One more time -- anti-virus or spyware needed?

I am sure this topic has been covered before, but over the holidays my "windows relatives" were giving me a hard time about not having anti virus sw on my computer. The argument is that OS X is unix based and therefore vulnerable. I have never had any problems. I am not really afraid of viruses, but the spyware argument caught my attention.
Thoughts?
Recommendations?
Thanks

Antivirus - at the moment there aren't any for osx. The main reason to have antivirus is to help stop windows users getting them when they pass them through you.do a google search and pass the articles on to your windows friends. Also, another massive windows vulnerability was reported yesterday so you might want to warn them
Spyware is more difficult. It's not a big osx problem as far as I'm aware, the system is much more secure, but it's not impossible. I'm not aware of any osx spyware out there. I'd do a google search for osx spyware to see what the tech consensus is.
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/malspyware.html
osx spyware almost non existent in march.
http://news.com.com/GartnerBeware+of+Mac+OSspyware/2100-7355_3-5645465.html
I hope that begins to help.
Oh there is a quite good open source app called clam xav which is a free virus scanner for os x - you might look it up.

Similar Messages

Is it true that Macs do not need anti-virus or spyware?

I know nothing about computers. This is our first Mac. We purchased our mac mini in Oct. 09. My nephew set it up & told us we didn't need a anti-virus or spyware. I just use the e-mail & my daughter uses it for school & face book. It has been slow and has been locking up on us. Last night I had to force close. I took a look in security and it said the firewall was not on. Is this a problem? Should it be on?

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
It's irrelevant that there are no current mac virus's, as, like the stock market, current performance isn't a gauge of the future. In addition, use of an antivirus is good if you receive files that you might forward on to your Windows friends, and want to ensure you're not passing on any virus's. I use, and recommend, ClamXAV, also recommended above. It's available from http://www.clamxav.com . I use it to scan mail and downloads.
You do want your mac firewall turned on. Click systems preferences, security, click the firewall tab, click allow only essential connections (if not already highlighted), click advanced, and enable firewall logging and enable stealth mode. If your daughter uses iTunes to download music, you don't need to do anything else. If she uses Bittorrent, then you should open some ports. Watching video's won't be impacted with the firewall enabled.
I've also installed a program named Little Snitch, which requires me to specifically allow any outbound communication. Once authorized, you don't have to do anything again. So, if something were to sneak through, it wouldn't be able to phone home without authorization. Little Snitch is available from http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html
On your overall performance, one thing you might do is to run OnyX, available from http://www.titanium.free.fr/pgs/english/apps.html . Run the tasks on the maintenance and cleaning tabs, which does disk maintenance. Before running any disk maintenance, you should have a hard drive backup. A number of people have used this and found it improved performance.

Do I need anti virus, ad- + spyware?

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong forum. New here, and don't have a clue.
Just got my first Mac. Loving it, but needs some getting used to.
Anyway, the Apple sales guy told us that we would not be (ever) needing any anti virus, ad- + spyware.
I had all those on my Windows PC and am therefore worried that I will 'catch' something nasty if I don't have it on my Mac. Some other Mac users told me to really not bother, others say that I should use protection (hehe) as they've had problems with virus, etc.
Could any of you give me some advice on what to do? And why?

Yes, I have used ClamXav for about 18 months to scan all incoming emails, and also at startup other locations.
Works a treat!
No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download from:
http://www.clamxav.com/
However, the appearance of Trojans that can infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be 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 (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and 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.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk.)
A white paper has recently been published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174
Also, beware of 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
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
On June 23, 2008 this news reached Mac users:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan/
More information on Mac security can be found here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The MacScan application can be downloaded from here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
You can download a 30 day trail copy which enables you to do a full scan of your hard disk. After that it costs $29.95.
More on Trojans on the Mac here:
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
The latest news on the subject, from July 25, 2008, is:
Attack code that exploits flaws in the net's addressing system are starting to circulate online, say security experts.
The code could be a boon to phishing gangs who redirect web users to fake bank sites and steal login details.
In light of the news net firms are being urged to apply a fix for the loop-hole before attacks by hi-tech criminals become widespread.
Net security groups say there is anecdotal evidence that small scale attacks are already happening.
Further details here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7525206.stm
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!

How to download one more time the purchased content?

I purchased yesterday the OST of Fast Five, and unexpectedly I deleted it from my Mac. How to access it one more time?

If you are in a country where you can re-download music, and if it is still in the store, then it should show under the Purchased link under Quicklinks on the right-hand side of the iTunes store home page on your computer's iTunes for re-downloading. If you aren't in a country where music can currently be re-downloaded then you will need to try contacting iTunes Support and see if they will grant you a re-download : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ - click on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page, then Purchases, Billing & Redemption

HT5552 Apple decline payment method for apple ID (credit card VISA) after 2 weeks of active using it. And did it one more time

Few mothes ago I registered my Apple ID.Payment method chose credit card VISA. It allowed me to make purchases and download apps. But after 2 weeks it said that my payment method was declined and I have to register and pay 1$ once again. So I registered one more time with the same credit card, made several downloads and purchases and after 2-3 weeks the situation was the same. My payment method was declined. What is the reason?

Kateryna Malykhina wrote:
... My payment method was declined. What is the reason?
As this is a User to User forum no one here would know...
You need to Contact iTunes Customer Service and request assistance
Use this Link > Apple Support iTunes Store Contact

How can i Delete all foto from my iphone and after some time get them one more time on it but not as a new album :)?

How can i Delete all foto from my iphone and after some time get them one more time on it but not as a new album, i want them in the camera roll ?

How can I delete EVERY THING off my Mac and have it like new?
Boot from the software install DVD and do an "erase and install" when prompted.

[svn] 1594: Update the warning message when outbound throttle policy of REPLACE is used one more time .

Revision: 1594
Author: [email protected]
Date: 2008-05-07 11:10:27 -0700 (Wed, 07 May 2008)
Log Message:
Update the warning message when outbound throttle policy of REPLACE is used one more time. Now the warning says this. . .
Throttle outbound policy 'REPLACE' found on message destination 'MESSAGE_DESTINATION'. The 'REPLACE' throttle outbound policy has been deprecated. Please remove it from your configuration file.
Modified Paths:
blazeds/branches/3.0.x/modules/core/src/java/flex/messaging/MessageDestination.java

hamish72 wrote:
You can still download as much as you can only a lot slower during peak times off peak will not be restricted.
Thanks for this explanation. I had taken it that it was at all times.
As I said in the first place it will be great if they throttle me to 1Mb at peak times as it will be better half the time than I am getting anyway!!!!!!!!!
hamish72 wrote:
Have you chased up why your line is so bad, long way from exchange and so on
Posting your router stats may get advice from someone
enter for homehub for other routers will differ
192.168.1.254 in browser click A to Z top right
then ADSL enter pas and click MORE DETAIL
POST RESULTS
Also post results of test at ( best done from master test socket)
http://speedtester.bt.com/
Connection Information
Line state
Connected
Connection time
6 days, 11:57:55
Downstream
5,760 Kbps
Upstream
448 Kbps
ADSL Settings
VPI/VCI
0/38
Type
PPPoA
Modulation
G.992.1 Annex A
Latency type
Interleaved
Noise margin (Down/Up)
5.7 dB / 21.0 dB
Line attenuation (Down/Up)
44.6 dB / 24.0 dB
Output power (Down/Up)
8.9 dBm / 1.6 dBm
Loss of Framing (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
Loss of Signal (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
Loss of Power (Local/Remote)
0 / 0
FEC Errors (Down/Up)
25279 / 134
CRC Errors (Down/Up)
700 / 196
HEC Errors (Down/Up)
5427 / 142
Error Seconds (Local/Remote)
477 / 102

I have to pay one more time!

Hi!
I have bought the album called "Disc-Overy" from Tinie Tempah. I did reset my iPhone and set it up as a new iPhone. I also synced with another iTunes library. Now iTunes ask me to pay for the album again! I aldo bought the ringtone called "Levels" of Avicii and I have to pay for that one more time too!
And when it comes to app. I downloaded iCopter from appstore. I bought the pro version in-app and when i try to do the same again with this newly setup iPhone I also have to pay for this one more time! Please help me!

I've had the same problem with the albums when switching iPhones.
Usually when you click purchase in the app- or itunes store it will start the download but will then give you the message: "You've already bought this item, do you want to download it again?". In that case you won't be charged twice, but in my expirience that won't show up untill you're willing to make the purchase.
Best thing would be to just sync the new iPhone with iTunes if that already contains your purchased apps, books and music.

My iphone has broken and I had songs that I had purchased on there that I had not yet backed up on my computer. apparently you can download the tracks one more time free of charge does anybody know how??

how do you re download tracks that are on a broken iphone???

apparently you can download the tracks one more time free of charge does anybody know how??"
Not true. You get one and only one download.
In some instances, itunes has allowed another download to a few. This is not the norm.
You can try contacting itunes support and asking for an exception, but they are under no obligation to allow.
Hope all goes well.
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes

HT201272 I bought PDF expert $9.99 for my ipad. When I tried to download to my iphone 5 , they tried to charge me one more time. Any solution?

I bought PDF expert $9.99 for my ipad. When I tried to download to my iphone 5 , they tried to charge me one more time. Any solution?

There are two separate PDF Expert versions on App Store: PDF Expert for iPad and PDF Expert for iPhone. PDF Expert for iPad differs from iPhone version and both versions are not free.

Big problem with my macbook pro 2009 - 3 motherboard changed at applestore Velisy and one more time it is for nothing.... ! Apple says you're not lucky?????

3 motherboard i have changed at applestore Velisy and one more time it is for nothing.... !
Apple says you're not lucky????? What can i do

A sorry it 's macbook pro unibody from 2011

Any suggestions for free real time anti virus or malware security sw?

I have been using Onyx and that seems to work fine, I wonder how you can tell without anything else to compare it to anyway.
But lately I've been reading a lot about virusses (virae?) attacking Mac computers and I'm wondering if there is any free real time security software that is really working.
If anyone has any recommendations I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Milli.

No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download from:
http://www.clamxav.com/
However, the appearance of Trojans and other malware that can possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be 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 (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
You can read more about how, for example, the OSX/DNSChanger Trojan works here:
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojanosxdnschanger.shtml
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and 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.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk. It will detect (and delete if you ask it to) all 'tracker cookies' that switch you to web sites you did not want to go to.)
A white paper has recently been published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174
Also, beware of 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
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
On June 23, 2008 this news reached Mac users:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan/
More information on Mac security can be found here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The MacScan application can be downloaded from here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
You can download a 30 day trail copy which enables you to do a full scan of your hard disk. After that it costs $29.95.
More on Trojans on the Mac here:
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
This was published on July 25, 2008:
Attack code that exploits flaws in the net's addressing system are starting to circulate online, say security experts.
The code could be a boon to phishing gangs who redirect web users to fake bank sites and steal login details.
In light of the news net firms are being urged to apply a fix for the loop-hole before attacks by hi-tech criminals become widespread.
Net security groups say there is anecdotal evidence that small scale attacks are already happening.
Further details here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7525206.stm
A further development was the Koobface malware that can be picked up from Facebook (already a notorious site for malware, like many other 'social networking' sites), as reported here on December 9, 2008:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7773000/7773340.stm
You can keep up to date, particularly about malware present in some downloadable pirated software, at the Securemac site:
http://www.securemac.com/
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!
As to the current 'Conficker furore' affecting Intel-powered computers, MacWorld recently had this to say:
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?email&NewsID=25613
Although any content that you download has the possibility of containing malicious software, practising a bit of care will generally keep you free from the consequences of anything like the DNSChanger trojan.
1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially *********** sites.
2. Check out what you are downloading. Mac OS X asks you for you administrator password to install applications for a reason! Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites. If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program.
3. Use an antivirus program like ClamXav. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through an AV application.
4. Use Mac OS X's built-in Firewalls and other security features.
5. Stop using LimeWire. LimeWire (and other peer-to-peer sharing applications) are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your Mac. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications.
6. Resist the temptation to download pirated software. After the release of iWork '09 earlier this year, a Trojan was discovered circulating in pirated copies of Apple's productivity suite of applications (as well as pirated copies of Adobe's Photoshop CS4). Security professionals now believe that the botnet (from iServices) has become active. Although the potential damage range is projected to be minimal, an estimated 20,000 copies of the Trojan have been downloaded. SecureMac offer a simple and free tool for the removal of the iBotNet Trojan available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/files/iServicesTrojanRemovalTool.dmg

Ok, one more time i need help...

ok, i've got my class program running properly... just need some help with the test program... i need this to print out the name of a card when the user is prompted to type one in... for example the user types in "8H" and it would print out "8 of hearts"... here's my class program and test program... i just need help with the test program...(i know i'm missing some lines on it, but i'm not sure what to put in)... so here it is:
public class Card
public Card(String x, String y)
facevalue = x;
suit = y;
public String getDescription()
String x;
if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("A"))
x = "Ace of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("K"))
x = "King of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("Q"))
x = "Queen of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("J"))
x = "Jack of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("10"))
x = "10 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("9"))
x = "9 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("8"))
x = "8 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("7"))
x = "7 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("6"))
x = "6 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("5"))
x = "5 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("4"))
x = "4 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("3"))
x = "3 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("2"))
x = "2 of";
else
x = "Please enter a valid face value";
String y;
if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("H"))
y = x + "Hearts";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("D"))
y = x + "Diamonds";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("C"))
y = x + "Clubs";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("S"))
y = x + "Spades";
else
y = x + "Please enter a valid suit";
return y;
private String facevalue;
private String suit;
and the test program...
import javax.swing.JOptionPane;
A class to test the Card class.
public class CardTest
public static void main(String[] args)
String input = JOptionPane.showInputDialog(
"Enter a face value in the form of a letter (for face cards) or a number and a letter for the suit of a card:");
Card c1 = Card();
System.out.println(c1.getDescription());
System.exit(0);
}

ok, i've got my class program running properly...
just need some help with the test program... i need
this to print out the name of a card when the user is
prompted to type one in... for example the user types
in "8H" and it would print out "8 of hearts"...
here's my class program and test program... i just
need help with the test program...(i know i'm missing
some lines on it, but i'm not sure what to put in)...
so here it is:
public class Card
public Card(String x, String y)
facevalue = x;
suit = y;
public String getDescription()
String x;
if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("A"))
x = "Ace of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("K"))
x = "King of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("Q"))
x = "Queen of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("J"))
x = "Jack of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("10"))
x = "10 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("9"))
x = "9 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("8"))
x = "8 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("7"))
x = "7 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("6"))
x = "6 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("5"))
x = "5 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("4"))
x = "4 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("3"))
x = "3 of";
else if (facevalue.equalsIgnoreCase("2"))
x = "2 of";
else
x = "Please enter a valid face value";
String y;
if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("H"))
y = x + "Hearts";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("D"))
y = x + "Diamonds";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("C"))
y = x + "Clubs";
else if (suit.equalsIgnoreCase("S"))
y = x + "Spades";
else
y = x + "Please enter a valid suit";
return y;
private String facevalue;
private String suit;
and the test program...
import javax.swing.JOptionPane;
A class to test the Card class.
public class CardTest
public static void main(String[] args)
String input = JOptionPane.showInputDialog(
"Enter a face value in the form of a letter (for
r face cards) or a number and a letter for the suit
of a card:");
Card c1 = Card();
System.out.println(c1.getDescription());
System.exit(0);
}Instead of
Card c1 = Card();try
Card c1 = Card("a", "h");You have to pass something for the class to knwo what you are trying to do. In short you need to initialize the object. Now where you get these values from is your call.

Accessing DFS Links needs to authenticate one more time

In domainA, there are serverA and serverB.
A standalone DFS is created in serverA, \\serverA\DFS\Downloads
In serverB, I configured DFS link \\serverB\DFS\Downloads pointed to \\serverA\DFS\Downloads. Thus, both \\serverA\DFS\Downloads and \\serverB\DFS\Downloads are actually accessing the same folder in serverA.
When accessing \\serverB\DFS from another domainB (not trusted), I was prompted to logon. Having logged on, I landed on \\serverB\DFS\ and the Downloads folder was shown. When I try to open the Downloads folder, I get error.
Moreover, if I accessed \\serverA\DFS and logon, accessed \\serverB\DFS and logon. Then, I can access \\serverB\DFS\Downloads right away without any problem. It seems that the credential cannot be passed between the 2 servers in domainA. Is there anyway
to workaround the problem?
nww

Hi,
Actually when accessing the DFS link on serverB, it is act the same as accessing serverA and then accessing serverB. So it should be caused by default as domainB is not trusted.
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and un-mark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

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/

One more time -- anti-virus or spyware needed?

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