Internet Security / Virus Programs

I just got my iMac G5 yesterday and was surfing the web. Having come from MS Windows, I started to worry about hackers and viruses.
Do I need a virus program? Such as Norton, Mcafree, etc? Do you suggest one particular program?

Hello Russell,
Keep anything Norton well away from your Mac - Even in an adjoining room it can be dangerous!
Make sure that the onboard firewall is switched on...
System Preferences ( in the Blue Apple logo top left ) > Sharing > Firewall.
You won't need any other type of Firewall as Apple's own brand is more than enough.
There are no known viruses that can affect a Mac. We mac user's can be "carriers" though.
ClamXAV seems to be a well regarded anti-virus Application and can be found Here
Hope that help some
Regards
Ian

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This is my first mac laptop. Do I need internet security/virus protection? If so, what is recommended?

This is my first mac laptop. Do I need internet security/virus protection? If so, what is recommended?

Additional informaton about OS X security can be found in Thomas Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
In addition to what Bimmer 7 Series has suggested...
Keep Java (not JavaScript) disabled in all your browsers and if you have not installed it yet, don't do so unless you are told that you need it in order to run a critical application or visit a web-site that you must use.
You won't need your Firewall turned on as long as you are on a trusted network using a strong WPA2 password for WiFi, such as your home or workplace, but be sure to turn it on when you need to take your MBP to Starbucks or some other public hotspot.

Question RE: Security/Virus Program for Macbook Pro

Greetings,
I was wondering if you would recommend Avast 2014 Antivirus Software protection for the macbook pro. If not, is there any other programs and/or other applications I should know about or use to help with viruses and security? I was also considering Norton.
Thank you in advance for any help and/or any advice.
Christian

Hi Christian,
I was wondering if you would recommend Avast 2014 Antivirus Software protection for the macbook pro.
Absolutely not. Older versions of Avast were garbage that would do nothing beneficial. Their most recent version is arguably malicious. Norton / Symantec is worse. Install none of that junk.
You may be considering them due to a familiarity with their equivalent PC products, in which the case for advocating their use may be entirely different - I'm assuming that is the case since no knowledgeable Mac user would ever consider either product. For all I know their Windows PC products may be reputable.
is there any other programs and/or other applications I should know about or use to help with viruses and security?
"Anti-virus" software serves no purpose on a Mac and is a common cause of problems reported on this site. OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Automated means of protecting your Mac from malware are an ineffective defense against that threat. At best, they will provide a false sense of security, a threat all to itself.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.

If the iMac is suppose to be secure from viruses, malware,spyware and other internet threats, then howcome i have seen internet security programs for the iMac?

on the website it clearly stated "It’s highly secure and reliable" and that "You don’t need to buy software to speed it up, keep it safe, or get it to work better." and it also says that "The built-in defenses on a Mac help keep you safe from viruses and malware without the hassle of constant alerts and sweeps." If this is the case, then howcome in download .com, i have seen internet security programs for the imac?
So if one day i accidentelly stumble across a website that has malware in it, will the imac protect me?
Theres this website that i feel to afraid to go to because some people reported a malware threat on that website. But will i be able to safely go to that website with the imacs security?
Im just confused that there are these internet security programs for the imac despite of the imacs built in security.

In addition to Kappy's excellent advice, you need to remember that only you can protect yourself (and your Mac) - for instance, I never go near any torrent site. Not only are most torrent downloads illegal, but quite a few softwares on those sites contain some not-so-nice additions (malware, etc). So, no, your Mac would not protect you there - you need to protect yourself; it is called "responsible websurfing".
I only download software from reputable sites (i.e. the developer); I don't go to questionable sites at all (there is a great plugin for Firefox called "WOT" - it grades the sites from excellent to "poor reputation") - if you use Safari, check to see if it is available there. And I don't download "free" software or music or whatever that costs elsewhere - I pay for it.
And, here is another article you might want to look at:
http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/

What internet security/anti-virus programs are good for macs?

Should I install Norton Internet Security on my Mac?

Please don't. You really don't need anti-virus software. Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on anti-virus software and malware. Also, see Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security.
If you must use such software then use ClamXav 2.2.2.

Virus and internet security products. What programs are the best for MacBook Pro?

What internet and virus protection products are available to the MacBook pro?

MacBook Pro
Mac Virus Guide
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac

Scheduling Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware scans with Internet Security Suite

When I installed Verizon Internet Security Suite, the scan schedule for Anti-Virus was set to a default time of: Weekly at 12:00 am on Saturday. The Anti-Spyware scan was default scheduled weekly at 12:00 am on Sunday.
I don't want the scans done at this time. So I rescheduled them to run at 5:00 am instead of 12:00 on each day.
This didn't work. Even though when I look at the schedules for those programs, it shows the times I put in. But it still ignores the times I scheduled and always starts up both programs at 12:00. This is very inconvenient for me. How do you debug this?
Message Edited by Joanna_M on 03-30-2009 04:02 PM

I know what you mean. I have the same problem, here it is 6:31 am and I am awake and on my pc when all of a sudden verizon's virus scan pops up and starts it's scan. I scheduled that for 12:01 am. Plus not to mention the other day it said I have a virus but it couldn't repair it so it quaranteed it, then when I clicked on find out more information about this virus the page said it will be available soon. I did a search of the virus on radialpoints website and it couldn't tell me the virus either and then I found out through google that is actually a trojan and wrote a bunch of keys to the registry but the website never said what to do about it, whether to delete those keys or not.
I don't like to delete registry keys unless I am sure.
I used to have Norton installed and its virus scan used to do some odd things to. Like forget! Symantec said it was windows fault because it uses task scheduler.
I am seriously thinking about dumping this verizon suite if they don't fix it real soon and get their website's up and running!!!

I have The latest Firefox installed on an older Dell, and the CA security suite thru my ISP, which takes all my CPU and causes everything to freeze when I try to access it's features. I need a free internet security program that does tax my system so much

Have older Dell Dimension 32/bit with Win XP Prof 2002. I have installed CA security suite from my ISP, which is a huge program and uses 100% of CPU on start-up & shut down, slowing everthing to a snails pace. I have removed evrything I don't need using 30 day free Revo Unistaller Pro, but when I try to access CA's Firewall to add programs to the exception rule, it will open, then freezes along with Firefox tabs and anything else. Can't even shut down from start menu. I want to get rid of CA(although it is a good program, it's too big), and go back to using my Win Firewall(or another better free firewall that's good for more than 30 days trial) and some other free internet security program that is easy, runs in the background and doesn't take all my resources and isn't just a 30 day free trial till you buy the program. I am also trying to install a wireless adapter so I can drop my ISP and use the free city/county signal as no work for 20 months!
== This happened ==
A few times a week
== Trying to access CA security Suite Firewall

I am the original poster, and I got rid of CA Security Suite & and loaded the Avast! which has some great features even on the freeware. No more crashes or freezing & yes I think there is a problem with CA & Firefox, but am not sure what it is. CA was a big time hog. I also got rid of my ISP and installed a Intellinet Wireless G PCI Card & now am completely wireless on my PC. Faster by far than what I was paying $50/month for & I use my Windows Firewall.

Any Time I Open iTunes My Computer Comes Up With A Message Saying "Data Execution Prevention - Mircosoft Windows To Help Protect Your Computer, Windows Has Closed This Program" We Have Trend Micro Internet Security Titanium.

Any Time I Open iTunes My Computer Comes Up With A Message Saying "Data Execution Prevention - Mircosoft Windows To Help Protect Your Computer, Windows Has Closed This Program" We Have Trend Micro Internet Security Titanium But It Appears To Be Windows Stopping iTunes.

Right click My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Performance: Settings > Data Execution Prevention > Add iTunes to be let through

Internet Security, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware

What is the best internet security, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software to use on a MacBook Pro 13' (Late 2011 model) on both Mac and Windows 7 (Parallel 7) without slowing down or effecting the operating system too much ? Do I need to get the free or paid version ?

Although anti-virus software is not necessary on a Mac, you do need to be aware of what's out there and how to protect yourself against possible new threats. See my Mac Malware Guide.
As for running anti-virus in Windows 7, that's a Windows issue. I personally put AVG Free on the Windows machines used by my family, but I'm no Windows expert. I'm sure different folks here will have different recommendations, and a few of those folks may even be Windows experts! (In other words, that may be a question better suited for other forums where a higher percentage of Windows users hang out.)

Does an mac air need any internet/security protection from viruses etc. ?

I was wondering does the mac need any interent security such as kaspersky or norton installed for protection? or is there already protection from viruses etc on the software installed? Thanks

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 log in to it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only 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 necessarily been tested by Apple, 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.
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, and a technological fix is not 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 the scam artists. If you're smarter 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 of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent. or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
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, your browser, or anything else.
Rogue websites such as Softonic 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.
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
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.
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 lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" 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 "anti-virus" (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 institutional 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's 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 apple working on a fix so it plays nice with internet security and filtering programs?

Question is in the title.
The conflict that causes us to disable internet security and filtering programs to get iTunes Store to open. Is that planning on being resolved?

None of us know, and you won't get an answer from Apple on here. We are users just like you. Although not everyone has problems with that, I know I didn't when I used iTunes on my PC.

If I want to update to 4.0 What do I have to do about my Virus Program Security Shield Deluxe to make it keep working?

I Downloaded FF4 to my Dell Computer and my Security Sofware Quit working. I Took FF4 off my Computer and Put FF 3.16 back on and everything seems to be backup and running. If I want to update to 4.0 What do I have to do about my Virus Program Security Shield Deluxe to make it keep working?

Or just wait until you can use the computer you used previously. If that isn't possible see Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device.
tt2

My internet security picked up on this. Why are you updating me with a trojan program ????????? ffwt.html Blocked: HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic 4/18/2013

My internet security picked up on this.
Why are you updating me with a trojan program ?????????
<pre>ffwt.html Blocked: HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic 4/18/2013 8:13:18 PM hxxp://incasi.xtrastudio.com/
downloading object, which contains a trojan program
firefox
hxxp://incasi.xtrastudio.com/ffwt.html
detected: HEUR: Trojan.Script.Generic</pre>
(Moderator altered links, because they are malicious)

Could you explain what you mean by "updating"? Did your antivirus pick this up while Firefox was updating or while you were browsing the Internet?
If you were browsing the Internet (While visitting the hxxp://xtrastudio.com link), then that website was infected and not a Firefox problem. I would advise you to not visit the website again though, unless they manage to fix the infection as the antivirus managed to block it now, but it might not be able to the next time.
If it happened during the "Firefox is updating" window when you tried to start Firefox, then it pretty serious.
If you could answer that question, we will probably be able to help you. Good luck :)

Internet Security and Virus Protection

I am brand spanking new to the Mac world. Just bought a beautiful 27" iMac last week. My question, Is there a need for virus protection/internet security software with macs?? I have long heard the possible myth that macs dont get virus'. Is this true?? If not, what is best that uses the least memory to run??
I have long loved AVG for windows

Is there a need for virus protection/internet security software with macs?? I have long heard the possible myth that macs dont get virus'. Is this true??
It is true that there are no Mac viruses at this time. There are a few trojans, but these are very rare and have threat levels ranging from low to none. See my [Mac Virus guide|http://www.reedcorner.net/thomas/guides/macvirus> for more details on this.
As to internet security, one never knows when a new exploit will be discovered, but Macs are pretty secure. I've never used any kind of internet security software and have never needed it. Just use that internet filter that's between your ears and you'll be fine. There are also a couple good general security documents linked to at the end of my virus guide that will be good reads for this purpose.

Internet Security / Virus Programs

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