Is Virus/Spyware/Malware Software necessary?

I am a recent Windows to Mac convert (I will be getting my MacBook TODAY!!:), and i've been trying to find out if it's necessary to run virus/spyware/malware protection on my MacBook. I have to admit, coming from Windows, the idea of NOT using anything kinda scares me...but like I said, i've always used Windows, so maybe i'm just conditioned to feel this way, lol. I also pay my bills online - are there security measures already built in to the Mac software that makes it safe to do without running additional protection software?
Thanks for your help and being patient with this Mac newbie

Mac OS X ≠ Windows. Discard your preconceptions...
No, you don't need anti-virus software for Mac OS X. In general, anti-virus software does more harm (system slowdowns, incompatibilities) than good, since there aren't any viruses in the wild that affect Macs. No software can protect you from user error - if you download some software from an untrusted source (e.g. a torrent of pirated software), then provide your admin password to install it, well, that's a 'wetware' error...
If you'll be running Windows (via Boot Camp or a virtualization solution) you'll certainly need it on the Windows side.
Likewise, the Mac OS X browser (Safari) provides secure connections to secure websites, along with a private browsing option so cookies, passwords, etc., are not saved.

Similar Messages

  • Email Virus/Spyware/Malware

    Greetings,
    I am rather curious as to how things work nowadays. Is it possible to get a virus/trojan/spyware/malware simply by browsing through your Mail Inbox and going through emails without clicking on any links in the email or opening up attachments? Perhaps exeuctable code secretly hidden in the email message?
    I received a spam email from an online social network called Twoo which stated that I had a message waiting for me on the website. I didn't click on any links whatsoever, I just read the email. Afterwards, I deleted it and considered it as spam.
    Any thoughts would be much appreciated!
    Thanks!

    Most Mac users very quickly discover that AV software on a Mac is more of a problem then it claims it will solve. The majority of them are only able to discover Windows virus since that is all the is available at this time. To do that they use an inordinate amount os suystem resourse while search for nothing. They usually manage to corrupt files systems while doing that. They are also know to have false positive on file important to the system. So once they are quarrentined the Mac is dead. They do all of this great stuff if you install them. I personally prefer to go without them and avoid the problems they cause.

  • Viruses/Spyware/Malware/Trojans etc. Protection

    I am new to Macs but am pretty tech savvy. Do I really need a virus scanner? Do I need spyware protection? I use ClamXav for virus scanning. But it seems pretty unsecure and not reliable. Are there any other free virus scanners/anti-spyware software? Also is the OS X firewall secure enough, I know that it doesn't stop outgoing connections? How do you deal with these problems? Do you use any protection? Thanks.
    iMac Core Duo/iPod Photo 30 gig/Windows Knowledge   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   17 inch

    Hi.
    I'm surprised that you find ClamXav "…pretty unsecure and not reliable". It is the usual recommendation for free virus scanning on these boards. In what way do you find it so? Has it failed to pick up a Mac virus that you know is on your system? Unlikely as there are no true Mac viruses 'in the wild'.
    The OS X firewall is generally considered to be 'industry strength' but can be fine tuned with tools such as Snort in conjunction with Henwen, or Flying Buttress.
    As regards outgoing connections, Little Snitch is a lovely little shareware application. The usual comment on Little Snitch is that it does one thing and does it well.
    You might like to take a look at Dr Smoke's Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware, &/or, if you've got half a day to spare, put 'virus' into the search box over there------->>>>
    Reams of comments have been posted and I'm not going to reopen the argument now as it's all been said before, but just so you know which side of the camp I'm on, I use no AV software. I have the Mac and router FWs on, I use Little Snitch and common sense.
    Have fun,
    Adrian

  • What is the best anti-virus, spyware etc. software

    Please can anyone help me. I bought a Satellite Pro M40 laptop which is lovely and installed Norton Internet Security 2006 and Ad-aware, however, I am so paranoid since going on broadband because of Trojans and spyware invading my pc. I posted another message because I had control panel open as a shadow image in the background so did a complete re-install using Toshiba disc, now another shadow appeared when online called Padtouch_wndllabel. I hear that spyware can disguise itself as other progs. I need real basic help really as its all new to me but wonder if there are any other protective measures I can take to check if my laptop has been infected or to stop it in the future??? - without going into registry files etc?? Maybe I should post this under Satellite Pro forum would that be best??
    Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
    Manderz

    Hi Manderz,
    I hope that you enjoy using your new laptop! With regard to the "best" antivirus and anti-spyware software, there is unfortunately no one answer. Obviously, having any protection is better than none at all, so the Norton security suite you have installed is a very good start indeed.
    Personally, I use a number of anti-spyware programs, including Ad-aware SE, SpyBot Search & Destroy, and Microsoft's own Windows Defender. All of these should be happy running alongside each other but it is very important that you only have one anti-virus program as this needs "control" over the dataflow in and out of your computer. Running more than one normally leads to each program battling against the other, usuallymaking the computer unusable in the process.
    The importnant thing to remember with any of these programs is that regular updates and system scans are the key to catching any natsy visitors - try once per week to start and see how you go from there.
    The other "top tip" is just being sensible with what you are doing on the internet: clicking "yes" on all those adverts or agreeing to anything you have not read or understood is inviting spyware onto your system.
    I hope this does not sound too baffling or put you off using your new computer to its full potential - if you are unsure, just post away on the forums. There is no such thing as a dumb question if it going to save you frustration and worry.
    Good luck, enjoy, and I hope this has been some help....

  • Virus/Spyware/Malware Protection

    I'm still a new switcher and coming from the PC world, I faithfully ran all kinds of "protection" software all the time. It feels weird to not do that anymore. So, what do Mac users use? Anything? Are Macs really that safe from the deviant world?

    The word is safer.
    No virus in the wild has ever infected Apple OS X, but that does mean that we happy Apple users can't inadvertently pass on a Windows virus to a Windows user, for example via email. Nor does it mean that no virus capable of infecting the Mac OS will never appear.
    To that end many of us are content to run ClamXav:
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    which is free and does the job.
    As regards Trojans (a different kind of threat), whilst these have not been known to infect a user, they have been identified in laboratory conditions.
    From MacWorld, January 10, 2008:
    SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
    http://www.securemac.com/
    The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X. Called DNSChanger Trojan and also known as OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse the software attacks users attempting to play a fake video file.
    Upon attempting to play the video, the victim receives the following message:
    “Quicktime Player is unable to play movie file.
Please click here to download new version of codec.”
    Upon running the installer, the user's DNS records are modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
    SecureMac's DNSChanger Removal Tool allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.

  • How do I protect my iPad from viruses, spyware, malware etc

    Does apple require virus protection

    You don't need antivirus as long as you don't Jailbreak your iPad.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743

  • Viruses, spyware and Co.

    Hello -- I am a happy Mac user for the past 5 years. And never have had any problems that I know of with viruses, spyware, malware and this whole gamut of invaders which I battled constantly on my old Windows based PC.
    BUT..... I was interested if there have been any changes in this realm, i.e. is there any need to be checking for these problems? And if so, what are the recommended applications?

    +I also had the peculiar experience of receiving what appeared to be an email from my own gmail account several weeks ago with a very obscure message. That made me wonder about a virus but nothing untoward has happened since.+
    That simply means that someone was able to get into your Gmail account and address book there. I would have immediately changed my user name and password (make the password very difficult to guess) - you might consider doing that.
    +A friend recent got a warning about one of our emails from her MacAfee software, even though there were no attachments. Is there any way we can tell if this is the case?+
    I don't know of any way; I've been careful not to open anything unless I know the sender and I generally do not forward attachments. I have no idea why your friend would get a warning; but then I don't put much faith in MacAfee - it may have been a case of not recognizing a different format and therefore assuming it was bad.

  • How can I check for viruses and malware on my MacBook Pro?

    I have a MacBook Pro running OS X (10.7.5).  I don't have any anti-virus or malware software installed.  My yahoo email account was hacked last night, after I had added the account to Mail on my mac (which obviously involved typing in my email account password).  I'm now worried that I might have a virus or malwre on my computer as I've had that email account for years with the same password (foolish I know) and never had a problem.
    Is there a way to check if my mac has any viruses or malware?  Which anti-virus/malware software should I install to protect my mac?
    Thanks.

    Ever hear of this?  I was using Mozilla, and now I'm scared, so on Safari.  Even so, I'm worried about doing online banking until I know what's up.  Despite that, I did online banking on Safari today, and the pages wouldn't load, or weren't clickable.  Also, I'm getting blank screens on Safari.  It all started after this happened a number of days ago, so I want to do a scan…. but newish to the Apple world, so don't want to screw things up even more (potentially) - by installing some incompatible malware scanner. From the other day:
    has anyone's Macbook Pro ever been hacked? I was using Mozilla, just opened a twitter acct, was trying to cross link with G+, and all of a sudden all this weird stuff was happening: url bars erasing on its own (and fast), pages jumping from window to window, 2 unread msgs in Gmail later marked as read. I shut down and restarted. I don't know if it's a key stroke I did or if I may've been hacked. worried.

  • Do I need to have any type of anti-virus or malware, spyware protection for my Macbook Pro?

    My Macbook is a year old. When I bought it, I was told by several people that I would not need any type of anti-virus software or anything to protect my computer because Mac did not get infected that often. However, I have had people today tell me that I do need protection for my computer. My Mac runs about as good as the day I got it, but I really don't want anything to happen to it. If I need to get an anti-virus, or malware/spyware software, what programs would y'all recomend? I am just looking for information. Thanks!

    1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
    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, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
    The following caveats apply to XProtect:
    It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
    It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
    3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been 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.
    For the reasons given above, App Store products, and 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. OS X 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 presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always 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 malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
    That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?
    Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
    A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
    Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
    Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
    Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
    Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
    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 lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
    Follow the above guidelines, 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 from malware.
    7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software  ClamXav— nothing else.
    Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
    Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
    In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
    By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
    8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
    ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
    A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
    ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
    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 is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. 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.

  • What is the preferred anti-virus/malware software for MacBook Air

    What is the preferred anti-virusmalware software for MacBook Air?

    None is required.
    Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
    An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
    Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
    See these Apple articles:
              Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
              OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
              OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
              About file quarantine in OS X
    If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using VirusBarrier Express 1.1.6 or Dr.Web Light both from the App Store. They're both free, and since they're from the App Store, they won't destabilize the system. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.)
    From user Joe Bailey comes this equally useful advice:
    The facts are:
    1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.
    2. There is no anti-malware that can detect anything targeting the Mac because there
         is no Mac malware in the wild, and therefore, no "signatures" to detect.
    3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that
         the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering
         techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.
    4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on
        your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a
        protection against malware.
    5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware
        from which they purport to protect you.
    6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.
    7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.
    8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something
        you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.
    9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware.

  • What is the best virus/spyware software for OSX 10.6.8?

    What is the best virus/spyware software for OSX 10.6.8 on an iMac?

    Csound1's answer albeit short is correct. Because there are no viruses (as in zero, none, nada, zip) for OS X having antivirus software is a waste of time, resources and possibly money. About the only need for antivirus software is if you frequently download files you know nothing about and then forward them to Windows users. In that case even though you still don't need anything for OS X you are protecting the Windows users from your passing along infected files. Most anti-virus software for OS X tend to create more problems than they solve however if  you insist I'd recommend ClamXav which is free, non-intrusive and is frequently updated.
    Roger

  • Best anti virus/spyware software to date?

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

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

  • My iMac was infected with a virus or malware the other night. I was told that I didn't have any firewall protection. How do I fix that? And what kind of software should I use to protect my computer from further attacks?

    I am running OS X Version 10.9.5 on n iMac I brought in 2011. Had a virus or malware attack the other night and a window opened with a # to call for help. Didn't know if I should trust the # but ended up calling it anyway and paid to have them 'fix' things. Was told I didn't have firewall protection. Am not sure if I do now. [It still says to allow all incoming connections]. So what do I do now? And what kind of antivirus program is recommended?
    Firewall

    Read "Ransomware" web pages.
    Assuming you let the scam outfit remotely control your Mac, the information on it can no longer be considered secure. Neither can the Mac itself. You should immediately shut it down and take actions to prevent or recover from identity theft, which is quite likely to have occurred. This means contacting the financial institutions and other companies that may permit access to your accounts using login names and passwords, canceling and replacing credit cards, and similar actions that only you can know.
    Determine if you can contest the charge made to your credit card for this criminal transgression.
    And what kind of antivirus program is recommended?
    None. The Mac is highly secure against malware or virus intrusion, but nothing can prevent you from willfully installing dubious software or granting remote access to criminals. No "anti-virus" software in the world will protect you from that. The OS X application firewall is not intended to prevent this sort of occurrence.

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

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

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

  • Do I have a virus or malware, spyware ?

    Hi,
    Bit worried right now..two things that i observed today.
    1. when i opened apple.com, I had a advertisement banner on top of it. First I thought, apple website was hacked, then realized..apple is find...darn, its my system that has been compromised...
    Opened safari and still the same. Then I downloaded macscan and it said all clear. restarted and it went.
    2. My mac just blinked..as if I a screenshot was taken..much like the way we take screenshot on iphone by pressing the home and sleep button.
    Do i have virus or malware, key logger screenshot logger..i dunno what else it could be? how do i find out my system is secure ??
    Thanks, Pj

    See the following as relevant:
    *First Mac-based botnet becomes active*
    The first known botnet to exploit Mac OS X has been activated, security researchers claim. The network is believed to have been put in place by iServices, a Trojan infection accompanying some pirated versions of iWork '09 and Photoshop CS4. Although downloaded at least 20,000 times by the end of January, the Trojan's payload has remained dormant for some time, in the same manner as many Windows botnets.
    Symptoms of the active iServices botnet may begin with excessive CPU usage on a Mac, the result of a PHP script instigating denial-of-service attacks on websites. Many anti-virus programs have been updated to block iServices however, and it may also be possible to halt the Trojan's operations by deleting "System/Library/StartupItems/DivX" and/or "System/Library/StartupItems/iWorkServices" folders. Some security companies, such as SecureMac, are offering removal tools specifically targeted at iServices.
    In spite of the potential number of infected computers, the danger from the current botnet is expected to be minimal, both as a result of security measures and the limited vectors of infection. Symantec researchers warn, though, that the code in iServices is designed to be extremely flexible, and as such modified versions may appear in upcoming months.

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