Norton Antivirus 11.0 for Mac

Scheduled scan using Norton Antivirus 11.0 for Leopard crashes after exactly one minute after it starts. Norton's log says: " Virus 'Did not have permission to scan.'" (Everything on my Intel iMac and Norton is up to date.) The Mac's log file says this:
12/26/07 6:12:30 AM com.apple.launchd[1] (com.symantec.Sched502-12.plist[225]) Stray process with PGID equal to this dead job: PID 226 PPID 1 scheduledScanner
Norton's support is of no help. They said to exclude compressed files. Same result. Manual scan, by the way, works perfectly, even when including the compressed files. Any ideas (other than the fact that I probably shouldn't be using Norton)??
Jerry Kirkpatrick

Bottom Line: You don't need virus protection on a Mac.
I have come from the PC world and have dealt with Symantec's products. Norton Antivirus is a virus in and of itself. In the PC world if you try to remove those products, they leave traces of themselves all over the place and the only way to clean up is to remove all traces from the Windows registry. Symantec's products are junk. I always say "Norton Antivirus is a virus in and of itself."
Please don't waste your money. If you can, return the product to wherever you bought it and never think about it again. Macs simply don't need Antivirus software no matter what the so called "security experts" tell you. Security experts that says we need these products for Macs are simply voices for the sellers of these products and, therefore, will tell us anything to get us to buy them.

Similar Messages

  • Hello everyone. I've got a macbook pro running on mac os x 10.6.8; trying to set up norton antivirus and it requires mac os x 7 or later. How can I safely upgrade to mac os. 7?

    Hello everyone. I've got a macbook pro running on mac os x 10.6.8; trying to set up norton antivirus and it requires mac os x 7 or later. How can I safely upgrade to mac os. 7?

    leroydouglas is correct, DO NOT install Norton or any other commercial anti virus software.  They all work very poorly with Macs.  If you insist on AV software, consider Sophos, it is free.
    If you do wish to update your OSX, here are the available options:
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6106Z/A/os-x-lion?find=lion
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion
    http://www.apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade/
    Ciao.

  • Why is Norton Anti-virus bad for mac?

    Hi,
    I like to know why Norton Anti-virus is bad for mac? Someone told me it's because norton digs around in the directory and that's a no no. Has anyone had bad experiences with norton? I like to know the pros and cons, thanks.
    Tom

    Hi, Tom.
    NAV is not "bad for mac."
    Do not believe the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) spread about Norton AntiVirus. A good bit of that is undeserved, especially when it comes to NAV 10, which is the Tiger-compatible version and what I use.
    I recently engaged in a debate on this subject in this thread, so you can read some of my thoughts there in response to the usual FUD spread about NAV and Symantec Norton products in general.
    There are security threats that can affect your Mac besides those cited by Kurt. There is more than the mere threat of passing along Windows viruses.
    See my "Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware" FAQ for my recommendations as well as a list of some recent Mac OS X security threats that have emerged, including Trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
    Good luck!
    Dr. Smoke
    Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
    Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
    I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

  • Which is the best antivirus and spyware for Mac?

    Good morning,
    Because of schoolwork and extracurricular activities, I am constantly sending and receiving e-mails and messages to and from PCs and other Apple devices, like IPads. Two years ago I purchased a 120,12GB MacBook Air and, until a few months ago, it went perfectly well.
    I am not sure what happened, but lately, every time I go online, whatever I click -whether it is a random letter in a website, or a blank space in a page, anything- an advert appears or a new -unwanted- tab opens with publicity and such, the kind of additional tabs that open when you are watching movies online in a random website, but this time, it is happening with every website (even the Apple site) and almost constantly. I suspect it is something I downloaded or maybe something I received from an infected PC that I got a virus or problem from.
    I tried using the MacKeeper software, but it is not working for me (?). Also I tried blocking pop-ups (I use Google Chrome), Java Script, automatic downloads, complements and everything I could when going online, but it has not gotten better over the last 9 months. My parents also recommended me a very good technician, who I personally know and has solved many of my previous problems, but he could not help me, in this situation.
    For that reason, I have been considering either purchasing a good antivirus for my Mac or a new Mac and an antivirus for it, to prevent future problems like this one.
    Either way, the question is the same,
    Which is the best antivirus and spyware software for Mac?
    Thank you so much for your attention.

    Please get rid of MacKeeper, as it and most other such junk software will do more harm than good.
    Please review the options below to determine which method is best to remove the Adware installed on your computer.
    The Easy, safe, effective method:
    http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
    If you are comfortable doing manual file removals use the somewhat more difficult method:
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
    Also read the articles below to be more prepared for the next time there is an issue on your computer.
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071
    http://www.thesafemac.com/tech-support-scam-pop-ups/

  • Antivirus, internet security for macs

    i"ve heard that macbooks doesn't need internet security or anti virus, How true is this since I saw a Norton security product for macs?

    Since there is nothing for the AV software to do on a Mac, they just cause problems. Most AV software is greater hazard then the things they claim they are protecting you against.
    Don't install any.
    Allan

  • Antivirus/Firewall Software for macs

    Hey,
    I've just started using a wireless internet (3G USB Modem) connection for my iMac.
    Should I buy an Anti virus Software application or are macs safe to use without any protection? I'd like to check my bank details online and buy stuff with my credit card, I feel like I should get something when doing stuff like this.
    Can anyone recommend the best software to keep me safe online?
    Thanks!

    Read the following:
    Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
    According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
    "The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
    It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
    Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
    For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.

  • Apple recommended antivirus protection programs for Mac and IOS

    Recommended antivirus software for windows 8 and mac

    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.
    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. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging "zero-day" threats, but if they get a false sense of security from it, they may feel free to do things that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
    10. 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.

  • Which antivirus is good for mac

    I recently Moved from Window Pc to Mac.. So this is my first one and i am not sure which antivirus /or internet security system i should use...the retailer gave me webroot along with it for 6 months but i dont trust it as never heard of it(Webroot) Please guide.

    Webroot is useless and can only interfere with your Mac's normal operation. 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 "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.

  • Norton Antivirus X

    I recently installed Norton Anti-Virus 10 for MAC OSX 10.4. When I did a virus scan, it found 28 files infected with a virus, all files, I believe received from PC users. Norton Anti-virus was unable to repair the files and did not quarantine them. And, I do not seem to be able to access most of them because they are in the following directory: Macintosh HD/private/tmp/42e-43723926-5c0d2-tTAlwd. When I use spotlight to search for the files, they do not appear. I do have File Vault turned on, and maybe that is the problem. In any case, I would like to delete the infected files but cannot get to them to delete. I can get to the tmp folder but cannot find the identified files: here is what I see in my tmp folder when I use Terminal:
    office-computer:/private/tmp stuartray$ ls -al
    total 40
    drwxrwxrwt 14 root wheel 476 Nov 17 09:32 .
    drwxr-xr-x 6 root wheel 204 Nov 16 15:54 ..
    srwx------ 1 root wheel 0 Nov 16 15:54 .com.symantec.APSock
    -rw-r--r-- 1 root wheel 4 Nov 16 15:54 .com.symantec.aptmp
    drwxr-xr-x 2 stuartra wheel 68 Nov 17 09:13 501
    -rw------- 1 root wheel 4 Nov 16 15:54 com.symantec.NAVAPLAUNCH.log
    -rw-r--r-- 1 security wheel 0 Nov 16 15:54 cscache_lock92
    srwxrwxrwx 1 stuartra wheel 0 Nov 16 16:06 dnssd_clippath.234-f3e-697964
    srwxrwxrwx 1 stuartra wheel 0 Nov 16 16:06 dnssd_clippath.234-f53-511095
    srwxrwxrwx 1 stuartra wheel 0 Nov 16 16:08 dnssd_clippath.234-fc7-900823
    drwxr-xr-x 2 root wheel 68 Nov 16 17:01 hsperfdata_root
    -rw------- 1 nobody wheel 12 Nov 17 09:13 objcsharing_ppc4294967294
    -rw------- 1 stuartra wheel 84 Nov 17 09:14 objcsharing_ppc501
    -rw------- 1 security wheel 24 Nov 16 15:54 objcsharing_ppc92
    This is way beyond my level of experience. Any help would be appreciated.
    Stuart Ray
    iMAC Power PC G5   Mac OS X (10.4)  

    Hello Edithe.
    Check Macs, viruses, and anti-virus software.
    If you receive an email attachment that contains a Windows virus and forward the email and attachment to a Windows user and the Windows user does not use any Antivirus software and/or does not keep the virus definitions up to date (which Windows users must do or they are committing computer suicide and is not a guarantee they won't get infected anyway when a new virus is released), then yes a Windows user can be affected or infected.
    Copied from the link provided.
    The easiest and most low-impact way to stop a Mac from spreading Windows email viruses does not rely on software; it relies on common sense. Do not forward messages with attachments to other people. No matter who you think they are from and what you think is in them. If you do not know, personally, what the file is, or you did not create it, don't forward it. Even if it has the Microsoft logo and official looking text saying "This is a Windows security update." Even if it just looks like a harmless joke. Even if it promises hot pictures of Britney Spears naked in unbelievable oral XXX action. Do not forward emails with attachments to other people. If you are on a Mac, on a Windows machine, on a Sun, it doesn't matter...Do not forward emails with attachments to other people.

  • Rosetta and Norton Antivirus

    I wanted to install Norton AntiVirus software on my MAC last night because I work in a mixed environment and don't want to risk getting some crap on my MAC. I plan on installing Parallels to run Windows. Anyway, when I went to install it I was informed by Symantec that I need to load something called Rosetta for their software to install. I attempted to load Rosetta from my MAC OS disc and got an error message basically stating that it could not load it because I had a newer OS version than what is on the disc. I'm running 10.6.3 and the most current is 10.6.4. So I try to download and install 10.6.4 from Apple and I have failed repeatedly to download the 900+ MB file. I'm using a hardwire connection from Roadrunner. I get to just under 800mb and it chokes. What is the best way to get around this?
    Personally, I think it is absurd to expect anyone to download a file that freaking huge. There has to be a way to chunk up this download. Any ideas are welcome!

    when I went to install it I was informed by Symantec that I need to load something called Rosetta for their software to install. I attempted to load Rosetta from my MAC OS disc and got an error message basically stating that it could not load it because I had a newer OS version than what is on the disc.
    I echo what has already been said (and thanks for the plug, Richard), but to answer the specific issue of installing Rosetta, I would bet that you already have it installed, which is why you're having trouble installing it from the Mac OS X install disk. Look through your Applications folder, and do File -> Get Info on any old apps. If any of the apps you know run just fine say "Kind: Application (PowerPC)", you've already got Rosetta installed.
    Personally, I think it is absurd to expect anyone to download a file that freaking huge. There has to be a way to chunk up this download.
    LOL, that's life these days. If you're on a slow connection, or one with limits on downloads, you can try a public wireless connection somewhere - like a library - instead.

  • 10.4.8 update and Norton AntiVirus Problem

    Since installing the OS Update I'm getting an error mesage from Nortons Antivirus saying there is an error in updating. Unistalled and reinstalled a few times, Nortons suggested JAva was the culprit and so I reinstalled but no luck. Anyone know what the problem is?

    Malcom,
    That's simply not true, eh.
    From Symantec (official, not an employee blog) under 2005-2006 Version:
    "Norton AntiVirus 10.1 for Macintosh is currently the latest version available and is compatible with PowerPC and Intel-based Macintosh computers with Mac OS X 10.3.x to 10.4.7."
    Looks like Symantec might have to put out an update soon.
    -Wayne

  • Norton Antivirus for Mac update?

    My Norton Antivirus subscription has had its year and needs updating - ie more money! There's been so much talk on this site about how useless and how NV can even be damaging, is it worth updating??
    If I don't, presumably the old outdated software will still be installed but ineffective?

    *Mac OSX and Viruses*
    There are currently no real viruses that affect OS X users. There are very small number of things that can cause virus-like behavior that can affect Macs under special circumstances. These are:
    1) [AppleScript, ASthtv05|http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan>
    2) DNSChanger Trojan [http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojanosxdnschanger.shtml]
    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.
    There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac. A white paper has recently been published on the subject by SubRosaSoft, available [here|http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174]
    3) MacSweeper:
    From [Wikipedia|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper]:
    MacSweeper is malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a Finland based computer security software company on January 17, 2008
    4) MS Office Macro viruses:
    An exception to the "no viruses" is the possibility a macro virus could be present in an Office document and you could help breed that virus if you execute an Office macro. I have my default on Office to run no macros, and always check what the macro will do before I run one (never had to in 10 years of using Office).
    5) It is possible to transfer a Windows virus to a Windows machine via a Mac if you copy the infected file and pass it on. [ClamXav|http://www.clamxav.com> is a free, open source virus scanner for Mac OS X that is designed to scan files that you will be sharing with Windows users to assist in making sure you don't pass on viruses to them.
    6) Some people have had virus-like behavior appear on web pages due to a service (DNS) supplied by their ISP having a security vulnerability. This isn't your computer but your ISP. Nonetheless, it is a security risk. If you experience strange page behavior (e.g., ads for things on sites where you wouldn't expect those kind of ads) try putting these numbers in Network>TCP/IP>DNS Servers:
    208.67.222.222
    208.67.220.220
    Click Apply. This is an alternate site for DNS which is patched against the vulnerability.
    7) If you are using an Intel Mac and run Windows on that computer (or run Windows on a PPC Mac with VirtualPC) you are subject to all the viruses that affect the PC world and should take all the precautions that a PC user would.
    [Dave Sawyer post about viruses on Macs|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8884756#8884756]
    [The Mac Malware Myth|http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/29/the-mac-malware-myth>
    [Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?|http://db.tidbits.com/article/9511]
    [Trojans in illegal versions of Mac software downloaded from torrents|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8892099#8892099]
    The tool below is supposed to remove these but commentors observe that only those downloading illegal software are vulnerable to these trojans.
    [iWorksServices.clix|http://rixstep.com/2/20090123,00.shtml] 2009-01-23
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    [Related information|http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Warning-to-iWork-Pirates-Here-Th ere-Be-Trojans-65944.html]
    [Poker Game|http://www.macnewsworld.com/rsstory/63574.html]
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