What Virus Scan software is recommended
What Virus scan software do Mac Users like best? My experience using Windows previously is that they really slowed the CPU.
While I don't have an answer for the specific question at hand, i have to disagree with the other posters on this thread. In my book, good security practices go beyond my personal machine. They extend to the people I work and collaborate with.
What I mean by that is while viruses, malware and trojans may not affect me or my Mac itself, I think it's in everyone's best interest that I be cognizant that they do indeed exist and that they can make me a vector for infection--a digital Typhoid Mary, so to speak-- for my co-workers, classmates, or family who are using other platforms. I also need to realize that ignoring them out of hand, could lead to downstream exposure of my data and content if one of my collaborators machines get compromised by a bit of malicious code or app that I passed along to them.
Again, though, that's just my two cents, but I do think that's something worth chewing on. Everyone needs to take ownership when it comes to security.
Similar Messages
-
What virus scan software is safe for MacBook?
Is there a 3rd party virus scan software that is safe for MacBook?
Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" (AV) software. The usual answer is "no." That answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions.
It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. AV software is not intended to, and does not, defend against such attacks.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
☞ It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
☞ It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't been checked for security by Apple unless it comes from the App Store, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
☞ It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
☞ A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
☞ An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
Apple has taken far too long to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. Those lapses don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. Sandbox security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best defense is always going to be your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "Trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and Internet criminals. If you're better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it—not JavaScript—in your browsers.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a padlock icon in the address bar when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself.
7. Never install any commercial AV or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere. In order to meet that nonexistent threat, commercial AV software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
☞ By modifying the operating system, the software may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices. -
What malware scanning software should I use
What malware scanning software should I use? Any suggestions for good free software? Also is there a good free antivirus software too?
I use malwarebytes & FEP for Windows 7 pc but need to know what to install of this mac.
Thank youNone is really needed at present.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using ClamXav. -
Is there a virus scan software that interacts with iMS 5
We need to install a virus scan software on the iMS5 server that we already have.
All the research that I did would give us a virus scan software where incoming emails have to flow through before entering the messaging server. However , this is not what we need.
What I am looking for is for the messages to go directly into the messaging server, get scaned (or sent to be scaned) by the virus scanner and then delivered to the user mailbox (in case it is clean of course).
Anyone of you guys knows about such a solution?
Thanks for your assistance.This can be done easily. You will need a virus scanner that works from the command line on the platform you're using.
You'll integrate this with the MTA using the conversion channel. I do not know the size of your environment, but best practices says not to put the virus scanning on the message store system. (I'm used to doing systems to support 1M users and up.) For example at home I'm put everything on a single machine, you'll have to find the best place for your situation. Experience says that the conversion channel will add about 20% utilization to your system.
Here are some example entries for a conversions file on a unix based system.
in-channel=*; in-type=application; in-subtype=*;
parameter-symbol-0=NAME; parameter-copy-0=*;
dparameter-symbol-0=FILENAME; dparameter-copy-0=*;
message-header-file=2; original-header-file=1;
override-header-file=1; override-option-file=1;
command="<your-script-here>"
in-channel=*; in-type=image; in-subtype=*;
parameter-symbol-0=NAME; parameter-copy-0=*;
dparameter-symbol-0=FILENAME; dparameter-copy-0=*;
message-header-file=2; original-header-file=1;
override-header-file=1; override-option-file=1;
command="<your-script-here>"
in-channel=*; in-type=video; in-subtype=*;
parameter-symbol-0=NAME; parameter-copy-0=*;
dparameter-symbol-0=FILENAME; dparameter-copy-0=*;
message-header-file=2; original-header-file=1;
override-header-file=1; override-option-file=1;
command="<your-script-here>"
in-channel=*; in-type=audio; in-subtype=*;
parameter-symbol-0=NAME; parameter-copy-0=*;
dparameter-symbol-0=FILENAME; dparameter-copy-0=*;
message-header-file=2; original-header-file=1;
override-header-file=1; override-option-file=1;
command="<your-script-here>"
You could check the mail archives for the info-pmdf mailing list for more examples and possibly even an example shell script. -
Virus scanning software conflicts
We have had a problem in the past when we have had one of our Dynamic Vehicle Test computers running a labview executable program. The computer was connected to a network, and we would have problems with the program locking up when the virus scan software was active. Altruis virus scan software is what we used, but we had to deactivate the virus software, and disconnect the computer from the network.
We are now using Trend Micro Office scan virus software, and I was wondering if you have had any problems with executables locking up or freezing while this virus scannig software is active. We are (Autocartruck) currently upgrading our computers, and we would like to be able to recconect the computer to the network, and have the virus software active.
I am a Labview consultant here at Autocar, and I am trying to upgrade the computers they are using, and be able to run the Labview DVT program while the computer is connected to the network and the Virus software is active. In the past, they have experienced a problem with the program locking up, because of some system level commands being executed while the executable program is running. I have tried running a non executable version of the same program, and got the same results. However, I have not tried running either version with the Trend micro Office scan software. I would like to know if there have been any reported problems, or conflicts before I doI have seen all kinds of problems occur with virus software...I'd suggest suspending any scans while running ANY program, and do scans when users/programs are inactive. I can't comment on the specific software you are using though.
Use the rating system, otherwise its useless; and please don't forget to tip your waiters!
using LV 2010 SP 1, Windows 7 -
Is virus scanning software worth getting?
I've owned many Macs for many years. In the past (long past, circa OS 9 days), I used virus scanning software such Norton. But for many years now I just haven't bothered. Didn't seem necessary, and I was suspicious that anti-virus software caused more issues than it fixed. Not long ago, my WOW account was compromised, and though it's been fixed, and I've had no more problems since then, they claimed I could have a "key-logger" or some such other trojan/virus/worm that might have stolen my password. I'd appreciate any opinions on whether or not virus scanning software is a good thing, and if it is, what would you suggest for best programs out there. I don't mind paying for the software (i.e., it doesn't have to be free), but I'm more concerned about it being reputable and not mucking up my system, which other than that one incident, seems to be fine. Thanks.
In my opinion, not yet. One day it will be worth it, but that day is not now.
There are no viruses for Leopard. There is malware, there are the usual DNS-changer and other malware but no viruses.
If you are using the firewall, and don't usually run the computer as an administrator and don't use limewire or other bit-torrent stuff and are careful about your email, then you don't have anything to be concerned with.
An occasional online scan using MacScan or some other tool might alleviate any uneasiness you might have, but I don't think that on a well maintained and used Mac anyone will have an issue.
If you have Windows on the same machine, or on your network, you might consider one of the free A/V tools, but don't consider Norton or McAfee at all. They cause more problems then they don't solve. -
experiencing difficulty w/ laptop
attempting to back up and update os software.
checked permissions and now feel the computer is running sluggish ?
any free virus scan software recommmended?Regarding anti-virus software, and how to protect yourself against malware, see my Mac Malware Guide.
However, your problems are undoubtedly not related to any kind of malware.You'll need to provide more details about what's going on for us to suggest anything specific, but you can start with my Mac Performance Guide.
Note that if you're having performance issues, you should under no circumstances add any anti-virus software until the problem is resolved, as having anti-virus software running will probably just make the problems worse. -
as of lately my iCloud mail box as been full of junk mail ....... in iCloud preferences you can only send 99 different address directly to trash? what Virus & Malware do you recommend for my iMac, iPad and iPhone ............ thank you !!!!
as of lately my iCloud mail box as been full of junk mail ....... in iCloud preferences you can only send 99 different address directly to trash? what Virus & Malware do you recommend for my iMac, iPad and iPhone ............ thank you !!!!
-
How do I temporarily disable virus scanning software and firewall software to install a program?
I have a Hallmark Card Studio Special Edition. I have been unable to install it. I asked Hallmark and they told me how to do it, but I need to disable both the virus scanning software and firewall software to start the installation over.
Which problems are you experiencing if you visit that website?
Clear the cache and the cookies from sites that cause problems.
"Clear the Cache":
* Firefox > Preferences > Advanced > Network > Offline Storage (Cache): "Clear Now"
"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:
* Firefox > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies: "Show Cookies" -
What virus protection do you recommend?
What virus protection do you recommend for MacBook Pro?
I simply recommend practicing safe browsing habits, such as not opening files or attachments from unverified sources and never provide your user name and password unless you're certain of what you're doing.
Point in case: There is a malicious application currently floating around which goes by various different names, such as Mac Defender and Mac Security. When this piece of malware is downloaded and run on your computer, it will ask you to install it and you will be asked to provide your user name and password for it to gain access to your computer. By not providing this information, the malware is unable to cause any harm your computer. -
PLEASE DO NOT DISABLE MY ADD ONS. INSTEAD AMEND YOUR OWN SOFTWARE. I DO NOT WANT YOU TO DISABLE MY VIRUS SCAN SOFTWARE TREND MICRO ANY LONGER. TREND MICRO IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN FIREFOX!
I assume you're referring to the Add-On Compatibility Checker disabling your extensions when you update?
To disable Add-On Compatibility Checking you can follow the following steps:
1) Enter "about:config" into the URL bar (no quotes)
2) Right click and create a New Boolean
3) Name it: extensions.checkCompatibility
4) Set it to: False
You can now restart Firefox and it will no longer disable your addons.
Keep in mind that without the Compatibility Checker Firefox can't guarantee that your extensions will work with the latest versions. -
What virus scan if any is on the original iPad when you buy it
What virus protection if any is on the original iPad. When you buy it?
Lets consider a few things, is the iPad generally safe on the interwebs without some sort of third party scan (scam) ware in your premise.
Lets risk assess how many most/all PC and later day Mac systems become infected/compromised .
They are auto downloads through a browser or Email attachments with auto-scripting of some sort.
Open ports (no fire walling)
Social engineering.
And via Flash scripting.
1) Now as for the IPad, built in protection consists of preventing virtually anything being downloaded/installed via the web browser. PDF can be but viewed within a sandbox.
2) All authorized apps are distributed and installed only via Apples approval process via the App Store and ITunes
(Some corporates can install their own software via private channels at a cost)
3) A factory (Not jailbreaked) ios device has no access to command line so no ports can not be opened with ease.
4) Social engineering - this usually involves driving the victim to their web browser then see point 1 above or point 5 below.
5) Apple and Adobe haven't found a way to get a version of Flash to work on ios devices within the Apple released developer SDK and APIs. So no risk of running compromised Flash in foreseeable future at least not on a factory ios device.
6) You do however run the very real risk of theft and even this has been considered with Find My iPad/iPhone apps and remote locking and system wiping functionality.
Other than adding resource overhead what else could third party virus scanning do on such a locked down system ? -
I have reloaded the computer from an old image, re installed the software still get the same message. Virus definitions updated before scan.
Could this be a false positive due to some of the code in photoshop?
I keep a clean shop, update as updates come out, update virus can software before system scans.
Anyone else seen this?
Thanks
JimJim there have been other postings about the new Adobe applications being misidentified as possible viruses. Please contact your virus protection company so they can update the definitions appropriately.
-
Hey all,
I have a client that is running McAfee on their Win 2000 server with Oracle 8i. I've heard in the past that virus protection software and databases are a no-no, but I can't find any documentation confirming my feelings.
As it stands MCSHIELD is a greedy sucker, taking 100% CPU almost all the time, but this fact alone is not enough for the client to remove it in favor of securing the box by other means. Does anyone have documentation supporting this? Alternatively, am I way off base here?
As always, thanks,
PeteHi
Anti-Virus softwares slows down everything, since they tend to open/read every file in your system.
On our server i have Norton Corporate 9, Oracle9i Rel2, Win2K3 in which i have excluded the database directory.
But i didn't experiance any performance issues caused by the Anti-Virus.
I suggest too, de-activate the Anti-Virus and give it a test.
Oh, one more thing if you have CPU 100% all the time, my guess is that the server is infected with a virus.
Regards
Tony S. Garabedian -
When setting up virus scan software...
What folders should I have it auto-scan daily at start-up? I don't want to waste time on folders that are unnecessary.
I'm using "ClamXav", ThanksHello htowncoog:
Welcome to Apple discussions.
I would suggest that you not bother with AV software at all. You will get differing opinions, but at this time, there are NO documented viruses that affect a Mac running OS X. If one appears, no AV software will catch it initially as there would be no signature file. AV software consumes computer resources, as you know.
Having said all that, if you do run it, I would not be especially concerned about the auto-scan parameters - you have already decided to use the cycles to scan.
Barry
Maybe you are looking for
-
Cannot install ITunes--Mesage is "Apple Application Support was not found. Apple application Support is required to run ITunes Helper. Please uninstall ITunes, then install ITunes again. Error 2 (Windows Error 2)
-
Net value in source system and BW differ
Hi Gurus, Some times like ' net value in source system is not matching with the net value in BIor BW for example net value of a product' why this happens even though the requests are loaded with out any issues , I mean If any loading errors occu
-
IPhone calendar faile to search for future events more than 1 year
Dear guys, I can't search for future events more than 1 year later. Is it a common scenario? Many thanks!
-
Hi, being an Oracle Developer, I recently installed Oracle XML Publisher. At first it went apparently fine, but one day it suddenly wouldn't start anymore ... No, you may be wondering why I'm posting this on an JSM forum? Well, I got the following me
-
can open by dragging file to app icon on dock, or by right-click on file and select open with, but cannot open with open file from file menu or by double-click on file in files panel.