Spyware and AntiVirus Necessary??

I know there's been a lot of talk about the need for these types of software and whether or not they're useful, but what do you think? Also, is there a spyware scanner available? Any recommendations would be helpful.
Oh, and while I'm on the topic, how do you get rid fo un-needed Program Preferences. Is there a program out there that can scan for such thing?
Thanks in advance.

I don't think they can affect performance, and it looks like TinkerTool can find the unused ones...
http://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerTool.html
http://www.bresink.com/osx/193281/Docs-en/User.html
"Removing Unused Preferences Files
When you have tested applications for a short period of time, or you have deinstalled applications which you don't use any longer, the preferences files of those applications will still remain stored in the users' home folders. TinkerTool System can analyze the preferences files of the current user account to check if the applications they belong to have no longer been in use for a longer period of time. You can then choose to delete the obsolete files to reclaim storage space.
Select the time period which TinkerTool System should consider as being "too old for actively used applications", then press the button Remove old preferences files… to let the application verify the age of the files. While the verification process is running, you can stop it any time pressing the STOP button. After all tests have been completed, TinkerTool System will display a report table, listing all files which may be obsolete.
The table lists all preferences domains which have not been in use. The exact date of the last usage is specified in the column at the right. By unchecking the buttons in the column Remove? you can exclude preferences files from deletion. When you press the OK button, all files that had the Remove? checkmark set will be deleted. If you press the Cancel button, no file will be touched."
PS. Ran accross this today, it looks like there is a Mac Malware, though it needs your help to install it of course...
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20071031114140862

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Spyware, Adaware and Antivirus necessary on Macs?

Hey i just got my Macbook today and this is my first apple computer. Do i need spyware and adaware like i did on my PC or does Apple not have to deal with those? I know there aren't many viruses for Apple, but I'm gonna get some antivirus software. Does Norton support Mac and if not what company does?
THanks in advance

Like others have said there are currently no active viruses going around for OSX. That doesn't mean that someday there won't be. If you feel that you'd like some protection just in case ClamXav is a good freeware anti-virus app that gets good reviews.
http://www.markallan.co.uk/clamXav/
lenn

Spyware, Malware and antivirus for Macbook air

what programs that are free, work to protect against spyware, viruses, malware, etc... for a macbook pro
i have avast for an antivirus, are there programs that protect against spyware and malware...? i know stuff like malwarebytes is not compatable on a MBA

OS X versions 10.6.7 and later have built-in detection of known Mac malware in downloaded files. The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware.
The most effective defense against malware is your own intelligence. All known malware on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of trojans, which can only work if the victim is duped into running them. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown site, merely in order to use the site, 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.
“Cracked” copies of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
Disable Java (not JavaScript) in your web browser(s). Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those versions has bugs that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. Those bugs will probably never be fixed, because those older operating systems are no longer being maintained by Apple. Upgrade to a newer version of OS X as soon as you can.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.

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.)

Protect from Spyware and Adware

How do I protect my Mac mini from Internet Spyware and Adware?

Problem with virus scanners is they need system wide access to do their jobs and when you run it on systems with no viruses thinking you are safe you get a bit smug and things can bite you in the butt:
ClamAV suffers from problems with at least four of the components used for processing different file formats, according to researchers.
"During the processing of TNEF, CHM, and FSG formats an attacker is able to trigger several integer overflows that allow attackers to overwrite heap data to obtain complete control of the system," in an advisory [pdf].
ClamAV installations are vulnerable by default and could be triggered via an email, according to researchers.
ClamAV is found on a wide variety of platforms. It is included in Mac OS X Server by default and has numerous Windows implementations; all of these derivatives are likely to be vulnerable.
That was back when I bought this mac (only a few months back) and thought I needed to run Spyware utilities everyday and Antivirus like on the PC. After reading up on the virus situation on OS X I finally settled on running Little Snitch and let everyone else beta test the Antivirus market for OS X.
Thank to this security scan site, I get the following:
We have determined that your IP address is
This is the public IP address that is visible to the internet.
Note: this may not be your IP address if you are connecting through a router, proxy or firewall.
Trying to gather information from your web browser...
Operating System = Macintosh PowerPC Mac OS X
Browser = AppleWebKit 412.7
Trying to find out your computer name...
Unable to determine your computer name!
Trying to find out what services you are running...
Unable to detect any running services!
All this from doing absolutely nothing. Well, I did buy a good wireless router which out of the box had everything enabled by default (double firewall, stealth mode, etc.)

When trying to download 4.3.3 for iphone 4 with firewall off and antivirus off but i keep on getting the error code 3259 - sometimes it times out after a few seconds other times it will be half anhour - can anyone help?

Hi,
When trying to download 4.3.3 for iphone 4 with firewall off and antivirus off i keep on getting the error code 3259 - sometimes it times out after a few seconds other times it will be half an hour - can anyone help?
Thanks

Before beginning the download, try temporarily disabling the antivirus, anti-adware, anti-spyware, and any other anti-whatever that is required and is running with that secure OS.

Is antivirus necessary on the new Mac Air, need reassurance.

Is an antivirus necessary on the new Mac Air, I need to be sure!

mastertaster wrote:
Is an antivirus necessary on the new Mac Air, I need to be sure!
If you are using OS X as indicated in your profile, you already have it.
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 to ask 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.

Best anti spyware and anti virus for macbook

Anyone know is there is software designed fr Macs to protect against spyware and viruses?

There is, but a lot of it isn't very good for one reason or another, and it's not generally necessary. See my Mac Malware Guide.

Spyware and Virus

I dont have a mac yet but I will soon. I was wondering if I should install a Spyware and Virus program on it. I surf the web alot, not always on trusted sites. If I should install it what free programs are there. Also does OSX come with a firewall or do I need one? What free OSX firewalls are there? If you could recomend universal apps that would be best but im sure a virus app would run fine in rosseta.
Now thats nice, I did not see that apple has a whole bunch of software on their website, but I still cant figure out if the stuff is built in to OSX and which ones are free.

Hi...
..I've been an apple convert for only eight months now...but I'm a believer....:)
I do NOT run any antivirus or antispyware program on my macmini or my g4 ibook....but I do however run a router between my machines and my cable modem...the dlink DGL-4100 to be precise....and I only open the tcpip ports that I need...meaning that only a handfull of incoming ports are open at anyone given time.....the router opens up any of my out-going ports as I need them...:)....
So...if you hook your computer directly to your isp's connecting device...dsl or cable modem....then by all means...get some sort of antispyware and antivirus solution..I don't know what works well with macs....or get a some sort of hardware firewall such as a router that does do NAT at the very least...I prefer DLINK because it allows me to backup my router's configuration to an xml file on my pc...if the router dies...I get a new one and just upload the config and voila...I'm back in busines....and if you have never configured a router...then take my word for it...you would not want to have to remember how you configured it 2-3 years later...:)
anyway..thats my .02 worth....and all of my winxp stations (5) all run the Norton 2006 antivirus package..which is also a antispyware solution...with SpybotSD as well....:)..so I do firmly believe in anti virus and spyware solutions for windows computers....as the number of malware items that exists seem to be tremendous....:)
...good luck with your first mac...btw...which mac are you thinking about getting....the newer/older imac's (G5) machines should be priced nicely since the newest intel imac's came out...:)
..I'm using the 1.5 G4 mac mini and the 1.42 G4 ibook..both are great...but I had to upgrade both to 1.0gb of ram to use the Macromedia Studio 8 software....:)

Can i restrict apple mail client from downloading all emails...and allow it to pick a start date for gmail mail to sync? i am flooded with old emails, thousands on them ...eating hard drive space of my macbook pro and un necessary overhead

can i restrict apple mail client from downloading all emails...and allow it to pick a start date for gmail mail to sync? i am flooded with old emails, thousands on them ...eating hard drive space of my macbook pro and un necessary overhead

The genius bar technicians can check your MBP for possible hardware problems and specific software issues that you may have. The diagnosis will be free. Any extensive repairs will not be free.
If you have minor software problems, you essentially will have to deal with them yourself. Examine these two comprehensive documents for possible problem definition and solutions. If you encounter problems that you are unable to cope with, start a new discussion and there will be persons willing to assist you in solving them.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3521
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3353
Ciao.

My macbook is infected, adware, spyware, and malware. What can i use to clean it?

What software can I use to clean and protect from adware, spyware and malware?

There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
What software can I use to clean and protect from adware, spyware and malware?
Avoid all non-Apple products claiming to "clean" or "protect" your Mac. OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
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 iCloud, 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.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it. The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget 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. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
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.

Can't get artwork, I get a -609 error. I have tried turning off firewall and antivirus. \\\windows firewall is set to allow itunes anyhow

I can't get artwork, I get a -609 error. I have tried turning off firewall and antivirus. Theewindows firewall is set to allow itunes anyhow. Any suggestions?

Perhaps try the "Error -609" section in the Specific Conditions and Alert Messages: (Mac OS X / Windows) section of the following document:
iTunes: Advanced iTunes Store troubleshooting

Firewall and antivirus

can any1 help me about my firewall and antivirus cause cisco network pro dont detect my comodo firewall and comodo antivirus instead it detects my windows firewall and my antivirus it says none installed im on windows 7 but i turn off already my windows firewall plus i have antivirus and its comodo antivirus .. help me pls

Using Anti-virus software on OS X basically comes down to personal preference. Many people like to have it for peace of mind or to help prevent spreading viruses on to their Windows buddies.
Personally, I've never used anti-virus software on my OS X macs, and I won't until there is a compelling reason to.
As far as a firewall... OS X has a very good firewall built in to the operating system. You can enable it with ease by clicking a few buttons.
If you really want to hide your system, then I might suggest a simple broadband router that supports NAT (most do).
That would add another good layer of protection for you.

I received an email from the "apple team" saying that my mac may have been exposed to spyware and wants my passwor, user id, etc. Is this authentic?

I received an email from the "apple team" saying that my mac may have been exposed to spyware and wants my passwor, user id, etc. Is this authentic?

I doubt that apple team sends this kind of emails. At the best, they may ask you to change your password, but not to reaquest to provide one.

How can I remove spyware and malware from my mac ?

How can I remove rootkit.spyware and Trojan.malware from my mac ?
Since a few days, some webpages open by themselves and it look like the security of my computer is compromised.
I have a Mac OS X 10.9.5
Thanks for your help !

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Spyware and AntiVirus Necessary??

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