Some kinds of the Security software(Anti-virus) always disable in Firefox,why ?

None.

They may not be compatible with firefox - it's most likely an add-on. Or if you could explain further it would help better.

Similar Messages

  • I've just downloaded FF 4 beta, do i still need to purchase internet security software & anti-virus software for protection?

    I have not renewed my McAfee. i am not sure whether FF 4 beta security protection is good enough. I do internet banking often. do i still need to have other security or anti-virus software?

    Firefox is just a web browser, you still need anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall protection.

  • Please advise on security software/anti virus barrier

    Hi there,
    I would just like to know which security software/antivirus woks best with mountain lion?
    cheers

    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 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.

  • What is the best free anti virus software to install on a macbook pro?

    What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?

    yankeefan29 wrote:
    What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?
    No antivirus software is needed.
    Install all System, Applications and Security updates released by Apple.
    For more on this:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11432
    About antivirus:
    http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-antivirus/

  • What's the best free anti-virus software to use?

    I'm looking for the best FREE anti-virus software for personal use. Suggestions? If you could give me the top 2-3 or those that clearly separate themselves from the pack, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

    Darien,
    Allan is right it's really not needed for MacOSX, but if you feel you need protection from viruses/malware download and install ClamXav. If you want real time scanning for files and downloads use the Clam Sentry feature. Open ClamXav, go to preferences activate clam sentry, when asked  what folder to watch just enter the / which will monitor your entire system. Hope this helps.
    Joseph

  • Can't access safe mode to delete System Security fake anti virus virus. HELP.

    Hi, our SL500 has become infected with "System Security" fake anti virus software. We have tracked down how to remove it.
    http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/system-security-malware-t222291.html
    However when we get to the "reboot your computer in safe mode" (see instructions below) we can't as this is not possible.
    We have tried F8...........Repeatedly . And also  Run->msconfig->BOOT.INI->/SAFEBOOT . But to no avail . Actually we get a pop up stating that Windows  can not find said command and have we typed it in correctly . Please could some one help us as this is driving us insane . One last thing . A computer WITHOUT a "safe mode " option, isn't that kinda of unsafe and a tad.....
    Thanks in advance.  
    Instructions for malware removal. 
    You will need to print out a copy of these instructions, or save them to NotePad and put a shortcut to the file on the desktop so that you can refer to while you complete this procedure as you will be required to boot into Safe Mode where you wont have internet access.
    Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
    Caution: This program is for Windows 2000, XP and Vista only
    Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
    Under Main choose: Select All
    Click the Empty Selected button.
    If you use Firefox browser
    Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
    Click the Empty Selected button.
    NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
    If you use Opera browser
    Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
    Click the Empty Selected button.
    NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
    Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.
    Run MBAM again, only this time perform a full scan and post the log.
    Please click here to download AVP Tool by Kaspersky.
    Save it to your desktop.
    Reboot your computer into SafeMode.
    You can do this by restarting your computer and continually tapping the F8 key until a menu appears.
    Use your up arrow key to highlight SafeMode then hit enter.
    Double click the setup file to run it.
    Click Next to continue.
    It will by default install it to your desktop folder.Click Next.
    Hit ok at the prompt for scanning in Safe Mode.
    It will then open a box There will be a tab that says Automatic scan.
    Under Automatic scan make sure these are checked.
    System Memory
    Startup Objects
    Disk Boot Sectors.
    My Computer.
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
    After that click on Security level then choose Customize then click on the tab that says Heuristic Analyzer then choose Enable Deep rootkit search then choose ok.
    Then choose OK again then you are back to the main screen.
    Then click on Scan at the to right hand Corner.
    It will automatically Neutralize any objects found.
    If some objects are left un-neutralized then click the button that says Neutralize all
    If it says it cannot be Neutralized then chooose The delete option when prompted.
    After that is done click on the reports button at the bottom and save it to file name it Kas.
    Save it somewhere convenient like your desktop and just post only the detected Virus\malware in the report it will be at the very top under Detected post those results in your next reply.
    Note: This tool will self uninstall when you close it so please save the log before closing it.
    In your next reply I would like to see:
    C:\RSIT\info.txt
    MBAM log
    Kaspersky AVP scan results
    Also let me know how the computer is behaving. 
    This post has been edited by Octagonal: Dec 27 2008, 08:08 AM 

    Thanks for trying to help. Sadly, I followed the instructions and it rebooted to the blue screen again.
    It's going to have to go to Apple for repairs now. I'm out of options.
    I am wondering how much easier it would have been if I'd created a time machine restore point. I got what I deserved for failing to do that, but I'm doubtful even that would have worked in this case. It does seem to be because of that piece of widely reported malware that didn't want to leave without causing damage.
    The most frustrating aspect is the safe boot. I get to the desktop but without any menu, finder or dock. It seems to be similar to the problem below...
    http://www.macsmarts.com/?p=109
    But that's for Tiger. I tried that to no effect.
    Like I said, it's going to have to go to Apple now because I've done so many things I don't know if I'm just digging myself a deeper hole.
    Thanks again for offering help.

  • How do I install the free mcafee Anti virus for I pad?

    I don't know how to find and install the Free Mcafee Anti Virus software for my IPad.

    You don't need antivirus or security software as long as you don't Jailbreak your iPad.
    Currently there's no known virus affecting iPad.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743

  • My kid downloaded some kind of password hacking software

    My kid downloaded some kind of password hacking software and now I'm really concerned.  I remember reading how bad it can be ~ malware installed on sectors of the hardware that can't be erased by formatting and reinstalling the OS.
    This all came to light when she was working on her computer and it started doing stuff by itself.  The mouse appears to move intelligently and the system even shut down by itself yesterday.  She's finally concerned enough to confess to what she did ~ after we took the macbook apart to see if the battery was swelling, and then she reveals that the external control appears purposeful and she thinks she's being hacked.
    I'm fine just throwing her computer away, but I'm seriously freaked out about safety on my macbook.  Is my computer at risk because of her actions on our shared home network?  I don't have crazy good passwords, but I do have seriously important stuff on my macbook and if it were hacked and the information leaked, the damage could be far beyond what I could ever recover from.  I run a whole business from this computer, and I've always been careful and employ good internet habits and careful software habits.
    Anyone have any idea what kind of risk we're at, and how I can find out of my mac is compromised, and maybe how to fix it?
    Or suggest the right place to post this question?  I'm sorry if this is totally the wrong place...

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.
    1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.
    2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.
    3. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.
    4. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.
    5. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.
    6. Reset the System Management Controller.
    7. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.
    8. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.
    9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.
    10. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.
    11. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.
    12. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

  • How can I uninstall Kaspersky? The item "Kaspersky Anti-Virus.app" can't be moved to the Trash because it's open.' I did not open it in fact. Please advise. Thanks.

    How can I uninstall Kaspersky to install Mckeeper ?
    The item 'Kaspersky Anti-Virus.app' can't be moved to the Trash because it is opened'. Actually I did not open it.
    Please advise, thanks.
    Emmanuel

    Remove "Kaspersky Security" by following the instructions on this page. If you have a different version of the product, the procedure may be different. The product includes a Safari extension that may not be removed by the uninstaller.
    Back up all data before making any changes.

  • The Norton Toolbar 4.6 is disabled in Firefox 4 while it is working in previous version of Firefox. In Firefox 4 it opens with massage Norton Toolbar is incompatible in firefox 4. Is this problem have any solution?? pls tell me.

    The Norton Toolbar 4.6 is disabled in Firefox 4 while it is working in previous version of Firefox. In Firefox 4 it opens with massage Norton Toolbar is incompatible in firefox 4. Is this problem have any solution?? pls tell me.

    Symantec need to update their Firefox add-ons so that they are compatible with Firefox 4. They have released an update for Norton 360 to make it compatible with Firefox 4, for details see http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20100720113635EN&ln=en_US
    I do not know about other Norton products, but if you run Norton LiveUpdate it should inform you if there are updates available. If no updates are available, you can downgrade to Firefox 3.6 if you want to use the Norton add-ons.
    To downgrade to Firefox 3.6 first uninstall Firefox 4, but do not select the option to "Remove my Firefox personal data". If you select that option it will delete your bookmarks, passwords and other user data.
    You can then install the latest version of Firefox 3.6 available from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html - it will automatically use your current bookmarks, passwords etc.
    To avoid possible problems with downgrading, I recommend going to your profile folder and deleting the following files if they exist - extensions.cache, extensions.rdf, extensions.ini, extensions.sqlite and localstore.rdf. Deleting these files will force Firefox to rebuild the list of installed extensions, checking their compatibility, and reset toolbar customizations.
    For details of how to find your profile folder see https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Profiles

  • Does the Mac need anti-virus software?

    I have been told the Mac does not need anti-virus software. I have Kapersky on my Mac now and was told to take it off.  I was told Apple updates the protection software daily.  Any thoughts?

    1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
    If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only sections 5, 6, and 10.
    OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
    2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
    The following caveats apply to XProtect:
    It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
    It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
    3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
    Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
    It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
    A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
    An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
    For the reasons given above, App Store products, and other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. OS X security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
    4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
    5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
    That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?
    Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
    A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
    Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
    Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
    Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
    Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
    Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
    6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
    Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
    Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers.
    Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
    Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
    7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — 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. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "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.
    An anti-virus app 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
    Anti-virus software 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 the software unless a network administrator requires you to do it.
    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 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 is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

  • What's the best internet anti virus software for iMac?

    Hi
    Was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what anti-virus/internet security software shall I get for my iMac?
    Thanks a lot!

    None. Have a look at these links from The Safe Mac, klaus1 and John Galt. They provide useful, informed opinion on the merits, or otherwise, of installing anti-virus software on a Mac:
    http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3030
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/23885605?ac_cid=tw123456#23885605 (see John Galt's response).

  • What is the best free anti-virus download to use on my MacBook Pro?

    I'm worried that whatever Apple has built into the computer is not enough security. Is there a free anti-virus download for Macs? Do they do the job or do I have to spend money on something better? The download would need to identify and fix the problems. I mostly email, search the internet, sometimes buy things, download Kindle books, do my banking, etc. I would really not want to spend any money if it's not needed. Thanks.

    svdmmanta wrote:
    Is there a free anti-virus download for Macs? Do they do the job or do I have to spend money on something better?
    In General 3rd Party AV Software and Cleaning Utilities tend to cause More Issues than they claim to fix...
    They Not Required...
    Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
    See  >  Mac OS X Built in Security  >  http://www.apple.com/osx/what-is/security.html
    More Info Here  >   https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4545776?tstart=0
    And Here  >  Antivirus Discussion
    The Safe Mac  >  http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/

  • Should I be running some kind of protection from spyware, adaware, virus on my iMac?  I also have Microsoft for Mac (Word, Excel, Outlook) on my computer

    Should I be running some kind of security program on my iMac eg. for spyware / adaware / virus etc.  I also have Microsoft for Mac on my computer (Word, Excel, Outlook).
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    lorrainefromencounter bay wrote:
    I know ClamXav is free from the apps store dont know yet about Sophos.
    The AppStore version of ClamXav does not have a real-time scanning capability, if you think you need that. You can download the full version from here, which is also free.
    If you are asking if Sophos is free, the one downloaded from here is.
    SInce you seem to be asking everybody, I don't recommend any particular one over the other. I have both installed on this computer along with VirusBarrier X5 and MacScan. I don't currently use any of them routinely, but they are here if I should ever need them. Real-time scanning is turned off, but I keep all but VB up-to-date (my VB subscription expired a few years ago).
    Full disclosure: I do uncompensated tech support for the ClamXav Forum.

  • What is the best COSTING anti virus

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    AND YES U DO NOT NEED TO TELL ME THAT MACS DONT GET VIRUSES I KNOW
    I Just need a anti virus for some backup sometimes

    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 for Tiger and Leopard from (on no account install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac running OS X):
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    The new version for Snow Leopard is available here:
    http://www.clamxav.com/index.php?page=v2beta
    (Note: ClamAV adds a new user group to your Mac. That makes it a little more difficult to remove than some apps. You’ll find an uninstaller link in ClamXav’s FAQ page online.)
    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/

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