Whats the best virus checker for a MAC

whats the best virus checker for a MAC

rkaufmann87 wrote:
And I'm of the school that says no virus checker is needed. This assumes the user has a minor amount of common sense and does download illegal software, visits *********** sites and keeps OS X up-to-date by using Software Update regularly.
I'm in almost full agreement with everything you've said except for the ************** sites part. Most current Mac malware comes from very ordinary and even top level sites these days. Flashback came from hundreds of main stream WordPress blog sites. The New York Times primary web site was spreading malware for 24 hours before it was discovered. Users can no longer feel confident of not being infected just because they avoid sketchy sites.

Similar Messages

What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac 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. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
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 find some other way to evade Apple's controls.
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. Beyond XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT, there’s no evidence of any benefit from other automated protection against malware. 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. How do you know whether a source 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 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.
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, Java on the Web is 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. In Safari, this is done by unchecking the box marked Enable Java in the Security tab of the preferences dialog.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a specific task, enable Java only when needed for the task and disable it immediately when done. Close all other browser windows and tabs, and don't visit any other sites while Java is active. Never enable Java on a public web page that carries third-party advertising. Use it, when necessary, 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. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
9. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may behave in ways that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
10. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.

Whats the best website domain for a mac?

Hi, i have a small business for cosmetic products, i also own a "mac bookpro", i would like to know what will be a good domain for my new website??? i have read too many reviews and im not sure what to choose. does apple has a program that i can use to create my new website??? insted of using a domain.
Thanks.

rkaufmann87 wrote:
And I'm of the school that says no virus checker is needed. This assumes the user has a minor amount of common sense and does download illegal software, visits *********** sites and keeps OS X up-to-date by using Software Update regularly.
I'm in almost full agreement with everything you've said except for the ************** sites part. Most current Mac malware comes from very ordinary and even top level sites these days. Flashback came from hundreds of main stream WordPress blog sites. The New York Times primary web site was spreading malware for 24 hours before it was discovered. Users can no longer feel confident of not being infected just because they avoid sketchy sites.

What is the best security system for a Mac?

I am curious as to what is the best security system for a Mac. Is it Norton or something else? I have a Macbook Pro with Lion and I want to make sure I avoid all of the viruses and malware out there.

Hi c,
General consensus here is to stay far, far away from Norton, and that most anti-malware software for Mac causes more issues than they will ever avoid.
Most Mac users run bare.
I still haven't seen anything in the wild, no OS X virus really going beyond proof of concept; some malware, yes, but not a virus. And the existing malware requires users to "open the door" and basically tell the malware it's ok to do its thing. I'm not sure there'll ever be software which can overcome the actions of such a user.
For those who feel the need, ClamX has been often suggested.

Adobe flash player 11 doesen't works on 10.8.1! what can i do? whats the best flash player for mac?

adobe flash player 11 doesen't works on 10.8.1! what can i do? whats the best flash player for mac?

First try deleting Flash Player by carefully following the instructions on Adobe's website:
http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html
Then install it again from this location only:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

What is the best DVD Creator for a Mac Book Pro to replace iDVD?

What is the Best DVD Creator for a Mac Book Pro to replace iDVD? Have Maverick OS.

I have already looked at other threads in this forum, so 'I venture forth' to ask my question here:
I have a 44 minute carefully edited iMovie with several chapter markers. I dimly recollect that when you 'dump' the entire movie into iDVD (my version is 7.1) it should detect the markers and create buttons to link to specific scenes. Well, the 'dumping' process obviously doesn't work.
How do you get iDVD to recognize the markers and ceate buttons to link?
I can create with iDVD a DVD that will play the movie in its entirety. This is not suitable for my purposes. I need access via a menu to specific scenes.
Thank you,
Klaus

Whats the best virus protection software to use?

Whats the best virus protection software to use that does not take up too much of the CPU and RAM?
for PC programs like norton and macfee take up way too much so I used bitdefender..
Is there such a program for the mac?

Virex http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/antivirus/file_serversdesktops/virex.html
Virus Barrier
http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/
Norton
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nav10 mac
Sophos
http://www.sophos.com/products/es/endpoint/sav-mac.html
Should head you in the right direction! -hope that helps!! -Digitol-

Whats the BEST Deployment Practice for appsTier (2 Node) with RAC Database

Hi All,
Whats the BEST Deployment Practice for appsTier on Shared APPL_TOP between two application tier Nodes and a RAC Database.
Regards
Satish

Satish,
Could you elaborate; are you looking for how to distribute the tiers(forms, web, conc., etc.); are you asking about PCP (parallelt concurrent processing)..
Regards,

Whats the best 500gb harddive for G5 june 2004?

whats the best 500gb harddive for G5 june 2004?
any links to uk website or give me the name and i'll look it up.

This one for sure...
Backwards compatible to SATA 1.5Gb/s or 3Gb/s systems.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Western%20Digital/WD5002AALX/
UK...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-Caviar-Black-WD5002AALX-internal/dp/B004DMFAJ2
Jumper settings...
http://wdc.cu

Hi Whats the best solar charger for my i phone 4

Hi. Whats the best solar charger for my iphone 4. Thanks James

Hi James,
I do a lot of biking and I found a company called Misuny that make a solar battery charger that your iphone slides into. You can charge it via USB and when I'm out and about it tops itself up by the solar panel. When your iPhone is running low on battery power just press the power button twice and it transfers the charge. It solved my problems! (although i cant make excuses to my wife that my battery ran out anymore!)
misuny.co.uk for UK orders and i think misunycanada.com for US.
Cheers!
Jason

Do any imacs come with a touch screen if not whats the best touch screen for a 2012 13inch macbook air

Do any imacs come with a touch screen if not whats the best touch screen for a 2012 13inch macbook air?
Thx

No they don't.
Apple's position is that touchscreens are for tablets and phones (in Apple's case the iPad and iPhone) and that OSX does not need a touchscreen - the trackpad and/or mouse is more flexible.
That may change in future but no one here knows.
In answer to your second question, there is NO touch screen available for the MacBook Air (2012 or any other vintage), nor for the MacBook Pro. If you must have a touchscreen, consider an iPad with a stand and a wireless keyboard. Alternatively, a Windows 8.1 laptop or desktop???

What is the best virus software for mac

I currently do not have Virus Protection for my Mac, what is recommmended?

I currently do not have Virus Protection for my Mac,
Yes you do. This is a common misconception.
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.
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.
The same precaution applies to Adobe Flash Player. Newly discovered Flash vulnerabilities appear almost weekly.
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 same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
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.

The Best Virus Program For The Mac?

Hi... I currently use Virus Barrier X6 w/ Net Barrier... What is the best Virus/Network Software for the Mac platform? Any Recommendations?
So far I've had no problems and Virus Barrier did detect one virus which came in the form of a junk email attachment. I was able to "eradicate it" and have had no other problems since... Is VirusBarrier a good application for protecting against malware, viruses, etc...? If not can someone recommend? And what about virus protection for the iPad? (I just ordered one)

OK... Than answer me this... Why is it only Windows which can be hit by a virus.
There are several factors that make Windows more vulnerable. (Some may have been changed in the latest Windows.)
Windows users normally run with privileges enabled because they are needed for common operations. OSX users can run in non-administrator accounts for normal use.
Some Windows applications, such as Internet Explorer, can have full access to system files, so can modify the system or install software without the user's knowledge. These applications can blindly follow instructions from web pages or mail messages. OSX's Safari has a limited set of file types considered "Safe", and won't open any others that may be downloaded. The worst that a "Safe" file can do is play a media file, or open a disk image to show the files contained, and instructions on installing. The user would have to start the installation, and enter an administrator name and password, to modify the system. You will be warned the first time you try to open a downloaded file that is an application, or wants to start an application.
Window's mail applications are happy to take commands from other applications to send files to other computers. OSX Mail will ask for permission when a new application tries to send mail.
To try and improve security, Windows has added many warnings for activities that could be suspicious, but they can occur so often that users often just click OK without checking.
Windows has the capability of automatically running application from a disc when it is inserted. This feature was used on CDs by music publishers to install new drivers to prevent copying, but can also install a virus. Just plugging in an infected USB memory stick can automatically infect your computer. Thee have been cases legitimate distributing of discs or memory sticks that were infected. IBM unknowingly distributed some recently at a security conference. There were infected USB sticks left in a parking lot of a government facility. Somebody who found one, plugged it into his computer to try and identify the person who may have lost it. It immediately installed a virus on the computer, which was on a secure, protected, network At one time, Mac OS had this "feature" but it was removed long before OSX, because it made it so easy to infect a computer. (There were some pre-OSX Mc viruses.)
Why are Macs and OS X invulnerable to viruses?
They are not invulnerable, but not as easy to infect. Occasionally security holes are found, but Apple provides security updates reasonably quickly.
I've never heard Apple claim there are no viruses out there for OS X and I don't think they would do so...
I think they did claim that in some TV ads. They didn't claim that there would never be any, though.
I'm not trying to start an argument... Rather trying to find out about some software. All I've received (aside from one) is there apparently are no viruses for OS X. Whatever...
Maybe they are right.
I've been in the IT Field long enough to know anything is possible. And even disconnecting from a network still doesn't guarantee anything. I'm sure you've put data CDs in your Mac.
Yes, but unlike Windows, that can't install anything automatically.
Maybe the word "Best" wasn't the right choice... I was looking for more of a comparison and instead I get another smart @ss answer.
That doesn't mean the answer is wrong. There are currently no OSX viruses out there. The anti-virus companies are desperately looking for some; so far unsuccessfully. They may even be trying to create some. That doesn't stop them ffrom climing tht there are such viruses. They often list the pre-OSX ones.

Whats the best web designer for mac?

My site, jayapps.co.uk, is built on iWeb. But whats the best designer to use? (Mustn't be flash)

I concur, this is what most professionals use. Dreamweaver is a horrible tool for this purpose, but it's favored because of it being packaged with other Adobe tools and there being a certain level of integration between them.
If you are on a Mac and not already tithing to Adobe, you might like Freeway Pro, or even something basic like Nvu might satisfy your needs.
Unfortunately, I've never really found what I would personally consider a reasonable platform for web-design: a powerful editor with integrated JavaScript debugger and real-time preview that can read actual HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the native format; one that handles refactoring and changing the filesystem layout properly, integrates image editing, etc.

Whats the best gaming controller for mac?

I have 27 inch i mac that works awesome with games. So wondering what the best controller to get would be so i dont have to use mouse and keyboard

I concur, this is what most professionals use. Dreamweaver is a horrible tool for this purpose, but it's favored because of it being packaged with other Adobe tools and there being a certain level of integration between them.
If you are on a Mac and not already tithing to Adobe, you might like Freeway Pro, or even something basic like Nvu might satisfy your needs.
Unfortunately, I've never really found what I would personally consider a reasonable platform for web-design: a powerful editor with integrated JavaScript debugger and real-time preview that can read actual HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the native format; one that handles refactoring and changing the filesystem layout properly, integrates image editing, etc.

Whats the best virus checker for a MAC

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for