What's the best anti-virus protection?

What's the best anti-virus protection for my imac?

If you are running an older, unsupported OS like Leopard or Tiger, then you might consider running Sophos Home (free). Since Apple is no longer providing security updates for these, it could be a good idea.
http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
System requirements
Not sure if Sophos Anti-Virus will work on your Mac? These are the technical requirements:
    Mac with Intel or PowerPC processor
    256 MB of memory
    150 MB of available disk space
    Mac with OS X 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion) or 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
    Supports all Apple Mac hardware including iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air

Similar Messages

  • What is the best anti virus software to use with OS X 10.8?

    What is the best anti virus software to use with OS X 10.8?  Norton is slowing my iMac down and I'm constantly being bombarded by blocking messages for programs I don't recognize.
    Thanks

    Get rid of Norton a/k/a Symantec. It is one of the worst pieces of trash you can install on a Mac.
    You do not need any additional anti-virus software than is already designed into OS X to protect your Mac against malware. I assume you paid enough for your iMac and that's part of what you paid.
    If you use Windows, or are concerned about harboring viruses that target Windows, or care about friends who use Windows, then get ClamXav. It's in the App Store and it is free.
    Since friends don't let friends use Windows, I have no use for it.

  • What  is the best anti-virus software for my Mac?

    What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?

    If you are still using OS X 10.4.x "Tiger" please confirm.
    atpatt wrote:
    What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?
    Use what Apple already provided.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • What is the best anti~virus for macbook pro?

    What is the best anti~virus foe macbook pro?

    None whatsoever. I'm sure that you've heard the line that "Macs don't get viruses"? That's almost true - Macs can be infected with malware, however, and can pass viruses onto PCs. See Thomas Reed's Mac Malware Guide. The only two virus packages that are usually recommended are both free - Sophos and ClamXav. If you feel that you need AV software, try one or both.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • HT1338 what is the best anti-virus program for a macbook pro?

    What is the best anti-virus program to use for a MacBook Pro?

    DanHoumes wrote:
    What is the best anti-virus program to use for a MacBook Pro?
    None, but if you really believe you want something, then download ClamXav. Read more on right of page under 'More Like This'.
    Cheers
    Pete

  • What is the best anti virus for an iMAC with OS 10.7

    What is the best anti virus for an iMAC with OS 10.7

    Just a +1 for Kappy's suggestions. Antivirus software simply is not necessary for OS X. If you are interested in reading more an informative article is Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security.

  • What is the best anti virus for iphone 5?

    what is the best anti virus for iphone 5?

    I concur with Tonefox; worthless. To preserve battery the best thing you can do is shut down apps that constantly run in the background and fetch data from servers elsewhere; the Facebook app being a prime example. Apple has more tips here:
    http://www.apple.com/batteries/iphone.html
    As to clearing memory, there's almost never a need, and if there is a simple restart of the iPhone will suffice.
    Regards.

  • What is the best anti-virus app for iphone 5

    What is the best anit-virus app for iPhone 5?

    McAfee is not a anti-virus it just reports threats.
    norton has a QR reader, or a find my phone+back up my contacts app.
    the rest who knows. like i said if there is a need all the big names will do it.

  • What is the best anti virus cleaner for the mac

    What is the best antivirus for mac book pro,  osx
    cheers

    The best is none because you really have no need for it.
    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 Thomas Reed recommends using Dr.Web Light from the App Store. It's free, and since it's from the App Store, it won't destabilize the system. If you prefer one of the better known commercial products, then Thomas recommends using Sophos.(Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.) If you already use Sophos, then be aware of this if you are using Mavericks: OS X Mavericks- Sophos Anti-Virus on-access scanner versions 8.0 - 9.1 may cause unexpected restarts
    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.

  • What is the best anti-virus software for a Mac on a network?

    I need to protect my network that includes 1 mac and 2 PC's...is there something recommended for this type of network?

    You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
    The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer some guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
    Bear in mind that from April to December 2011 there were only 58 attempted security threats to the Mac - a mere fraction compared to Windows malware:
    http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00002300.html
    (I have ClamXav set to scan incoming emails, but nothing else.)
    The above covers your Mac. Your Windows PCs should of course have all the anti-virus protection they can get.

  • What is the best anti virus for a mac

    any auggestions i have a file that wont delete or open it appears to be an excel the file # is 331A5000

    The best anti-virus is no anti-virus. Most software of the sort can actually harm your computer. No, I haven't heard of this file, but you can tell us more info about it by right clicking (control + click) on the file, then selecting Get Info.
    Once you have called up the Get Info screen, take a screenshot of it by pressing
    ⌘ + Shift + 4.
    Then post the screenshot here.

  • What is the best anti-virus software for OS X Yosemite

    i have always used norton antivirus for windows, somehow i am not sure that works as well on OS X

    Helpful Links Regarding Malware Problems
    If you are having an immediate problem with ads popping up see The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide, remove adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac, and AdwareMedic. If you require anti-virus protection Thomas Reed recommends using ClamXAV. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for this recommendation.) You might consider adding this Safari extensions: Adblock Plus 1.8.9.
    Open Safari, select Preferences from the Safari menu. Click on Extensions icon in the toolbar. Disable all Extensions. If this stops your problem, then re-enable them one by one until the problem returns. Now remove that extension as it is causing the problem.
    The following comes from user stevejobsfan0123. I have made minor changes to adapt to this presentation.
    Fix Some Browser Pop-ups That Take Over Safari.
    Common pop-ups include a message saying the government has seized your computer and you must pay to have it released (often called "Moneypak"), or a phony message saying that your computer has been infected, and you need to call a tech support number (sometimes claiming to be Apple) to get it resolved. First, understand that these pop-ups are not caused by a virus and your computer has not been affected. This "hijack" is limited to your web browser. Also understand that these messages are scams, so do not pay any money, call the listed number, or provide any personal information. This article will outline the solution to dismiss the pop-up.
    Quit Safari
    Usually, these pop-ups will not go away by either clicking "OK" or "Cancel." Furthermore, several menus in the menu bar may become disabled and show in gray, including the option to quit Safari. You will likely have to force quit Safari. To do this, press Command + option + esc, select Safari, and press Force Quit.
    Relaunch Safari
    If you relaunch Safari, the page will reopen. To prevent this from happening, hold down the 'Shift' key while opening Safari. This will prevent windows from the last time Safari was running from reopening.
    This will not work in all cases. The shift key must be held at the right time, and in some cases, even if done correctly, the window reappears. In these circumstances, after force quitting Safari, turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect Ethernet, depending on how you connect to the Internet. Then relaunch Safari normally. It will try to reload the malicious webpage, but without a connection, it won't be able to. Navigate away from that page by entering a different URL, i.e. www.apple.com, and trying to load it. Now you can reconnect to the Internet, and the page you entered will appear rather than the malicious one.

  • What is the best anti-virus, spyware etc. software

    Please can anyone help me. I bought a Satellite Pro M40 laptop which is lovely and installed Norton Internet Security 2006 and Ad-aware, however, I am so paranoid since going on broadband because of Trojans and spyware invading my pc. I posted another message because I had control panel open as a shadow image in the background so did a complete re-install using Toshiba disc, now another shadow appeared when online called Padtouch_wndllabel. I hear that spyware can disguise itself as other progs. I need real basic help really as its all new to me but wonder if there are any other protective measures I can take to check if my laptop has been infected or to stop it in the future??? - without going into registry files etc?? Maybe I should post this under Satellite Pro forum would that be best??
    Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
    Manderz

    Hi Manderz,
    I hope that you enjoy using your new laptop! With regard to the "best" antivirus and anti-spyware software, there is unfortunately no one answer. Obviously, having any protection is better than none at all, so the Norton security suite you have installed is a very good start indeed.
    Personally, I use a number of anti-spyware programs, including Ad-aware SE, SpyBot Search & Destroy, and Microsoft's own Windows Defender. All of these should be happy running alongside each other but it is very important that you only have one anti-virus program as this needs "control" over the dataflow in and out of your computer. Running more than one normally leads to each program battling against the other, usuallymaking the computer unusable in the process.
    The importnant thing to remember with any of these programs is that regular updates and system scans are the key to catching any natsy visitors - try once per week to start and see how you go from there.
    The other "top tip" is just being sensible with what you are doing on the internet: clicking "yes" on all those adverts or agreeing to anything you have not read or understood is inviting spyware onto your system.
    I hope this does not sound too baffling or put you off using your new computer to its full potential - if you are unsure, just post away on the forums. There is no such thing as a dumb question if it going to save you frustration and worry.
    Good luck, enjoy, and I hope this has been some help....

  • What is the best anti-virus programe for windows 7 32 bit??

    what is the lightest and fastest anti-virus programe for windows 7 32 bit ??
    any recomendations would be appreciated
    thank you :)

    The issue is not how light or fast the AV software is but how effective it is in protecting your computer.
    AV Software reviews:
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp
    and: http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
    J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com
    Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.

  • What is the best spyware/virus protection program for the mac?

    I'm new to the whole virus protection thing, and I know there are very few viruses out there for the mac, but better safe then sorry right? Plus i'm mainly getting it for the spyware protection anyway. Does Leopard already have some protection for it? Or would it be better to buy a new program? Thanks.

    Normally the best defense against Virus and other scrap on the net is the User. Never agree to open something you are not sure about. Don't visit dangerous sites, and think twice before make a gesture.
    After almost 25 years on Mac, and with X system, the only use for a AntiVirus is you can pass Virus to PC user but that ot effect your Mac. If you use Parallels or Bootcmp (or booth) you need a AntiVirus and Anti what the need on the PC, because that take 20 minutes on PC to be infected.

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