Is it worth getting antivirus software for my mac with this recent threat with flashback

I'm concerned about my mac being infected by the flashback virus and I don't know if I should purchase antivirus software or not.  If anyone can recomment any that would be very nice.  Thankyou

Well, if you applied Apple patches for 10.6.8 & up, then no.
Still pays to be certain with these tips...
Disable Java in your Browser settings, not JavaScript.
Flashback - Detect and remove the uprising Mac OS X Trojan...
http://www.mac-and-i.net/2012/04/flashback-detect-and-remove-uprising.html
In order to avoid detection, the installer will first look for the presence of some antivirus tools and other utilities that might be present on a power user's system, which according to F-Secure include the following:
/Library/Little Snitch
/Developer/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/MacOS/Xcode
/Applications/VirusBarrier X6.app
/Applications/iAntiVirus/iAntiVirus.app
/Applications/avast!.app
/Applications/ClamXav.app
/Applications/HTTPScoop.app
/Applications/Packet Peeper.app
If these tools are found, then the malware deletes itself in an attempt to prevent detection by those who have the means and capability to do so. Many malware programs use this behavior, as was seen in others such as the Tsunami malware bot.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57410096-263/how-to-remove-the-flashback-ma lware-from-os-x/
http://x704.net/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5844&p=70660#p70660
Open DNS also blocks the FlashBack thing...
http://blog.opendns.com/2012/04/09/worried-about-mac-malware-just-set-up-opendns /
Try putting these numbers in Network>TCP/IP>DNS Servers, for the Interface you connect with...
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Then Apply. For 10.5/10.6/10.7 Network, highlight Interface>Advanced button>DNS tab>little + icon.
DNS Servers are a bit like Phone books where you look up a name and it gives you the phone number, in our case, you put in apple.com and it comes back with 17.149.160.49 behind the scenes.  
These Servers have been patched to guard against DNS poisoning, and are faster/more reliable than most ISP's DNS Servers.
ClamXAV, free Virus scanner...
http://www.clamxav.com/
Free Sophos...
http://www.sophos.com/products/enterprise/endpoint/security-and-control/mac/
Little Snitch, stops/alerts outgoing stuff...
http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html
Get MacScan...
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/macscan.html

Similar Messages

  • Is it worth getting Antivirus software for may mac with this threat of the Flashback virus?

    I'm concerned about my mac being infected bu flashback but I don't know if it is worth purchasing antivirus software or not

    Well, if you applied Apple patches for 10.6.8 & up, then no.
    Still pays to be certain with these tips...
    Disable Java in your Browser settings, not JavaScript.
    Flashback - Detect and remove the uprising Mac OS X Trojan...
    http://www.mac-and-i.net/2012/04/flashback-detect-and-remove-uprising.html
    In order to avoid detection, the installer will first look for the presence of some antivirus tools and other utilities that might be present on a power user's system, which according to F-Secure include the following:
    /Library/Little Snitch
    /Developer/Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/MacOS/Xcode
    /Applications/VirusBarrier X6.app
    /Applications/iAntiVirus/iAntiVirus.app
    /Applications/avast!.app
    /Applications/ClamXav.app
    /Applications/HTTPScoop.app
    /Applications/Packet Peeper.app
    If these tools are found, then the malware deletes itself in an attempt to prevent detection by those who have the means and capability to do so. Many malware programs use this behavior, as was seen in others such as the Tsunami malware bot.
    http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57410096-263/how-to-remove-the-flashback-ma lware-from-os-x/
    http://x704.net/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5844&p=70660#p70660
    Open DNS also blocks the FlashBack thing...
    http://blog.opendns.com/2012/04/09/worried-about-mac-malware-just-set-up-opendns /
    Try putting these numbers in Network>TCP/IP>DNS Servers, for the Interface you connect with...
    208.67.222.222
    208.67.220.220
    Then Apply. For 10.5/10.6/10.7 Network, highlight Interface>Advanced button>DNS tab>little + icon.
    DNS Servers are a bit like Phone books where you look up a name and it gives you the phone number, in our case, you put in apple.com and it comes back with 17.149.160.49 behind the scenes.  
    These Servers have been patched to guard against DNS poisoning, and are faster/more reliable than most ISP's DNS Servers.
    ClamXAV, free Virus scanner...
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    Free Sophos...
    http://www.sophos.com/products/enterprise/endpoint/security-and-control/mac/
    Little Snitch, stops/alerts outgoing stuff...
    http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html
    Get MacScan...
    http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/macscan.html

  • Is it worth getting the update for my Mac

    I have a Mac Desktop which doesn't have the swipe options that the Lion update has? Is it worth buying for someone who has a Mac desktop computer with wireless mouse?

    I like the "gestures" ... 1 finger move the mouse, 2 finger scroll, 4 finger "select running application".  You would want the "Wireless Trackpad" to get the gestures, though.
    But Lion is a new world.  No install media, but a "Recovery Partition" that must be protected for disaster recovery.
    And not everyone is happy with Lion.  I have no opinion good or bad because I do not use it, but the opinions range from "get it off my machine NOW!" to "I love it".
    In the alternate, Snow Leopard has lesser requirements that Lion, and has "gestures".  Staying at SL is a good plateau to stay, since it still supports Rosetta to allow your PPC applcations (Office 2004, for example).  Many are quite happy to stay at SL until something better comes along.
    For the benefit of others who want to provide input, you should tell us:
    Current model of Mac
    Memory amount
    Current OSX version
    The path you take to Lion depends on where you are now.

  • How can I get the software for a MAC for my canon mg2520

    Mac says software not found for 
    canon MG2520.. How do I get it

    Hi drfoulkbbcnet,
    So that the Community can help you better, we will need to know exactly what version of MAC you're using, as well as the way you connect to your device (USB or networked via WiFi or Ethernet).
    Any other details you'd like to give will only help the Community better understand your issue!
    If this is an urgent support need, please CLICK HERE to reach our friendly Technical Support Team by phone or email.
    Thanks and have a great day!

  • What is the best antivirus software for ma, what is the best antivirus software for mac

    I'm looking for good antivirus software for my Mac --- any suggestions?

    OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it updated 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.

  • What is the best antivirus software for macs?

    iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.3.9)   I have a free subscription to Sophos now but I don't like it. I was wondering what would be the best antivirus software for my mac. I looked into VirusBarrier X4 but I didn't want to buy it until I had some feedback. Thanks!
    iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

    Welcome To Discussions aurala19!
    You might want to take a look at this free, donations accepted, AV utility.
    ClamXav.
    It has received many favorable reviews.
    Good Luck!
    ali b

  • Is there any free antivirus software for my macbook pro

    I was wondering is there any free antivirus software for the mac pro

    Look at this:
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    Or this:
    http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
    Both are free & won't necessarily muck up your system. Read about both & decide yourself.
    Also, read this BEFORE you make a decision:
    http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/#needav

  • What is good anti virus software for the mac?

    What is good antivirus software for the Mac?  I think I've been hacked. 

    ClamXav from http://www.clamxav.com . Be cautious of other antivirus software as some, not all just some, can cause system issues.  I've used ClamXav for years with no issues with it.
    By the way, you may get some responses to this question along the lines of "there are no mac virus's so you don't need antivirus software". While it's true there are no mac virus's today, in my opinion, it's like the stock market in that past performance is not a guarantee for the future.
    If you scan these discussions, you'll find hours of reading on this question ....

  • What is best antivirus software for Mac Mini? Recently the Trovi virus was on my computer and I want to make sure it is completely gone.

    What is the best antivirus software for Mac Mini?  I had thought Mac's were safer from viruses but recently I think the Trovi virus infected my computer, I have taken steps to remove but want to make sure computer is clean.

    To learn how to defend yourself from the threat of adware read How to install adware.
    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 movies or other copyrighted content "for 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.

  • WHAT IS THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR OSX YOSEMITE?

    WHAT IS THE BEST ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE FOR OSX YOSEMITE?

    Here are some more thoughts to consider.
    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 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.

  • Antivirus software for mac?

    I have just got a new macbook pro 13" and I am new to OS X and mac so I was wondering if I need to get antivirus software?

    To date, the only real "exploits" to OS X have been things downloaded from the web and which still required authorization to open and run.  You should check your safari or any browser settings and make sure they are NOT configured to automatically open or run any downloaded file.  That way, you will have to manually execute any installer or such, and consciously enter your admin password in order for anything to run.
    Just be sure you trust anything you download, and do not blindly click on things or enter your admin password when prompted without knowing what is prompting it and why (so, if you run software update from the Apple menu and it prompts you for your admin password, fine, but if you click on a link to a web page and suddenly a popup asks for it, DO NOT enter it).

  • Do you need antivirus software for Macs?

    Hi there,
    I purchased a new iMac yesterday, and I was wondering if I need antivirus software for it?  Thanks!

    There are two trains of thought here. Ultimately you'll need to decide which one fits you and your usage.
    In general, there are no true viruses on Mac OS X - that is, no software that can just infect your machine and self-replicate without any user involvement.
    However, that's not to say that malware doesn't exist. There are several known trojans on Mac OS X - software that's advertised to do one thing but actually doesn't something else (generally malicious) behind the scenes. These applications typically use some social-engineering or other guise to fool you into thinking they're legitimate - for example, you might visit a web site that pops up a message saying you need a certain software update in order to access the site, along with a link to 'conveniently' install that software, only to find it's installing something completely different.
    The difference here is that trojan applications like this require some kind of user input and usually require you to authenticate your username and password in order to install. If you only install trusted software and are smart about knowing when you should/should not need to enter your password then you're pretty immune from such tricks. If there are multiple users on the machine (especially if they all have admin access), this problem becomes compounded since it only takes one person to let down their guard.
    Then, there's the third class of malware in which your machine becomes a vehicle for viruses, even if you're not affected yourself. A classic example here is email and/or distributing software that gets opened on othe platforms. For example, if you recieve a document that's infected with a Windows virus, it can and will do nothing on your machine. However, if you then forward that document to other users, they may open it thinking it's trusted (it came from someone they know), only to find it infects their machine.
    This kind of problem is more prevalent in mixed-platform corporate environments, and is exascerbated when you consider that things like Microsoft Word documents and PDF files have been carriers of this kind of malware in the past.
    A good anti-virus application would detect and identify these kinds of malware, even though they cannot affect your machine itself.
    So, do you need anti-virus? Probably not if you're careful and don't share much content with other users (especially other users on other platforms). However, there's generally little downside to doing so.

  • What is the best antivirus software for a Macbook Pro...I recently received a message from Google that someone made an attempt to hack into my mail account so I needed to change my PW and verify myself as the user.  The message suggested that I run a scan

    What is the best antivirus software for a Macbook Pro...I recently received a message from Google that someone made an attempt to hack into my mail account and I needed to change my PW and verify myself as the user.  The message suggested that I run a virus scan to check for sny malware or other types of viruses.  I do not have any software for this and up until now have not had a problem....any help is appreciated.  I would like a simple but effective solution!

    It's worth noting that if your Gmail has been hacked, it would likely have nothing to do with your MacBook.  Hacking web based email is fairly common and it doesn't require any access to your machine whatsoever.  In the same way that you can simply go to the Gmail webpage through any browser, any hacker can use the same method.  It doesn't mean your machine has been compromised in any way (and it has likely not been).  I have never received an email from Google of this nature.  I have received notifications when someone has attempted to create an account with my name in which they basically say that there is no action required if you're the rightful owner.

  • I had to reinstall the software for my mac 10.4 in doing so I lost all of my itunes purchases. How can I get them back

    I had to reinstall the software for my mac 10.4 in doing so I lost all of my purchased music form itunes, How can I get it back?

    Log into iTunes Store, select Purchased from the Quick Links section in the right-hand sidebar, download.

  • Do I need antivirus software for iPad and iPhone

    I'm new to the apple world and enjoying the gadgets.  Just wondering if I need to purchase antivirus software for my iPad and iPhone.

    Anti virus software doesnt' really exist because it's not needed. The way things are coded viruses won't run on the iPad's operating system.

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