The best defence? Anti Virus software sugestions?

Hay just wondering what virus protection software, if any, is the best for macs.

HI,
Get ClamXav It's free.
A word to the wise. Do not use Norton or McAfee anti virus software. Will cause numerous problems and next to impossible to UNinstall.
Currently there are no Mac viruses in the wild but to be on the safe side, ClamXav is good to have.
Carolyn
Message was edited by: Carolyn Samit

Similar Messages

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

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).

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 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/

What is the best mobile anti-virus for my Nokia 56...

I want free mobile anti-virus so I will not waste my money and if possible, can you put the link for the anti-virus?
antivirus discount

I don't think you need to worry as the OS on your phone cannot get viruses. It run's on S40 (if you wanted to know).
If I have helped you, please hit the star at the bottom of my posts - it's appreciated!
Don't forget if your problem is solved to press the "Accept as Solution" button.

What is the best COSTING anti virus

i need a mac anti virus that i can pay for i do not want a free nti virus cause i dont like them i need to know a good anti virus not like norton that f*ed My Mac Up It said 9 files r viruses to mac os and i deleted them and now i cant install anything on my mac so what s good anti viruses
and should a do a clean istall of mac os cause now i cant install anything
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/

Which is the best alround anti virus I have XP SP 3, windows essentials no longer supported now using thunderbird as well

xp sp3 no longer supported need to change antivirus

Hi,
The best "all-around" antivirus is chosen by you. We have no influence on what antivirus you choose as it's based on personal preference but I can give you some samples on what I know. The below are all <b>free</b> by the way.
*Avast (http://www.avast.com/en-us/index)
*AVG (http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage)
*BitDefender (http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html)
*Avira (http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus)
But in the end, it's up to you.
P.S. This is a Firefox support forum used for technical support on Firefox. This thread is off-topic and doesn't belong here but I see that it's your first question here, I'll let it slide :)
Let me know which antivirus you chose.
Thanks!<br>
-M

What is the best mac anti virus

Please dont just say to get clamxav or that mac dont get viruses because they do.
Well they mostly get trojans.
ps clamxav *****!

Hi,
I have been using Sophos Antivirus, it has picked up trojans or whatever it was that was downloaded just by using Apple Mail on both my wife's user account, but at the time it picked it up I was using my own user account!!
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx.
I know I won't be changing AV Products.
Hope this helps.
Hugh

Free anti virus software for macbook pro OS X 10.8.4

What is the best free anti virus software for my MacBook Pro OS X 10.8.4? Only just been made aware that there is reputable AntiVirus available from BBC's CLICK ON-LINE

circulair@ wrote:
What is the best free anti virus software for my MacBook Pro OS X 10.8.4?
In General 3rd Party AV Software is Not Required as Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
Read Here > https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4545776?tstart=0
See Here > Antivirus Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/20969069
The Safe Mac > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/
Also have a look at this Informative Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/22247724

What is Apple's position on Anti-virus software for the mac?

I have started replacing my customers PCs with iMac's and Mac-Mini, and I have always operated on the assumption that anti-virus software is not necessary, but I fear that my opinion might need revisiting. So I would pose the question again, does the community and/or Apple have an opinion on the need for Anti-Virus, Malware and all the other nasty inflictions. If you, as a group or individually do recommend, what product would you recommend? Thank You --- Bill Shaw - Kansas City, Mo.

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 attacker 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.
All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect 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. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there is another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications that are downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Applications certified in this way haven't actually been tested by Apple (unless they come from the Mac App Store), but you can be sure that they haven't been modified by anyone other than the developer, and his identity is known, so he could be held responsible if he knowingly released malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe. Note, however, that there are some caveats concerning Gatekeeper:
It doesn't apply to software that comes packaged as an installer. Treat all third-party installers with caution.
It can be disabled or overridden by the user.
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
It only applies to applications downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
For more information about Gatekeeper, see this Apple Support article. Notwithstanding the above, the most effective defense against malware attacks 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 so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect 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 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 users who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.]
“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.
Java on the network (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related) is always a potential weak spot in the security of any operating system. If a Java web plugin is not installed, don't install it unless you really need it. If it is installed, you should disable it (not JavaScript) in your web browsers. 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 obsolete versions has known security flaws that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. The flaws will never be fixed. Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java can never be fully trusted, even if no vulnerabilities are publicly known at the moment.
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.
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 filesystem. Malware gets into the system by being downloaded, not by materializing from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability and poor performance.
By modifying the system at a low level, the software itself may create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware attackers.
ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks.

Best free anti-virus for Windows XP

I have an old Toshiba laptop which still uses Windows XP. What are the sites for the best free anti-virus for Windows XP SP2?
Thanks,
Bob

Hi,
Please check the following list:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
Sorry I can't work out this question: "My computer is windows xp but i have recent downloads for windows 8 is this right??????"
Regards.
BH
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

Anti-virus software that won't effect my computer's performance.

Hi guys,
I'm a college student and my University requires that every computer on the network have anti-virus software. Just to use the internet a scan is run everyday to check to make sure you have the software. I got Norton free from my school but it has really slowed down my computer. I'm wondering if there are any good free programs that won't hinder my performance?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
Drew

Hi AML225;
Try ClamXav. It is free and runs will on Macs.
Norton even for free is terrible on a Mac. It causes more problems then it solves.
Allan

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

The best defence? Anti Virus software sugestions?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for