Possible virus or spyware?

Lately people on my contact list for Hotmail have been getting emails from me that send them a link to some website (not sure if it's the same site every time or not). I have not been sending the email and my friends seem to think I have a virus. I am not aware of any viruses for the mac but thought I would ask if anyone else has had this problem and what can be done.

That's typical hotmail spam. You don't have a virus or any spyware, but some spammer/criminal is using your hotmail address.
Read this.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/technology/internet/20shortcuts.html?_r=1&sq=m ylife.com&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1283097752-leYApf/WISMJF8 2j5xFjTA
I wouldn't use hotmail if you paid me. It's loaded with spammers. All the spam I receive comes through a stolen hotmail address.

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Is it possible to get a virus or spyware on a iPad ?

My iPad II seems to have a virus. Notes have disappeared twice. Changes pages for no reason.
It it possible t get a virus o spyware?
Thank you.

Not really. If your ipad is jailbroken then maybe. The ios operating system is partitioned and locked.
For issues with notes, what type of email account do you have setup on the device. I ask this as some email accounts allow note syncing. As note syncing with email accounts are done OTA, there could be an issue that causes them to disappear. You can logging to your email account and most have a note section to verify if they are present.
I am not sure what you mean by changing pages. Could you elaborate on that more?

Is there a way to scan a Mac OS for viruses and spyware?

I've browsed some sites that I suspect might have given me some spyware or possibly viruses. I'm not sure because I don't have any effects on my mac (such as slowness, etc), but I would like to scan the computer if I could.

Wave your hands over the computer and say "I command all viruses to announce their presence!" If nobody speaks up, you don't have any viruses.
On a more serious note, there currently are no viruses or spyware for Macs. There are a few Trojan horses, programs which trick you into downloading them and installing them. Fortunately, they're fairly easy to avoid if you're not doing dumb stuff, like downloading "video plug-ins" from p0rn sites and installing them, or downloading a "free" version of Microsoft Office.
Chris suggested clamXav, but note that while its Windows virus definitions are up-to-date, it is currently unable to identify any of the Mac Trojans.

Internet Security, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware

What is the best internet security, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software to use on a MacBook Pro 13' (Late 2011 model) on both Mac and Windows 7 (Parallel 7) without slowing down or effecting the operating system too much ? Do I need to get the free or paid version ?

Although anti-virus software is not necessary on a Mac, you do need to be aware of what's out there and how to protect yourself against possible new threats. See my Mac Malware Guide.
As for running anti-virus in Windows 7, that's a Windows issue. I personally put AVG Free on the Windows machines used by my family, but I'm no Windows expert. I'm sure different folks here will have different recommendations, and a few of those folks may even be Windows experts! (In other words, that may be a question better suited for other forums where a higher percentage of Windows users hang out.)

Help me I need info on viruses and spyware for iphones

A weird and suspicous ad popped up on my phone and locked it till I pressed okay after I imeaditly shut my phone down is there a possibl I could have got a virus or spyware if so how could I know I had it and how can I remove it.o was on putlocker when the add came up.

Firefox does not use .po files for localization. Please see https://wiki.mozilla.org/L10n:Localization_Process for info about localization. https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/mozilla.dev.l10n is a mailing list for localizers.

How do i check i fave virus or spyware on my mac?

Hi i am a new user of mac i have a iBook G4 and a Mac OSX. I am a dab hand at using PC's and checking for virus etc but i don't understand how and where to even look to see if i have any virus's or spyware on my mac's. Can anyone give me information as to where in the system i have to look. But please remember i am a newbie to this and not very good with computer terminology.

Hi, zedzed, and welcome to Apple Discussions. Viruses and spyware are non-issues on a Mac running OS X. There simply aren't any viruses "in the wild" that can attack one. Someday there may be, and if you're nervous about that possibility you can download and use the freeware ClamXAV antivirus utility. Most Mac users I know don't use any antivirus software.
As for spyware: certain commercial application packages send info about your computer back to their developers as part of the required installation/registration/activation process, and if you want to use those applications, you're stuck with that. Some people regard it as spyware, a term with no universally agreed-upon definition. But I haven't heard of any Mac-based spyware resembling the many virulent and malicious Windoze-based forms. And OS X is inherently far more secure against every sort of intrusion than Windoze has ever been.
You've posted your question in a forum devoted to questions about the old Mac OS 9. If you have other questions in the future, you may want to visit the Discussions homepage and choose a forum that's appropriate for the subject matter of whatever question you want to raise. The question will then catch the atttention of more people who are knowledgeable about that subject matter.
Enjoy your Mac!

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!

ITunes 10.6.3 Mac running 10.7.3 not responding I have deleted iTunes and reinstall iTunes and it keeps happening I also scanned the computer for any trojans and any other possible viruses but the pc is running perfect waft do I do ? Please help me ?

I need help iTunes 10.6.3 Mac running 10.7.3 not responding I have deleted iTunes and reinstall iTunes and it keeps happening I also scanned the computer for any trojans and any other possible viruses but the pc is running perfect waft do I do ? Please help me ?

Hey thanks for replying.
Here's what I did:
First I tried the Winsock reset in the Command prompt. Nothing changed.
Next, I tried the instructions on http://http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123. The only other program that came up on the 'Winsock Providers' tab on the program was 2 Windows Live applications, which I can do without. So I deleted all Windows Live Applications.
I did the Winsock reset in the Command Prompt again and rebooted my comp.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed. iTunes keeps freezing at various stages of the sync, then shows the candy cane-striped bar with either the words 'Finishing sync' or 'Cancelling sync', before showing the Apple logo.
Sometimes, iTunes gets to the syncing stage - "Copying # of ####" - where it will trudge through the first, second and third tracks before flashing "Copying 4 of ####" for a split second and I catch "Cancelling sync" briefly before the Apple logo appears.
Again, I've repeated the steps I mentioned in my previous post. Does ANYONE know when the new version of iTunes is set to be released?! This one is driving me INSANE, to say the least!!

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.

Does Apple give you a toll free number to call about possible viruses?

Does Apple send toll free numbers to call about possible virus or is it a scam

There are no known viruses for Macs. There is adware and malware. For adware, those things that keep poping up in your browser you can use AdwareMedic from thesafemac.com to quickly and easily remove all know adware.
That site also have this Adware Removal Guide if you prefer to do it manually thru the Finder.

I have an IMac and opened an email that may have been infected with a virus. How do I check my IMac for a possible virus?

I have an IMac and opened an email that may have been infected with a virus. How do I check my IMac for a possible virus? What does PPC mean?

You would be better posting this in the Lion forum.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/mac_os_x_v10.7_lion?view=discussi ons
It's possible you email contained a virus, but unlikely. There haven't been any reports of email viruses effecting the mac.
My understanding is the Apple provides security updates for all malware including viruses.
There have been reports of a --
-- Phoney virus checking program
-- flash malware.
ppc -- Power PC. An older computer processor used by Apple. Last Mac shipped with PPC was in 2006.
I've read about two virus checking programs for the mac. One is clamav. The rest are either junk or malware.
http://www.clamav.net/lang/en/
Security update.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

SCEP client "virus and spyware definitions created 2 days ago"

Hi,
I sometime see on the "virus and spyware definitions created 2 days ago" and some times some days longer. If I look some days later the client is up to date. I have configure an ADR to get definitions 3 times per day, and also update the DP after
SUP schedule.
What make the client to not have the latest definitions?
/SaiTech

Hi,
Please verify if there is any temperary conncection issue between client and server. We may get some clue in windowsupdate.log.
According to your description, I think the issue just occur occasionally. Review the log and notice the timestamp scheduled for installation.
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected]

Is it possible to download spyware on an iPad?

Is it possible to download spyware on an iPad? If so, how do you detect it?

It is possible that a piece of spyware could be hidden or attached to a piece of e mail, or even embedded in a web page. But if it is, it cannot do anything on the pad. It cannot monitor you or track you. It would be locked into the sandbox it arrived in.

Check for virus and spyware on iPhone - iPhone reset all passwords and profiles

Is there a way to check to see if there are viruses and spyware installed on an iPhone 5S (7.1)? All of a sudden my iPhone prompted me to re-enter all my mail passwords, re-create a passcode, re-enter my iCloud info, Facebook password, Twitter password and deleted my MDM profiles. My phone has been freezing up lately. All apps, photos, messages are still there. My Touch ID was retained and works fine.
Thanks

There are no viruses or spyware for iPhone, therefore no way to check for something that doesn't exist.
The iPhone is not a Windows PC and susceptible to all the malware Windows users have to endure.
If you have chosen to hack your iPhone (jailbreak it) thereby removing the security Apple builds in, then there could be something, but that'd be your own fault, and you won't get help here with a modified iPhone.
The problem is more likely to be a mis-configuration of your MDM profile. Speak to whoever provides that.

Reccommended Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware application?

Hello,
I've recently come across some suspicious looking files on my iMac, and I think it may be time to invest in some anti-virus software to give me peace of mind.
For my Windows computer, I have an application for anti-virus, and then a separate program that protects me from spyware, adware, etc. Is there an application for Mac OS that has both of these features?

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.

Possible virus or spyware?

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