Why is Norton Anti-virus bad for mac?

Hi,
I like to know why Norton Anti-virus is bad for mac? Someone told me it's because norton digs around in the directory and that's a no no. Has anyone had bad experiences with norton? I like to know the pros and cons, thanks.
Tom

Hi, Tom.
NAV is not "bad for mac."
Do not believe the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) spread about Norton AntiVirus. A good bit of that is undeserved, especially when it comes to NAV 10, which is the Tiger-compatible version and what I use.
I recently engaged in a debate on this subject in this thread, so you can read some of my thoughts there in response to the usual FUD spread about NAV and Symantec Norton products in general.
There are security threats that can affect your Mac besides those cited by Kurt. There is more than the mere threat of passing along Windows viruses.
See my "Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware" FAQ for my recommendations as well as a list of some recent Mac OS X security threats that have emerged, including Trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

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My bank has offered me Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 for Mac for Free, should I bother?

Thoughts?
I am a reasonably experienced Mac user, have never had a problem (that I am aware of) with security on my iMac.
I'm erring towards, what's the point, why bother.
But I thought I would throw it out there?
Perhaps another question is, what steps should I ensure that I have done to MAXIMISE the security that is built into OSX?
I am running 10.6.8
Thanks,

Chipstix wrote:
what steps should I ensure that I have done to MAXIMISE the security that is built into OSX?
Don't do any online banking with amounts your not comfortable losing.
Keep the bulk of your funds entirely on your banks electronic systems accessible only in person and transfer as needed to less secure accounts that are on ATM/checking/debit card type accounts.
It annoys my bank to no end that I come in once every month or two to transfer money and gets some cash, but it puts people to work and I don't get ripped off.
If you've read the horror stories I have where people's entire online accounts gets transferred to another country with little enforcement or extradition, you would do the same.
Mac's are a bit more secure than Windows, but it's really just smarter choices playing on Roulete, eventually you play long enough the House takes your money no matter how good your luck or skill is.
So the smart choice is don't play, or only take to the table what your willing to lose.
All your doing with installing anti-virus on a Mac is cleaning the Windows files if you got malware on them, it's not doing you a bit of good.
OS X already has XProtect watching for malicious trojans, and your not a dumb smuck that will install a trojan, so there is currently no need for anti-virus, causes more problems that it solves as Apple changes things all the time, which throws off the anti-virus software and gives errors, false positives or hozes the system, even creates security vulnerabilites!
There is new malware all the time, operating systems are flawed, especially Lion. It's like Apple is capitalizing on all the free security support of the computer community and just throws a unproven OS X version out there and allows it's user base to be guinne pigs.
https://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/apple-ships-mammoth-security-update-101311

Anti-Virus Solutions For Mac OS X Server 10.3/10.4 and clients

Hello. I am currently researching an anti-virus solution, for our network, consisting around 60% Mac's.
Does anyone know of any decent packages, that I could implement, I have looked at a few, and I'm not confident in using them, mainly from prior experience, with standalone units, let alone on a network.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated !!

Done

Is it necessary to install an anti-virus software for mac?

As above. Thanks.

The only reason I have ever seen to install
anti-virus on my Mac was to satisfy my corporate IT
guys requirements that I am running up-to-date
anti-virus software before putting my Mac on their
LAN.
I basically launch it if they want to see it, then
close it...because its useless
If your company's IT staff is not so bright, write up a shell script that echos stuff as if its scanning for virus. Something like
#!/bin/bash
echo "Scanning for virus"
sleep 2
echo "..."
sleep 4
echo "0 Virus(es) found"
exit
stick that in a file, chmod +x, run from terminal with 'sh files' or './file'
BlackBook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Is there an anti virus program for mac 9.1? Think I have a virus

I don't use an anti virus - using outlook express I got a strange message with no subject or sender - just a blank line. I tried deleting it but it wouldn't be deleted. Since then every time I try to delete it - it crashes the system. Same with Internet Explorer. And now my main screen icons will just 'disappear' from the screen then it crashes.
I tried looking for an antivirus but all of them seem to be for 9.2 or higher and I don't know what to do - if I upload to 9.2 will I loose any programs or files - new to this from the PC world. Thanks
G4 Mac OS 9.1.x

Hi, debbieM -
Welcome to Apple's Discussions.
It is doubtful that you have a virus - no virus which can harm OS 9 has been released in well over 10 years.
Getting a message every now and then with no subject and no body is not unusual. There are a couple of ways to get rid of a message without opening it.
Click on an adjacent message which is okay to delete, then hold down the Shift key and select the blank messages - none of them will open. Once you have selected all the ones for deletion, press the Delete key.
Or, click and hold on a message; or press the Control key and click and hold on a message. A contextual menu should appear; one of the choices in that menu shuld be to delete the messge. If you choose that, it should happen without the message ever opening.
Things you can do to make Outlook Express run smoother -
• Increase the Preferred memory allocation for it. Adding 20 or 30 thousand to the original Preferred amount, or even more if you have sufficient RAM, is not excessive.
Article #18278 - Assigning More Memory to an Application
• Compact the databases. To do that - with OE not running, hold down the Option key and start up OE. A splash screen will open, asking if you want to compact the database files - click okay, and follow the prompts.
For Internet Explorer, increase its Preferred memory, a lot. Adding 30 to 50 thousand is not excessive.
And now my main screen icons will just 'disappear' from the screen then it crashes.
That could indicate one or more other problems.
• How full is your hard drive? It is good practice to not allow your hard drive to get more than 85% full. When it does get more full than that, odd behaviors including an unstable OS begin occuring.
• Try rebuilding the desktop file (note that the desktop file has very little to do with the desktop). To rebuild the desktop safely, restart - immediately hold down the Shift key until you get the "Extensions Off" message; then release Shift and hold down the Command and Option keys until you get the splash screen asking if you want to rebuild the desktop; click yes (or okay). Once that's done, restart to turn your extensions back on.
• Boot to your most recent OS 9 Install CD, one valid for that machine - ideally it would be OS 9.1, the same as is on the machine. Once booted to the CD, run Disk First Aid from the Utilities folder on the CD. Let DFA have a look at your hard drive, and allw it to repair what it can - it may take more than one pass to do this, especially if the drive is rather full.
If DFA finds things it just can't fix, post back with the description of the problems found.
if I upload to 9.2 will I loose any programs or files....
Updating the OS from OS 9.1 to OS 9.2.1 should not cause any loss of files.
However, in general updating an OS is not a fix for a damaged or unstable OS. It is better to get the OS now on the drive healthy before updating it.
When the machine goes unstable (icons begin disappearing, etc.) are there any error messages?

Do we need anti virus softwares for Mac book pro?

do we need antivirus softwares for mac book pro?

That is a complex question, whose answer depends greatly on you. See my Mac Malware Guide for the information you need to protect yourself and to make a decision about anti-virus software.

What is the best Anti Virus Software for MAC?

Is Norton still number one, or does anyone recommend a more reliable and efficient software?

The facetious (but largely true) answer, lemacman, is OSX.
I've yet to see any virus checker that doesn't cause far more trouble than viruses do on Macs running under OSX.
Nortons / SAM AV was , mostly, the best under OS's up to OS9. That doesn't mean that it didn't cause problems, but it was generally better than the others. I used it briefly under OSX until one of the updates did something nasty (deleting all of my email, from memory) .
Virex became popular in some quarters for a while but unfortunately at one stage had the unfortunate habit of making peopl's processors run at 100% , causing overheating and other problems in iMac G5s and the like. If I had a quid for every occasion I had to tell someone to remove Virex at that time I'd be a financial rival to Donald Trump!
etc etc etc.
If you really feel you HAVE to have a virus checker, the only one I'd even consider at present is the free ClamX AV . There is a bit of a problem in that you have to use the public beta version if you are running Snow Leopard, but I have little doubt that even a public beta of it will cause less hassles than the current releases of the various commercial offerings!
So - given the number of Mac OSX affecting viruses "out in the wild" at present (none) - the safest course is not to use any, but if you really feel as insecure using your Mac without one as walking down the street without your pants on, then my vote would be that you go for the public beta of ClamX AV.
Cheers
Rod

Anti virus program for mac? nessesary?

I will soon purchase a mac book and I am wondering if I should install anti virus software on it.
Is it a good idea to install macafee or other anti virus or is it just a resource hog?

Alex:
There is no known virus for Mac OS X. OS X has a great security system of its own. If you implement the system fully you will be ahead of what a-v software can do for you. Take a look at Security: OS Hardening and follow the links to the other Security titles. You may want to look at the Corsaire White Paper linked in the article.
I have never used a-v software, nor have a lot of other mac users. However, if a-v software helps you sleep better at night, the utility of choice for Mac users is ClamX.
Please don't hesistate to post back with further questions or comments.
Good luck.
cornelius

Recommendations for anti-virus, spyware for mac.

Any suggestions for virus, spyware programs or is the OS strong enough to do without?

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 "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Is norton anti-virus working in Mac system

I receive a message that Norton toolbar is disabled. Does this disable the anti-virus program?

Only disables the Norton toolbar and its functions. It can be re-eanbled.
Norton toolbar update for Firefox 8 has been released --> http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-360/Firefox-8-Support-for-Norton-Toolbar/td-p/581640
You may need to re-enable 2 extensions for Norton in Add-ons > Extensions after installing Firefox 8. Firefox 8 automatically disables third-party Add-ons. When starting Firefox 8 for the first time ('''''and only the first time startup of Firefox 8'''''), you are given the option to check the items that you want enabled. After that, enabling Add-ons can be done in Add-ons > Extensions.
*See --> [https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Add-ons%20are%20disabled%20after%20updating%20Firefox Add-ons are disabled after updating Firefox]
See --> https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/893790
'''If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when <u>signed-in</u> to the forum.'''

Please recommend anti virus software for Mac Book Pro

Also, are there any system tools to do regular maintenance for the Mac to keep it running at its best?

Hi Marie,
Basically there are no viruses for Mac, so if there is malware. To get rid of this problemI recommend MacScan.
On the other hand, I recommend that you install software you do not use, in which case you want to install to test and then remove it, use AppZaper this app application completely eliminates the documents while away.
Greetings

Anti-virus software for Mac

Hi,
I have had an ibook G4 since March, 2005 and I want to get an anti-virus to protect my machine better, does Apple sell a anti-virus software?
thanks

Canadian_gal,
Sell? Not exactly. Apple does, however, ship the open-source clamav antivirus in OS X Server.
clamav is the standard antivirus in the BSD world.
There's a user-friendly version written by Mark Allan called ClamXav that uses the same antivirus engine.
It's light on the system, tends to update faster than commercial antivirus software, and is free (donation requested).
-Wayne
Edited for clarity.

Do you need anti virus software for mac book pro

Is it true that the new mac book pro computers are now more susceptable to virus attacks and malware then the Mac books made 5 years ago.
If this is true what is being recommended to protect your mac book pro?
thank you

OS X has got its own security systems, so you don't need any security application. Don't use any commercial antivirus. If you want more information about OS X and malware, see > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg
If you want an antivirus, use ClamXav or Sophos, but as I said, you don't need these applications.
Now, there are some viruses for OS X. However, they are not serious, so you just need to keep your Mac updated, because the most recent Mac OS X versions include important security improvements

Macbook durability/Best Anti Virus Program for Mac

I was just curious to know how durable the macbook is? Ive brought it to college today and I am making sure I carry my bag carefully without bumping it at all. So how durable is the macbook to little bumbs? Also there is no problem with it being on its side in my bag right? like its a laptop right? lol AND I have been looking at the adult site :P hehe and im just paranoid that my macbook might become inffected! I have ClamXv or wutever its called but I was wondering if there was anything better than this out there?
Thanx!

The MacBook is pretty darn durable with its poly shell. It is much more resistant to dings than the MBPs.
AV software is a good idea, but many Mac users do not bother as there are no viruses for OS X. You have ClamXav and that is the most recommended AV software since it is good and free.
No need to pay for additional AV software.

I want to get Norton Anti-virus Toolbar for Firefox 17.1. Does anybody know IF and/or WHEN this can be done?

I just downloaded the newest version of Firefox - 17.01.4715 - but now my Norton Antivirus toolbar no longer appears. I've updated everything, etc.but the Norton people told me I'd have to go BACK to Firefox 16 for the toolbar to work. That is unacceptable. Does anyone know if there's a fix for this? Or when Norton will get off their royal behinds and update their toolbar so it IS compatible?

Thank you everybody! So grateful for your support. Everything was helpful, and the issue is now resolved.
Blessings for your kind-heartedness.

Why is Norton Anti-virus bad for mac?

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