.com/

How to protect against a pdf printing without protecting the file with a password ?

I want to know if it's possible to protect a PDF against printing without protecting the file with a password ?
It's possible to make it with Acrobat Reader or another version ?
Thank You
Best regards.

Hi,
Yes, you can restrict editing and printing of the document; although you have setup a permission password (To restrict the users from changing the document permissions).
Please follow the steps mentioned below:-
Open the file in Adobe Acrobat- Document properties- Security- Change security method to password security- Select Restrict editing and printing of the document
Regards,
Nakul

How to protect against unauthorized purchases?

Ok, I figure that somebody hacked into my itunes account and bought themselves some apps emptying my account down to $1.32.
I've already changed my password so the (insert appropiate profanity) can't do it again easily. I have already contacted support and changed my password.
Untill now I have puchased recharge cards and redeemed these, I don't have a credit card entered on my itunes account. Im not too worried about loosing $17 odd, im more concerned about trying to stop it happening again. Obviously if I buy another recharge card and put more money into my itunes acocunt, some (insert another profanity) can hack in again and help themselves to more apples. ;-)
So, is there another more secure method of buying tunes from itune? I feel uneasy loading a credit card number into itunes now as hackers could get access to my c/c number when they hack into itunes again.
Any suggestions?

Honestly, I've never used the recharge cards. I'm guessing either the hacker did it by typing in a guessed code that happened to be the same one on the back of your card or that you were phished. Apple may have been right and just didn't explain themselves. Most passwords are stolen these days by phishing scams where you click on a link that seems fine on the surface, but really isn't. This gives access to the hacker to see your password the next time you sign into your accounts. Double check that your computer wasn't phished by using google to find for more info. You may want to run your anti-virus (most can check for phishing too, but check with your program's company), but the best defense in stopping it is to change any account passwords you may have including iTunes, your e-mail, bank account, etc. Even if it doesn't seem like anything else is wrong with your other accounts, it's better to change the passwords and be safe. Just be sure your new password isn't easily guessed (ie: using your b-day, a name of a loved one, etc.) -- the best passwords include a combination of letters and numbers -- even a symbol like a # or % would add to the security! You can even use Google to look up ways of creating strong passwords that you'll easily remember.
Apple should be willing to credit your account for whatever was spent. I think they usually do this if you ask, and don't be afraid to threaten that you won't use iTunes anymore for purchasing stuff -- but I believe that all you need to do is ask them and explain that you didn't authorize the purchases. They should even be able to track, more or less, where the purchase was made (ie: city, country, etc.) through the computer hacker's IP address. which may help prove that you didn't make the purchases. Be sure to tell them that nobody has access to your account other than you.
Personally, I use a credit card with iTunes. With a CC, no matter what happens, if Apple is unwilling to refund the stolen purchases for some reason, then it can always be disputed with your credit card company as a stolen purchase (which will let you get a new card number, peace of mind, plus you'll get your money refunded). I think it's a much safer option than the recharge cards.
I hope this info helps and that you get your money back!
Marsha

How to protect yourself against the latest Mac OSX Trojan/worm/"virus"

Does anyone know if this is true? I saw it on goole news
How to protect yourself against the latest Mac OSX Trojan/worm/"virus"
Thanks
Jason
[ Edited by Apple Discussions Moderator; href URL ]

Hi YoungBrando,
Welcome to the Apple Discussion Pages
IS there something out there ?
Apparently so.
Are people getting lot of there Buddies computers trying to sned them the file ?
It does not look like it.
Does this Qualify as a virus ?
No. It does not pass itself on without some intervention by the users involved.
Does it qualify as a a Trojan ?
Yes.
What to do.
Don't except files from anyone with the file name mentioned.
Read this response as well
Be aware before Unstuffing any unknown files.
Change the IChat > Preferences > Message section option to Confirm before sending any Files to ON This may not stop the code from getting your computer to send the file without you seeing but it may help based on the way the code is described as being put together generally.
Symantic's reponse
In this article Sophos claim it to be the First Virus for OS X
It also highlights that the main Anti-Virus software houses have already put out an update.
7:51 PM Friday; February 17, 2006

Itunes error. the data execution prevention pops up and says "to protect your computer, windows has closed this program. Data execution prevention helps protect against damage from viruses and other threat.

I have a windows Xp computer. and i needed to download the newest itunes to support my ipod touch. but now my computer doesn't let me open itunes. The the data execution prevention pops up and says "to protect your computer, windows has closed this program. Data execution prevention (DEP) helps protect against damage from viruses and other threat." I tried excluding itunes from DEP on settings but it still doesn't work. I don't know what to do. please help me!!!
thanks

try to select the computer cd/dvd autorun off.
I had the same problem, then Kaspersky software found a conflict suggesting me this solution.
Itunes now works...even if it always asks to set the cd/dvd autorun on when lunched.

How to protect a pdf-file in a pdf-portfolio against extraction?

How to protect a pdf-file in a pdf-portfolio against extraction?

You can't.
Portfolios are just a single-page document with a bunch of attached files - the act of opening one of those attachments is identical to the act of "extracting" it into a new document, so blocking it would stop the Portfolio from working.

How to protect customization in oracle apps files against autoconfig run

Hi,
how to protect customization in oracle apps files against autoconfig run.
For example:
Take wdbsvr.app file i have added a new dad configuration for APEX but when ever i run autoconfig it replaces all my customizations so could you please let us know how to protect these customizations .
Thanks.

Hi,
Please see (Note: 270519.1 - Customizing an AutoConfig Environment).
Regards,
Hussein

How to protect my Apple Mac from viruses?

How to protect my Apple Mac from computer viruses, malware & phishing?

Unless you are running a Windows partition, you do not need to be concerned about viruses. As for malware and phishing, good internet browsing habits, and using common sense when downloading software that is not from the App Store will go a long way to preventing those types of issues.
There is a lot of disagreement among the Community members concerning the prudence of installing any sort of AVP. As white_bellied shows above, it can slow down your machine.
I do not have any sort of AVP running on my Mac, and I have never had any issues with malware or phishing.
There are many discussion about AVP on the forum. If you do a search for Anti-virus, you will be able to see some of the opinions and discussions that may help you to make the best decision for you.
Cheers,
GB

How secure is iPhone5 against viruses?

hi
How secure is iPhone5 against viruses, trojans, malware?
Which viruses are known for iPhone 5?

If a PC is infected, the virus is designed to run in that processor. It will not affect the iPhone unless if specifically designed for that. But it needs to be jailbraked to affect it. If the phone is as it was designed and not hacked, there is no way to install an app other than via iTunes or the App Store. Email attachments can not be installers if you didn't crack the phone, don't worry. If you did, well, it's at your own risk.

How can I protect against email spam robots in muse?

how can I protect against email spam robots in muse?

Put recaptcha or becaptcha on all of your contact forms and set up cloudflare on the site.

How do I protect against WPA de-authentication attacks?

Source: http://superuser.com/questions/216477/how-do-i-protect-against-wpa-de-authentica tion-attacks
Someone is constantly sending deauth packets to me.... =(
Is there a way to maybe ignore de-auth packets? I know sometimes they are legit... But I'm not clear on when.... maybe if there was a way to detect when they were from the router... or something... not ... that... that also couldn't be forged... bah... =(

Not much you can do about it.
http://www.netstumbler.org/f9/block-prevent-deter-deauthentication-attacks-19607 /
Regards,

How to protect document level javascript against modification?

Hi,
Does Adobe Acrobat provide a possibility to password protect deactivation of the javascript code present in the pdf documentation?
It seems that 3rd party tools, like PDFill or CutePDF can not password protect the document properly and it is trivial to deactivate the code by putting a new code inside, even if the document is master password protected agains modifications.
Thanks for any information.

There's nothing to protect against the determined. If you have critical security functionality, embedding it at client end is not the way forward.

How to protect against viruses

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