Recommendations on adware/malware software?

My old MacBook (Tennessee Jed is 10 now and STILL kickin) got nailed by a nasty TH about four years ago and I had to give it the NAV, no spoonful of sugar to wash that one down, about $100 and gajillion of ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DO THIS??? for the rest of forever (gag me).
Anyone have any recommendations on something a little sweeter for my MacBook Air? I'm on a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious budget, so inexpensive to free would be good. I'm not a luddite, by any means, but I spend a lot of time blogging and job hunting, and way less time looking for software.
Basically what I'm saying is, if anyone has researched stuff and has a reliable answer for this thing I'm asking, that can be supported by multiple users, thumbs up, and please send my way!

Excellent help here > The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide
Download and run the AdMedic adware / malware removal tool here > AdwareMedic
Easy and only takes a minute or two.

Similar Messages

What software is recommended to clean malware off an iMac?

What software is recommended to clean malware off an imac?

What software is recommended to clean malware off an imac?
Why do you ask? If you believe you are infected, most of the time that is a false belief. Very few problems people have with a Mac are actually caused by malware. If you can clarify, we can help you solve the problem, whether it's malware or not.
For more information about malware, see my Mac Malware Guide. If you want anti-virus software after reading that, either ClamXav or Sophos are good, free choices.

I just got rid of MacDefender, I hope. Is there any anti malware software that is recommended?

I just got rid of MacDefender, I hope - no thanks to Apple Care. Does anyone know of any anti- malware software that is effective against this kind of evilness?What about MacKeeper?

Trojan War
If you discover a trojan program is running on your computer then look to the following information for assistance:
1. A recent discussion on the Apple Support Communities: MacDefender Trojan.
2. An excellent site devoted to Mac Malware: Macintosh Virus Guide
3. Another site for removing MacDefende, et.al.: MAC Defender Rogue Anti-Virus analysis and Removal
4. A new removal utility - MacDefenderKiller
Removing strange software can be a task. The following outlines various ways of uninstalling software:
Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a Startup item or a Log In item. Startup items are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the Delete [-] button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, Easy Find, instead. Download Easy Find at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Note that you must have this software installed before you install software you may need to uninstall. Uninstallers won't work if you install them after the fact. Here is a selection:
AppZapper
Automaton
Hazel
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them and others at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on removing software and dealing with spyware and malware.
After removing all the components of the software you may have to restart the computer to fully disable the software. This will be the case when removing software that has installed a daemon. After the daemon has been removed you need to restart the computer to stop the daemon. Alternatively, you can kill the daemon process using the Terminal application or Activity Monitor.

Please recommend malware free or inexpensive malware software

I opened an email reported to have malware. I don't currently have malware software on my macbook pro. I am concerned that I got a virus. What should I use to clean/scan my mac and use for protection in the future yet not slow my mac down.
I would appreciate help on this issue.

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 will NOT be infected by a virus, it may have other 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: The User Tip seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
More useful information can also be found here:
www.thesafemac.com/mmg

Using OSX 10.6.8, recently been having popups, think it's adware/malware from MediaDownloader, one of the first pop ups to occur. The second pop up to occur was Trojanalert. Never had a virus on this computer. Please help remove.

I'm currently using OSX 10.6.8, 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM Memory. I am not able to upgrade the operating system, and the computer still has 67 GB of memory on the harddrive. I don't use it for anything very intense, mostly internet browsing. I was at a hotel over the weekend and connected to their free wifi. Once back home, two days later, I started receiving pop ups in Chrome. The first was MediaDownloader, so I assume that is the culprit. The second pop up to occur was Trojanalert. I looked through some online community forums and was pointed towards downloading and running AdwareMedic. My operating system does not support this program. Next I read up on how to examine libraries and extensions to find the issue. I'm not well versed in this, but I followed the directions and did not find any malicious looking extensions or items in the libraries. Before looking for the "thing" to remove, I backed up my computer as recommended.
I have never, to my knowledge, had a virus on this computer. I have never experienced pop ups, and I very rarely download any program, especially not software included with other programs.
Could someone recommend a virus/adware/malware utility that will find and remove this issue or provide me with a detailed set of instructions on how to find the issue and then correct it? Are there free online scans or removal tools that are trusted and could help? Also, if I should be posting this somewhere else, please let me know. I have not used this community tool much at all. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

First, thanks for the quick response. This is the website that I looked at and was trying to follow. There are no extensions listed in my Safari, and the only two in Chrome are: Google Docs and Java for Browsing. In Firefox the only extension is Garmin Communicator 4.1.0.
To the best of my novice ability I followed the directions to look at the libraries and have not found malicious things there either. As I cannot upgrade to 10.7, is there anything else I'm missing? Again, I've tried my best to locate the cause, but I'm new to looking at files and paths. Nothing jumps out as abnormal or as something listed on thesafemac.com/arg .

IS THERE ANY MALWARE SOFTWARE FOR MAC

I am hoping someone can help me with this I am searching for malware detection and removal software for my MakBook Pro. I am about ready to throw it threw a window and use my windows desktop (which is what I am using to ask this question). When using my MacBook I am CONSTANTLY having problems with different malware software popups and other popups that I never used to see. I am seriously getting ready to smash this MacBook to pieces.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

Click here and follow the instructions, or if there’s a type of adware not covered by them on the computer, these ones. If you're willing to use a tool to remove it(you don't need to, but may find it easier), you can instead run Adware Medic; this link is a direct download.
(123319)

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

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

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

Help with adware/malware

Having trouble getting rid of popup adware/malware, primarily in Safari. TuneUpMyMac and MacKeeper persistently open new windows when I navigate to any number of sites. I have never downloaded or registered for their software, so I suspect this is a trojan. How do I get rid of?

Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. 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 computer, or who has been able to log in to it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in 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. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; 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.
As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
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.
Apple has so far failed to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. These failures don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—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. Sandbox 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 effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is foremost a problem of human behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best defense is always going to be 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 Internet criminals. If you're better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
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 padlock icon in the address bar when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, 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.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" (AV) or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its 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, commercial AV 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 may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. 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.
An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
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 may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It's as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. 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.

TOM Skype - Adware / Malware (why does Skype coope...

Hello,
This is a repost, since this was not answered in roughly the last two years since it was posted. I would link to the old post, but it seems that it's "not permitted in this community" when I try to link to it.
The old post was posted in 2009, and had included several other users also asking for an explanation.
"It's disturbing to me that Skype can claim to care about privacy, security, and trust, while cooperating with a company like TOM. What's worse - if you type "skype.com" in your browser in China, you get redirected to the skype.tom.com site.
TOM skype includes advertisements, malware, and spyware, and there have even been reports of trojans being bundled with it available from the tom-skype website. This obviously goes completely against the principles that skype claims to embrace.
Anyone from Skype have an explanation for this? I personally love Skype - but it boggles my mind that there could possibly be justification for cooperation with an unethical company like TOM. "
"This is true and completely unacceptable. Skype, downloaded from China, not only features constant adware (much of it unsuitable for children btw, not to mention extremely irritating), but also allows dodgy advertisers to send chat messages. It is hugely disappointing, and a huge blow to skype's integrity. Completely unprofessional. The re-directing trick (there is no warning at any stage that the user is downloading a different product) borders on criminality. "
"that is nothing compared to my experience.
after doing a system reinstall and trying to download skype from china, i got sent to skype TOM via the redirect, installed it, and then found that i could no longer use my bought and paid for skype credit.
i was told my call could not be completed, and asked to buy new credit in the form of RMB.
i am now downloading a normal copy of skype from p2p, hope this does the trick.
I am VERY, VERY, dissapointed. "
"Why are they so bloody ignorant. they don't care for their users. I hope they be doomed soon. this Skype Tom is SO Fckn Irritating....They should DIE!!! "
"The truth is, Skype participated in efforts making china an unsecure place to use Skype if you use the golden keywords of "milk powder", "democracy", "communist" or whatever ..
-- link removed --"
"Forget about the political thing - it's all about economics and making money. Skype Tom is the most ridiculous partnership. I guarantee that Skype HQ doesn't know a thing about what's happening - each time i sign in i get a bunch of pseudo *beep* popping up for tom.com. It's garbage - and when i contacted skype support, they were oblivious - and didn't even seem to know what Tom.com was. Someone in Skype sold a contract and made some fast cash. The brand value was offset of course, by an amount 10x greater than that contract. "
"The worst thing is not only that I managed to circumvent the annoying Tom.skype website and download an international "Chinese" free copy of the program, the really annoying issue here is that when the last update came to place, I found it to be a bit weird that my antivirus program found some malware software in it. I'm really disappointed with this, since I believe even if you "cooperate" with Chinese authorities, you can not shove up our throats a "conveniently" manufactured lie in order to please some. We should be able to download or at least continue using the malware-free version of Skype, not this completely inappropriate excuse of a software. Sure, the quality is better than the one I used to have when using the international version, but what's the real price? "
"No one really seems to care .. How wonderful .. No comment whatsoever- If you're in china- everything you know about Skype is foul .. Security is not an option .. "
"As an expat living in shanghai, i recently reinstalled my windows operating system.
I use skype to talk to my family, and so tried reinstalling skype.
I was redirected to the TOM skype trojan site, and figuring it was just the localized version of the normal skype site, i downloaded. After running it, I realized what this was, and uninstalled.
From some basic googling i have found that TOM skype actually records, or at some point did record, your conversations. The recorded conversations were uploaded to their servers, where the China Communist Party government would then have full access to them.
This needs some answers, and is a serious breach of trust!
quote from wikipedia, feel free to see their sources:
Since September 2007, users in China trying to download the Skype software client have been redirected to the site of TOM, a joint venture between a Chinese wireless operator and Skype, from which a modified Chinese version can be downloaded.[116] The TOM client participates in China's system of Internet censorship, monitoring text messages between Skype users in China as well as messages exchanged with users outside the country.[117][118] Niklas Zennström, then chief executive of Skype, told reporters that TOM "had implemented a text filter, which is what everyone else in that market is doing. Those are the regulations." He also stated: "One thing that’s certain is that those things are in no way jeopardising the privacy or the security of any of the users."[119] In October 2008, it was reported that TOM had been saving the full message contents of some Skype text conversations on its servers, apparently focusing on conversations containing political issues such as Tibet, Falun Gong, Taiwan independence, and the Chinese Communist Party. The saved messages contain personally identifiable information about the messages' senders and recipients, including IP addresses, usernames, land line phone numbers, and the entire content of the text messages, including the time and date of each message. Information about Skype users outside China who were communicating with a TOM-Skype user was also saved. A server misconfiguration made these log files accessible to the public for a time.[118][120][121] "
I think your customers (including me) deserve an answer.

Of course, anything you do at an Internet bar is certainly logged and that is not really an issue (as you should be aware of that). Communicating with a user of TOM Skype though, has no warning. Additionally - Skype claims to be "safe and malware free" - but this is clearly not the case for TOM Skype - which also has a bunch of adware in it in addition to the spyware / malware..
Thank you for the response, but I would like a response from Skype support (I've been waiting for two years).

I have iPad2 and iMac. What is recommended virus detection/protection software to download?

What is the best recommended virus detection/protection software for iMac???

You don't need any anti-virus software. See:
Helpful Links Regarding Flashback Trojan and Virus Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
A link to a great User Tip about the trojan: Flashback Trojan User Tip.
To check for the trojan: Anti Flashback Trojan 2.0.4.
A Google search can reveal a variety of alternatives on how the remove the trojan should your computer get infected. This can get you started. Or the preferred method is to use Apple's protection tool: Flashback Malware Removal Tool 1.0.
Or, open Software Update. If you do not have the Apple protection software installed it will download and install it via Software Update. If no update appears that means you either already have it installed or it isn't needed for your system. The software is only available for Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Lion versions of OS X.
Also see Apple's article About Flashback malware.
For general anti-virus protection I only recommend using ClamXav.

Any recommendations for virus protection software.

Looking for recommendation for virus, malware protection for iMac running Maverick

Here it is again.
Many third party "anti-virus" programs only cause misery, and account for the vast majority of user-inflicted Mac problems reported on this site.
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.

HT1600 I want to update my Apple TV software but cannot find the recommended Settings General Update Software sequence?

I want to update my Apple TV software but cannot find the recommended Settings>General>Update Software sequence?

Start here

Recommend good photo printer software (don't like iPhoto's)?

I don't like the way that the iPhoto 'print Photo/s' software works.
I used to use Canon Image browser, with that I could select, for example, three photos. place them all on one A4 sheet of paper, and scale each one individually to the size I wanted. ie have one large, the other two smaller. It cut down on a lot of waste paper. IPhoto will only let me put all the images at the same size, as far as I can work out.
Canon Image Browser is not Leopard compatible, boo-hoo. Does anyone have any recommendations for other (free) software I could use to achieve the same as my old? Or is it possible with iPhoto?
CJHEERS!

Canon has: Canon PowerShot ImageBrowser 6.1.1a which is Leopard compatible. I downloaded it just this morning.
Do you have a 3rd party editor that you like? I use Photoshop to do most of my printing. Photoshop Elements for Mac is an amazing editor, can do advanced editing, and does color management to give you optimal prints.
Others are Portraits and Prints, Acorn, Pixelmator. You can use them as the 3rd party editor in iPhoto safely but not ImageBrower as it's a browser and not strictly an editor. Go to iPhoto's General preferences and set the Edit Photo: to your editor of choice.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Is it worth installing anti malware software on my mac?

Is it worth installing anti malware software on my Mac?

The best defense against malware is common sense.
If you didn't ask for something, don't accept it.
If browsing web and told to update something, never click yes. Always
go to the vendor site for the item in question and verify that there is indeed an update.
Only download apps directly from a vendor site or from the MacApp Store.
Never, ever click links in emails unless it is a verification type from a site that you are
expecting to receive one from. Always go directly to a site in question. Phishers
can be very sophisticated in creating "official" looking emails and even very "official"
looking webpages that those links lead you to in hopes of extorting important personal
information.

Do Windows 8.1 Users Need Third-Party Anti-Malware Software?

Do Windows 8.1 Users Need Third-Party Anti-Malware Software?

It depend. Until you make decision update your Defender regularly and stick with general security measures.
Regards
Milos

Recommendations on adware/malware software?

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