Non~Mac types suggest anti-virus, good idea ?

_From everything I've ever heard in my short 5 months amongst computers, we of the Macs are much less prey to virus & spamming phishers & the like.
A good friend w/ a Gateway put the fear in me tho', & I'm sure it's a good idea to protect against even reduced chances !
Anyone care to recommend the right site or downloads while I'm checking The Missing Manuals and all my other resources ??
__TIA__ ~~~=Dave

Dave,
OS X is not immune to viruses.
Apple recommends using antivirus in OS X and ships <a href=http://clamav.net/">clamav</a> antivirus as an integral part of <a href="http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/specs.html">OS X Server.
I recommend clamXav, a GUI version of clamav put out by Mark Allan, because like the price (free / donationrequested -ware), as well as the fact that it sits lightly on the OS, and because clamav tends to send out updates for new threats faster than commercial companies.
-Wayne

Similar Messages

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 best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

what is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

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.

Mac needs to anti virus?

I have a question
The Mac OS is safe,mac needs to anti virus?
What are the best anti-virus for Mac?

You can avoid malare by making sure Gatekeeper is enabled.
Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy then select the General tab.Select: Mac App Store and identified developers
If that area is grayed out, click the padlock icon to make changes. You may be prompted for your admin password before proceeding.
OS X: About Gatekeeper

Installer appears as "blank dos-box type", hangs, anti virus off, firewall off, system win xp 64 bit. all attempts to solve failed. What next?

installer appears as "blank dos-box type", hangs, anti virus off, firewall off, system win xp 64 bit. all attempts to solve failed. What next?

Jeff,
after trying to find, and use screen shot, i tried to access reader
downloader... instead, found an offline version of reader. after
installation started getting false reports that appeared as avg pop-ups.
Within task manager, was able to detect virus / worm running 6 - 8
services. immediately disconnected my 'net connection. closed all active
services being run by rogue process. determined it was using two files
named "lastalive0.dat" and"lastalive1.dat" to determine it's own status...
upon stopping it's services it controlled, it would soft re-boot to
resurrect another hijack attempt. tried workaround using secondary boot
(win 7) to no avail. after two days, i transferred personal data to
removable media and am in process of installing debian version of linux.
i thank you for reply and apologize for my tardy response, it was my first
forum experience
tim
On Tue, Mar 31, 2015 at 10:32 AM, Jeff A Wright <[email protected]>

Foxfire 4.0 non compatible with Kaspersky Anti Virus & password protector.

I have had Foxfire as my primary browser for sometime with no issues,until the most recent update to Foxfire 4.0 this update is now non compatible with Kaspersky Anti Virus & Password protector.I've attempted to download Foxfire 3.6.15 with no avail. Please advise accordingly. Respectfully, George Bourque

Hi,
I'm from germany so no 'best buy' but I think I will lock around sleeve/bag for a different product with same measures. Any tip?
The clear plastic case is not what I want. I would like to use the player without such protections. I just want a sleeve to protect the player while its in my jacket/pants.
Btw, i have bought this version: Creative Zen (maybe european version?). I also doesn't seem to have your mentioned sleeve. I also couldn't find it on the website.
Anyway, thank you,
Chris

How to remove MAC Defender Rogue Anti-Virus?

How to remove MAC Defender Rogue Anti-Virus?

Lois, there are other messages threads posted here with details on the removal of MACDefender and MACSecurity. Search on them for a listing of relevant threads.
Here’s a Macworld article on how to prevent after you have removed it:
http://www.macworld.com/article/159595/2011/05/macdefender_trojan_horse.html
To remove, launch Activity Monitor and look for MACDefender. Quit it and any connected processes. Using Spotlight, search for MACDefender and remove everything found. Take the preventative steps in the article above.

TC slow ethernet speed w/ mac mini, not anti-virus

new TC 1tb, running wireless to one macbook pro, one sony laptop, and ethernet to mac mini. update done to TC, including airport utility. no anti virus.
using it as the primary wireless source, with cable modem.
first backup was awfully slow, both by wireless, then do-over by ethernet.
speed on local network streaming mp4s through ethernet cable is bad to awful. copying files from TC to usb (in mac mini) is awful. searching for songs through itunes is slow (though library is 500gb).
the heat explanation is of course, just laughable. you give me a beautiful flat piece of equipment and you don't expect me to put my mac mini on top? terrible design flaw if true.
also, tried the re-boot and the shortened DCHP time.
no other good explanations that i could find.
So unless there are some great ideas out there, i guess
i should understand from all the threads that this thing just doesn't work as a primary file server. and its not so good at backup either.
its just too slow. please help if anyone has another suggestion, but i think that regardless i have to take it back.
glad i didn't erase my library from the WD My Book.
what a waste of my time this has been.

just bought a new 12" Powerbook and it will not connect to my local dial up ISP any faster than 28k. I've had the same ISP for over ten years. I've had the same phone line in my same apartment for over ten years. The G3 iBook I just sold connected at 56k almost every time. The G4 iMac I have at home connects at 56k almost every time. The Performa 6400 I used to have connected at 56k almost every time. The G4 Sawtooth I have in my music studio a couple of blocks away using a different phone line connects at 56k almost every time. Same ISP for over ten years, two different phone lines that work fine with four other Macs, the only Mac I've had that won't connect at 56k is my brand new Powerbook. It won't connect at 56k using OS 10.3.9 or 10.4 or 10.4.4. I tested the connection with CNET's online modem bandwidth test page and the Powerbook modem was connecting at about 26k.
so I took my PowerBook to the Apple store in San Francisco, they sent it to be repaired and when it came back said they replaced the modem, but it still won't connect at 56k when all my other Macs will.
so I took my PowerBook back to the Apple store in San Francisco, and they connected it to a phone line and got a 31k connection and told me, Well the modem connects, so as far as we're concerned it works, and 56k is only the maximum theoretical connection speed and Apple does not guarantee you will actually get that modem baud rate, so we are not going to do anything else about it. I told them that there is nothing theoretical about all my other Macs connecting to the same ISP at higher speeds than the PowerBook and that Apple should be able to test the PowerBook to determine if their own tech guys can get a 56k connection with my PowerBook. The Apple store "genius" called his manager, who refused to do any more work on the computer.
iMac. Sawtooth, Powerbook Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Do I need a type of anti virus software for my macbook pro(2012)?

I'm usually a Windows guy and I just switched to Macs. So I'm not used to Macbooks. Do I need a type of anti software for apple computers? If I do can you recommend me some or tell me how to maintain/prevent my mac from viruses, trojans, etc...

mende1 is correct: all you need is ClamXav, but here is the longer version:
There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac has NOT been infected by a virus, it may have another security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
More useful information can also be found here:
http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

Does Mac recommend an anti virus program?

Hi,
My MacBook has been acting up lately... shutting down when its fully charged and then saying that it resets the date to Jan 2000. If anyone has see this and knows if its a virus or maybe my kids hit the wrong keys. If it is a virus what is an apple recommended anti virus program? let me know. Thanks so much
Shari<3Mac

Infact! There are viruses for macs. Anyone who says differently doesn't know anything they are talking about. WINDOWS viruses don't have any impact on macs but windows viruses can still be transfered through macs. I have antivirus software Norton Antivirus 12. It helps protect against any viruses wheather its windows or mac. There are far less viruses for macs and Apple is usually pretty good and patching the security fixes in their OS. I recomend atleast turning on your firewall with can be found in the system preferences inside security. Firewalls allow access to trusted programs that you approve of. The first time you turn it on, everytime your open up a program that connects to the internet, you will be prompted with a message asking you to allow or block the program from accessing the internet. Simply click allow this action everytime and it'll be saved within the settings. I actually run Norton firewall and Apples firewall. Neither of them interfer with each other but the norton firewall is not needed really.
Mac viruses probably, and this is an estimate, <1% of all computer viruses out there. They are not known for getting viruses because of how little there are.

Does I Mac need an anti virus program?

if my new Imac needs an antivirus program, which one is the best?

This question really cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." There is Mac malware out there, and more is appearing all the time. You have to know how to protect yourself against it first and foremost. Then you may opt to use anti-virus software as a back-up safety net, if you want to, but the only ones I would recommend are the aforementioned ClamXav and Sophos.
For more information on how to protect yourself, see my Mac Malware Guide.

Does Mac need an anti virus program

Hi, I keep wondering if mac needs anti cirus program, thanks.

stevejobsfan0123 wrote:
It definitely does NOT need any anti-virus.
It depends upon the OS X version and usage habits:
10.4 & 10.5 Yes, always on anti-virus is needed as Apple is not issuing security updates.
10.6 & 10.7 Yes and No
No: for always on/runs at boot time anti-virus (like Norton/VirusBarrier etc) as Apple changes things and is issuing updates which tends to break such software and causes increased CPU load, low battery time.
Yes: for run as you need it anti-virus like ClamXav. For cleaning Windows malware and checking for Mac trojans in emailed files.

What's the best type of anti-virus or spyware to use for cleaning up my MacBook Pro? I recently switched to a mac from pc, so don't know much about my computer yet.

I recently switched to a macbook pro from a pc, and am curious what type of (if any) virus protection or spyware protection to use for it. I keep getting a message to Install MacKeeper 2012; but am not sure if it's worth paying for or not. I'd like some advice on what would be the best protection for my computer. Also, I recently had the new microsoft office installed; which has been having issues freezing up quite often when I use it. I don't know if clenaing my mac would help with the Microsoft office stuff, or not (or even if that would be related)...also each time I restart my computer; all windows applications open (word, power point, excel & outlook). obviously I'm not very tech savvy to begin with so any advice would help! I'm hoping this computer will last me thru the next 4 years of grad school & just want to make sure this computer is well taken care of to last that long. Thanks!

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
You don't need an antivirus, but don't install Mackeeper if you don't want a damaged Mac OS > https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3036 See > http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

What type of anti virus and malware can i use on my mac

for the past month my mac has been down. it would not start up or i would get the folder with a question mark. i reinstalled on it twice. Dunno if its going to last this time or what so any help would be great. Someone told me it may be my HD but this mac is only 3yrs old. We do not do anything on it expect for pics and music

Additionally, even though your Mac is only 3 years old, all hard drives fail sooner or later - they may last 5 years or more, or they may fail within the first year. So, follow the suggestions, and, in addition, it might be worthwhile to run the Apple Hardware test (that is not foolproof, but pretty good) - run the extended test and post back any messages/errors you get. Here are the instructions:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

Windows on Mac Book Pro Anti Virus Protection

What is best antivirus for the Windows 7 for Boot Camp on my Mac Book Pro?

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0
Microsoft Security Essentials
Based on MS Enterprise product and having used and tried Kaspersky (own current but only on a test system), And I seriously consider test systems a must even for Mac OS X.
NIS2012 Beta and back to NIS2007, 360 v4. Forget the commercial folks. Might want to look into keeping SAS and MalwareBytes around (but never have two products active, most suites are horrible enough and difficult enough).
There are people using the "top rated" products don't know what they are doing but still manage to screw things up.
I was about to try BitDefender until I read reviews of trouble installing.
MSSE didn't get 6 Stars but Windows 7 64-bit and IE9 + MSSE 2.0 are fine.
AV-Test.org Test Security-Software

Non~Mac types suggest anti-virus, good idea ?

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