Does a Mac need anti-virus protection?

[gtsgts]

After thinking about it long & hard I ordered the imac. I goggled this question, and got some conflicted information. Does a Mac need anti-virus protection? I had trend micro on my pc. If I am gonna need anti-virus protection, what are some recommendations?

[Icy1007]

No, you do not need any anti-virus on a Mac. Just like on PC you don't need anti-virus. Just be careful with what you download, but on a Mac you don't need to be anywhere near as careful as a PC.

[Lord Appleseed]

Turn on the integrated firewall and be careful with installing things from the internet so no Trojans/Maleware can infect your system.
Mac Viruses do no exist.

[McGiord]

No, you do not need any anti-virus on a Mac. Just like on PC you don't need anti-virus. Just be careful with what you download, but on a Mac you don't need to be anywhere near as careful as a PC.

In a PC just by browsing web on Internet Explorer you get any sort of malware and infections.

For you Mac you can install an antivirus if you want to, mainly it will be to clean any infected Windows file that you might receive in an email attachment and just to avoid spreading it to others.
Your Mac might not be affected at all, but other might see viruses coming from your emails, if the attachment that you are passing on are infected.

[Lord Appleseed]

Your Mac might not be affected at all, but other might see viruses coming from your emails, if the attachment that you are passing on are infected.
If you unknowingly pass on an infected file. They cant send itself though...as you know.

[maxinc]

I almost forgot they existed since I move to Mac a few years back. There is no replacement for vigilance but fundamentally Mac OS is a lot more secure than the PC. Never had an antivirus on the Mac and don't think I will waste any cpu clocks on them anytime soon.

[thejadedmonkey]

In a PC just by browsing web on Internet Explorer you get any sort of malware and infections.

For you Mac you can install an antivirus if you want to, mainly it will be to clean any infected Windows file that you might receive in an email attachment and just to avoid spreading it to others.
Your Mac might not be affected at all, but other might see viruses coming from your emails, if the attachment that you are passing on are infected.

Actually, IE 9 is supposed to be more secure than Safari 5.

[munkery]

Actually, IE 9 is supposed to be more secure than Safari 5.

At the moment, this is true. IE 9 has more sandboxing than the current Safari. The next release of Safari will surpass IE 9 in this regard.

For the OP, check out the links in my sig for tips on increasing the security of your Mac.

[GGJstudios]

After thinking about it long & hard I ordered the imac. I goggled this question, and got some conflicted information. Does a Mac need anti-virus protection? I had trend micro on my pc. If I am gonna need anti-virus protection, what are some recommendations?
No, it needs an educated and careful user. There has never been a virus in the wild that affects Mac OS X since it was released 10 years ago. The handful of trojans that exist can be easily avoided with some education and common sense and care in what software you install:
Mac Virus/Malware Info (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4)

[Badger^2]

For you Mac you can install an antivirus if you want to, mainly it will be to clean any infected Windows file that you might receive in an email attachment and just to avoid spreading it to others.
Your Mac might not be affected at all, but other might see viruses coming from your emails, if the attachment that you are passing on are infected.

As an OS X user, which is free from viruses, I dont see it as my job to protect PC users from their OS and its vunerabilities.

PC users are on their own.

[Chris5488]

Just watch out for malware and know what you are downloading/installing.

MacDefender is an example: it's malware which pretends to be an anti-virus program for Mac.
The installation may start automatic, but YOU are still the one who clicks on 'next'...

[gtsgts]

Something just popped up on my screen called apple security center saying it wants to remove Trojans. I haven't excepted to remove anything. What is this?

[theSeb]

Stop surfing dodgy porn and warez sites.

[simsaladimbamba]

Something just popped up on my screen called apple security center saying it wants to remove Trojans. I haven't excepted to remove anything. What is this?

Read the first part in the following FAQ:
Mac Virus/Malware Info (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4) by GGJstudios (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=186377)
There are currently no viruses for Mac OS X in public circulation, only a handful of trojans and other malware, which have to be installed manually via entering the administrator password.
The only anti-virus you need to protect your Mac is education and common sense.

[Georgio]

As far as I remember there has been a few 'viruses' for the Mac over the years but usually they're called 'worms' for some reason.

As the Mac platform becomes more popular prepare for an influx of 'defender' style attacks, you just need to be aware that frequenting 'dodgy' sites usually leaves something behind in your system.

It still makes me laugh that Microsoft made a fortune selling off the original 'tools' to enable companys to infect machines then offer you a paid subscription to remove 'their' virus.

Absolutely hilarious. :D

[dfine1966]

If the OP has bootcamp with Windows installed, it actually might be a good idea to have a AntiVirus program on the Mac side only to protect the bootcamp side, especially if you are sharing folders, at least that is my opinion. If I am wrong about this please let me know.

[MonkeySee....]

Something just popped up on my screen called apple security center saying it wants to remove Trojans. I haven't excepted to remove anything. What is this?

ignore it.

Please read GGJstudios post.

[simsaladimbamba]

As far as I remember there has been a few 'viruses' for the Mac over the years but usually they're called 'worms' for some reason.
Read the following FAQ to learn the differences:
Mac Virus/Malware Info (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4) by GGJstudios (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=186377)
There are currently no viruses for Mac OS X in public circulation, only a handful of trojans and other malware, which have to be installed manually via entering the administrator password.
The only anti-virus you need to protect your Mac is education and common sense.

As the Mac platform becomes more popular prepare for an influx of 'defender' style attacks, you just need to be aware that frequenting 'dodgy' sites usually leaves something behind in your system.
Still the user needs to actively install malware.
The Mac OS X Malware Myth Continues (http://seekingalpha.com/article/52722-the-mac-os-x-malware-myth-continues)

[theSeb]

As far as I remember there has been a few 'viruses' for the Mac over the years but usually they're called 'worms' for some reason.

As the Mac platform becomes more popular prepare for an influx of 'defender' style attacks, you just need to be aware that frequenting 'dodgy' sites usually leaves something behind in your system.

It still makes me laugh that Microsoft made a fortune selling off the original 'tools' to enable companys to infect machines then offer you a paid subscription to remove 'their' virus.

Absolutely hilarious. :DMicrosoft defender is free. What tools are you talking about? Unless you're talking about windows, your post does not make sense.

I love my mac but if you're going to bash, at least get some facts right.

[omyard]

My friend called me in a panic last week because he said a pop-up said his MacBook Pro was infected so he downloaded MacProtector and then he started getting a bunch of porn pop-ups. Turns out MacProtector is the malware. I told him Macs are virus free and to ignore things like that in the future.

[Badger^2]

My friend called me in a panic last week because he said a pop-up said his MacBook Pro was infected so he downloaded MacProtector and then he started getting a bunch of porn pop-ups. Turns out MacProtector is the malware. I told him Macs are virus free and to ignore things like that in the future.

Excellent advice.

Although the porn popups are unrelated.

http://www.remove-virus.net/mac-protector/

[TechnoDestructo]

Does a Mac need anti-virus protection?

ALL computers need virus protection.

[DisMyMac]

ALL computers need virus protection.

No they don't. Please ban yourself now and save the moderators' trouble.

A good way to test your browser and network security is at this site: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

If your system is up-to-date, your settings correct, and you don't fall for behavioral schemes, then you can be 100% certain that you won't have any problems.

[TechnoDestructo]

No they don't.
Thats just flat out ignorant.

Please ban yourself now and save the moderators' trouble.
Luckily the moderators are required to have a functioning brain, a requirement you failed to meet.

[maclaptop]

Does a Mac need anti-virus protection?

Absolutely

http://goo.gl/U1TSi

[old-wiz]

ALL computers need virus protection.

There has yet to be an OSX virus. Until that time, your statement is false. "All Computers" is a silly statement anyway; if, for example, you have a computer (any computer) that you only use to do your bookkeeping and it is never connected to any network and the only input is from the keyboard, then there is no need for anti-virus.

If you want to be technical, a standalone GPS is a computer; it receives signals from sats and calculates positions for display. There is zero reason for anti-virus on such a computer.

[old-wiz]

Absolutely

http://goo.gl/U1TSi

The MacDefender is a TROJAN, not a virus. It cannot do anything unless the user is foolish enough to install it by giving the admin password.

The Intego anti-virus mentioned in the article would not have done any good for a trojan.

[yustas]

The consensus seems to be that Macs do not need an antivirus/trojan software, but I am new to Macs and would like to have one. So the question is:

Is there is a good antivirus/trojan software program specifically designed for Macs? Something similar to Microsoft Security Essentials.

Thanks.

[MSM Hobbes]

The consensus seems to be that Macs do not need an antivirus/trojan software, but I am new to Macs and would like to have one. So the question is:

Is there is a good antivirus/trojan software program specifically designed for Macs? Something similar to Microsoft Security Essentials.

Thanks.

The best AV/Trojan s/w program is that which is within the noggin of the person who is operating the computer. As others have wisely stated herein and elsewhere,,, all you have to do is be educated and aware, including what Admin powers are, for example.

Stop surfing dodgy porn...

Good think I'm not interested in watching hounds having sex while hanging ten.



:p

[Sardonick007]

Thats just flat out ignorant.


Luckily the moderators are required to have a functioning brain, a requirement you failed to meet.

All these posts and only one person with enough sense to climb off the pedestal.
Anti malware/virus/etc is a layer in an overall good security program. Macs may not "need" the same protection as PC's and it's true that you can have a decent history without any protection using "common sense" but to breeze aimlessly through todays vast online media and communications alternatives and think you're fine because you're on one OS over another is just naive. Granted, I don't worry about viruses so much, but that doesn't mean I'm going to use nothing "until" something happens. Prudence is wise with the advances in technology that abound today.

[Clint007]

The choice of 8Antivirus http://mac-antivirus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/?cmpid=348060

[WillEH]

First thing I did was put Anti-Virus on my mac, even though everyone did the old line "macs can't get viruses!", etc. It's better to be safe than sorry. :D

[jtara]

On May 5, John Gruber, the proprietor of the world’s number-one Mac site, Daring Fireball, added my name to a long-running post titled Wolf! The quoted text was taken from my post, Coming Soon to a Mac Near You: Serious Malware.

Gruber’s point is that tech pundits and the makers of security software have been predicting this for years, and it hasn’t happened. But this time things really are different.


http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/crying-wolf-apple-support-forums-confirm-malware-explosion/3351


I can tell you for a fact, many, many people are falling for this attack. Our call volume here at AppleCare is 4-5x higher than normal and [the overwhelming majority] of our calls are about this Mac Defender and its aliases. Many frustrated Mac users think their Mac is impervious to viruses and think this is a real warning from Apple. I really wish I could say not many people will fall for this, but in this last week, we have had nothing but Mac Defender and similar calls.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/an-applecare-support-rep-talks-mac-malware-is-getting-worse/3342

[Stan Mikulenka]

Hi jtara,
this Bott guy is a well known hater of "anything Mac".
You should realize that that WHEN YOU STARTED READING the article named:
"Ed Bott's Microsoft Report"...

[munkery]

ClamXav (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/15850/clamxav), a free Mac AV solution, has definitions for MACDefender and variants. (http://vrt-blog.snort.org/2011/05/macdefender-and-its-variants.html)

The installer for this threat will be detected as soon as it reaches your system if you use the sentry feature to scan your "~/Downloads", "~/Library/Mail", and "~/Library/Mail Downloads" folders. Even if it reaches your system, the installer requires password authentication to complete installation. As always, be careful what you authenticate.

Previous searches that found this threat via Google no longer find the malware. It appears the SEO poisoning attack that caused redirection to the download site has been corrected.

Here is a link (http://clamav-du.securesites.net/cgi-bin/clamgrok?virus=osx&search-type=contains&case-sensitivity=No&database=daily&database=main&display=database&display=virus&.submit=Submit&.cgifields=database&.cgifields=search-type&.cgifields=case-sensitivity&.cgifields=display) to the Mac malware detected by ClamXav. Most of these are detected by XProtect, which is included with OS X Snow Leopard.

[MonkeySee....]

First thing I did was put Anti-Virus on my mac, even though everyone did the old line "macs can't get viruses!", etc. It's better to be safe than sorry. :D

Have you ever thought about installing IE9 on your mac?

Just trying to think of other pointless programmes you could stick on :confused:

[MonkeySee....]

Absolutely

http://goo.gl/U1TSi

I love the way the articles sums up at the end along these lines....

"Don't be knob" ;)

[dfine1966]

Again, I would reiterate that having an AV on the Mac is good when you interact with Windows machines, so you don't infect your friends, family or yourself(if you have bootcamp, and also sharing a drive with bootcamp and MacOS). It is true there are not many Mac virus' out there, but there are a lot of Windows Virus' that you could infect other people by you sending it through emails, etc.

[SkippyScud]

I tend to put AV on all my machines just in case. In the past Mac computers didn't need it really. Most virus creators want their filth to be distributed to the majority, which is Windows based machines. But with Apple picking up market share it's only a matter of time before the jackholes decide to start a movement to more Mac virus.

[GGJstudios]

As far as I remember there has been a few 'viruses' for the Mac over the years
Indeed, there were, over 10 years ago, with Mac OS 9 and earlier. So far, no virus has been released in the wild that affects Mac OS X.

Although the porn popups are unrelated.
Actually, they are related. If you actually install MacDefender, you'll get the porn popups, supposedly as a motivator to enter your credit card number to "upgrade" to the advanced version of MacDefender (where you'll probably get more advanced porn popups!)
ALL computers need virus protection.
False.
Thats just flat out ignorant.
Actually, your statement is the ignorant one. Read and learn: Mac Virus/Malware Info (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4)
Absolutely
You don't need antivirus software to defend against something the user can choose not to install.
The choice of 8Antivirus
You're actually going to take advice from someone who's only purpose is to sell you software?
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/crying-wolf-apple-support-forums-confirm-malware-explosion/3351
From that same article:
(By the way, if you’re dealing with this infection, you’ll need these removal instructions.)
The only "infection" that needs to be dealt with is user ignorance or foolishness. If a user is foolish enough to install some random app that pops up, without first checking it out, there's no antivirus in the world that will protect that user from their own ignorance.
Again, I would reiterate that having an AV on the Mac is good when you interact with Windows machines,...
Read the "What about sending files to Windows users?" section of the Mac Virus/Malware Info link.
But with Apple picking up market share it's only a matter of time before the jackholes decide to start a movement to more Mac virus.
Market share isn't the deciding factor. Also, no antivirus you install today can protect you from a virus that might be released in the future.

[SkippyScud]

no antivirus you install today can protect you from a virus that might be released in the future.

No argument there. It's more for peace of mind. Plus my wife's school provides it free with license till 2025, so why not.;)

[GGJstudios]

No argument there. It's more for peace of mind. Plus my wife's school provides it free with license till 2025, so why not.;)
Tie a purple string around your finger while you're using your Mac. That will provide just as much protection against a future Mac virus as having antivirus installed. Peace of mind without the drain on system resources! Not to mention the fact that some antivirus apps can actually increase a Mac's vulnerability to malware. Read the link I posted.

[TechnoDestructo]

First thing I did was put Anti-Virus on my mac, even though everyone did the old line "macs can't get viruses!", etc. It's better to be safe than sorry. :D

That, is a functioning brain. :)

[TechnoDestructo]

Originally Posted by TechnoDestructo View Post
ALL computers need virus protection.
True.
I know, thats why I said it.

Actually, the post before you statement is the ignorant one.
That falls into the "no duh" category.

[GGJstudios]

I know, thats why I said it.
That falls into the "no duh" category.
Your immature attempt to distort posts doesn't work. You seem to forget that everyone can see what was posted, exactly as it was posted. Try distorting this:
286076
Your games aside, your statement that all computers need virus protection is false. You don't need to protect a Mac from viruses that don't exist. I encourage you to read the link I posted and educate yourself.

[dfine1966]

Your immature attempt to distort posts doesn't work. You seem to forget that everyone can see what was posted, exactly as it was posted. Try distorting this:
286076
Your games aside, your statement that all computers need virus protection is false. You don't need to protect a Mac from viruses that don't exist. I encourage you to read the link I posted and educate yourself.

You say that Mac users shouldn't protect Windows users by putting on an AV on the Mac side. For me personally I will be running Bootcamp, where both Operating systems will be on the SSD and the second HDD will be formatted in HFS+ and use MacDrive to read and write to the drive. The only problem, and I wrote to both MacDrive and Kaspersky(I use KIS 2011 on Windows) and both are unsure if the windows AntiVirus will work properly to pick up a virus on that drive. The people from MacDrive suggested having an AV on the Mac side, Kaspersky wasn't sure. I am looking at my options to see what I need to make sure I am protected on the windows side. So when you say that it is up to the Windows side to protect with an AV, you are correct, but there might be some problems that you might just need one on the Mac side just to protect your own computer with both on it. Until I check it out for myself, I won't buy a Mac AV unless it is really needed because of complications on the Windows side.

[GGJstudios]

You say that Mac users shouldn't protect Windows users by putting on an AV on the Mac side.
No, I don't say that. If you read the link I post quite frequently:
However, a more prudent approach is for every Windows user to be protected by their own AV software, to guard against viruses from any source, not just those that might come from a Mac user.
So a more accurate reflection of my post is to say that a Windows user shouldn't depend on a Mac user running AV to protect the Windows machine.

If you have Windows antivirus running on Boot Camp, your Windows installation is protected. While you certainly can run AV on the Mac side if you choose, it's redundant and not necessary.

[cocky jeremy]

This question always makes me lol. You don't need antivirus. Happy browsing. ;)

[Badger^2]

Absolutely

http://goo.gl/U1TSi

You are as uniformed as Techno.

That is NOT A VIRUS. There are no viruses for OSX. None. Nada.

Heck, its not even malware.

Its "scareware" -- and even if you *do* download it -- all you do is give them your credit card number and they take your money. Period. You could mosst likely call your CC company and dispute the charges.

Its not my responsibility to protect PC users from themselves. PC get viruses. So if you own one, you need to protect yourself. My Mac doesnt. So I dont. Why would I own a motorcycle helmet if I dont have a motorcycle?

Im going to install Unicorn detection on my mac, it will work better than virus protection.

[Codpeace]

Im going to install Unicorn detection on my mac, it will work better than virus protection.
OMG did someone finally release good Unicorn detection software? I have needed this forever, literally. I am really hoping if I can get rid of the pesky Unicorns that the Virgins will go away.

[KurtangleTN]

If you do decide to go for an anti virus, I've heard good things about MacDefender.

(I should probably add a smiley or something to indicate I'm joking but oh well)

[Pintail]

OMG did someone finally release good Unicorn detection software? I have needed this forever, literally. I am really hoping if I can get rid of the pesky Unicorns that the Virgins will go away.

Thanks for that ... now having to wipe diet coke off my acer monitor...

[TechnoDestructo]

My games aside, your statement that all computers need virus protection is Correct. You need to protect your Mac from viruses that might exist.

I encourage you to explain why Apple requires all of their internal machines to have antivirus software installed.

[GGJstudios]

I encourage you to explain why Apple requires all of their internal machines to have antivirus software installed.
I encourage you to prove that claim. Even if you could, which I seriously doubt, that still doesn't lend credence to your statement. All computers do NOT need virus protection.

[TechnoDestructo]

Are you capable of reading the news sites?

I'm not your special-ed teacher, go learn for yourself.

[GGJstudios]

Are you capable of reading the news sites?

I'm not your special-ed teacher, go learn for yourself.
Translation: you can't prove it.

[simsaladimbamba]

The biggest virus still seem to be ignorance and stupidity I suppose. And it is increasing. Day by post by breath. And I am looking at you mirror.

Anyway, the safest method to not contract malware would be to not use the computer, but I found a way around it. I just installed Sophos, iAntiVirus, ClamXav, MacKeeper and CleanMyMac and spend an hour a day to clean the occasional file of stupidity I download from the world wild wet.

Anyway, GGJstudios, you should revise some of your statements to include such users as TechnoDestructo (fitting name) and their ignorance.

[TechnoDestructo]

Translation: I can't read.

Thats what I said.
Please call 1-800-ABCDEFG.

[GGJstudios]

Thats what I said.
Please call 1-800-ABCDEFG.
Your childish responses and misquotes aren't hiding the fact that you can't prove your claim about Apple or the fact that your statement about all computers needing virus protection is false.

[TechnoDestructo]

My responses hide the fact that my insecurity can't disprove your claim about Apple or the fact that your statement about all computers needing virus protection is correct.
I'll help you;
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Apple-Genius-Talks-quot-MAC-Defender-Has-Changed-Everything-quot-201572.shtml
“Internally, Apple’s [IT] department mandates the use of Norton Antivirus on company machines.”

http://www.osnews.com/story/24766/Apple_Enacts_Don_t_Ask_Don_t_Tell_-Policy_for_Mac_Malware
"This is difficult, as the store sells several antivirus products implying that Apple supports the idea, but as many customers point out, the sales guys aren't shy in making the claims for Mac OS X's security. Internally, Apple's [IT] department mandates the use of Norton Antivirus on company machines."

And there are many more reporting the same.

[GGJstudios]

I'll help you;
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Apple-Genius-Talks-quot-MAC-Defender-Has-Changed-Everything-quot-201572.shtml
an Apple Store Genius, who asked to remain annonymous
An Apple Store Genius, especially an anonymous one, is far from a reliable source. This forum is filled with examples of Apple "Geniuses" not having a clue what they're talking about. This is your "proof"? LOL!

http://www.osnews.com/story/24766/Apple_Enacts_Don_t_Ask_Don_t_Tell_-Policy_for_Mac_Malware
"This is difficult, as the store sells several antivirus products implying that Apple supports the idea, but as many customers point out, the sales guys aren't shy in making the claims for Mac OS X's security. Internally, Apple's [IT] department mandates the use of Norton Antivirus on company machines."
This assumption is hysterical. The fact that the store sells antivirus products only implies that Apple wants to generate revenue and profit.

If you're grasping for some evidence of Apple discussing anti-virus, look no further than their own site:
The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box. However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, antivirus software may offer additional protection.
From: http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/

That's a far cry from endorsing any particular antivirus product or suggesting that every computer needs virus protection.

[dfine1966]

Why don't we just stop this and admit it is user preference. If a user feels safer to buy an AV for the Mac, then they have every right to do that, since it is their machine. Does the Mac need AV protection, as of now, probably not, because there really isn't any MacOS malware, etc out there. MacOS's could pick up Windows virus from different internet sites or emails which would just sit on the Mac computer, not able to do anything that would interfere with the Mac, but possibly could be passed on to a windows computer. I know all Windows users should have an AV program, so a Mac user shouldn't have to worry, but some people still feel safer, even if it doesn't matter

Those that want to pay for AV, it is their preference. So quit the baby stuff.

[simsaladimbamba]

Those that want to pay for AV, it is their preference. So quit the baby stuff.

That still doesn't mean misinformation should be spread. Take a look at any of the virus threads via MRoogle (http://mroogle.edesignuk.com/), it will show you, that almost every time there is someone spreading such bogus feces.
But it gets old the more one sees such ****.

[MrWillie]

Just looking at the title of the Softpedia article made me laugh. But I read it And I clicked on the Ars link that the article references.

Read the Ars article.

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/05/malware-on-the-mac.ars/

This is one of the reasons why users who post links from Softpedia and ZDnet should be instantly banned.

This is also one of the downfalls of the Internet. People that can't get real journalism jobs (because they are not real journalist) can sit in their mom's basement and write whatever they want. And there will be a few people that will fall for it.

[bsamcash]

Tie a purple string around your finger while you're using your Mac. That will provide just as much protection against a future Mac virus as having antivirus installed.

It's true! I always have my purple string on and I have never gotten a virus!

[omyard]

I don't get the whole "better safe then sorry" mindset. Why waste system resources on something you don't need? It's pointless.

As for the mindset of "all systems need anti-virus software". That is 100% wrong. Mac's don't need it and neither do PCs. I've used PC's since for the last 15 years and until the last 3 years PCs were the only computers I used. For the bulk of that time I've been running without anti-virus software. I've never, ever had a virus. Once a year or so I'd download AVG, install it, run it and delete it since it never detected a virus.

How did I manage to avoid, viruses, trojans, malware, spyware, etc... and yet my parents couldn't? Easy, I paid attention to what I was downloading and from whom I was downloading it from along with paying attention to what I was actually installing and not just clicking through the screen. I also didn't follow stupid email links.

If you have an ounce of common sense you can easily avoid all these things. Then you won't have to slow down your PC or Mac with pointless software.

[7on]

No computer needs anti-virus. AV only works for KNOWN viruses. As in if there's a virus that's not been reported on and you get it you're SOL even with anti-virus.

And by the time AV rolls out an update, even Microsoft has that vuln. patched. So in reality AV really is just something on your computer sucking your wallet dry.

Malware is even less predictable. The people behind MacProtector can change the name to MacSecurity and all those antivirus programs would be worthless against it.

[GGJstudios]

The people behind MacProtector can change the name to MacSecurity...
They already did. First it was MacDefender, then MacSecurity, and then MacProtector.

[navyparent]

I've owned different Mac's for nearly 10 years. Several years ago Mac's were nearly immune to viruses and malware simply because so few people owned Mac's. Windows was the primary target for trojans and malware etc. But time's have changed and Mac's are increasingly becoming targets for Malware, viruses etc. How do I know this? Well, twice within the past 6 months my Macbook Pro has been infected with Malware. I'm not one who downloads just anything. I'm very careful before downloading. In fact both times that my Macbook was infected I was in Google doing a search. The most recent time my Macbook was infected was 2 days ago. I clicked on an image in Google search, and the next thing I knew my SOPHOS anti-virus kicked into action and a warning flashed on my screen informing me that my Macbook was infected with Malware. I immediately performed an anti-virus scan and discovered it was a virus disguised as an anti-virus. The exact title of the virus was anti-malware.dvp - SOPHOS transferred me to a page where I learned more about the Malware and how to remove it from my Mac. I HIGHLY recommend SOPHOS anti-virus for Macs. It's helped save my Macbook Pro twice. Here is the actual page that SOPHOS transferred me to when my Macbook was infected. http://www.sophos.com/en-us//threat-center/threat-analyses/viruses-and-spyware/OSX~FakeAV-DPU.aspx

[Rowf]

I've owned different Mac's for nearly 10 years. Several years ago Mac's were nearly immune to viruses and malware simply because so few people owned Mac's. Windows was the primary target for trojans and malware etc. But time's have changed and Mac's are increasingly becoming targets for Malware, viruses etc. How do I know this? Well, twice within the past 6 months my Macbook Pro has been infected with Malware. I'm not one who downloads just anything. I'm very careful before downloading. In fact both times that my Macbook was infected I was in Google doing a search. The most recent time my Macbook was infected was 2 days ago. I clicked on an image in Google search, and the next thing I knew my SOPHOS anti-virus kicked into action and a warning flashed on my screen informing me that my Macbook was infected with Malware. I immediately performed an anti-virus scan and discovered it was a virus disguised as an anti-virus. The exact title of the virus was anti-malware.dvp - SOPHOS transferred me to a page where I learned more about the Malware and how to remove it from my Mac. I HIGHLY recommend SOPHOS anti-virus for Macs. It's helped save my Macbook Pro twice. Here is the actual page that SOPHOS transferred me to when my Macbook was infected. http://www.sophos.com/en-us//threat-center/threat-analyses/viruses-and-spyware/OSX~FakeAV-DPU.aspx

Is this an advertisement?

Assuming that it isn't, the virus that Sophos 'saved' you from was MacDefender, or a variant of, which is a trojan that you have to install yourself.

You can find details of it here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4

The post also contains information concerning the differences between viruses, worms and trojans as well as links to other security concerns including Sophos.

[MonkeySee....]

I've owned different Mac's for nearly 10 years. Several years ago Mac's were nearly immune to viruses and malware simply because so few people owned Mac's. Windows was the primary target for trojans and malware etc. But time's have changed and Mac's are increasingly becoming targets for Malware, viruses etc. How do I know this? Well, twice within the past 6 months my Macbook Pro has been infected with Malware. I'm not one who downloads just anything. I'm very careful before downloading. In fact both times that my Macbook was infected I was in Google doing a search. The most recent time my Macbook was infected was 2 days ago. I clicked on an image in Google search, and the next thing I knew my SOPHOS anti-virus kicked into action and a warning flashed on my screen informing me that my Macbook was infected with Malware. I immediately performed an anti-virus scan and discovered it was a virus disguised as an anti-virus. The exact title of the virus was anti-malware.dvp - SOPHOS transferred me to a page where I learned more about the Malware and how to remove it from my Mac. I HIGHLY recommend SOPHOS anti-virus for Macs. It's helped save my Macbook Pro twice. Here is the actual page that SOPHOS transferred me to when my Macbook was infected. http://www.sophos.com/en-us//threat-center/threat-analyses/viruses-and-spyware/OSX~FakeAV-DPU.aspx

This post is a virus to my eyes.

Why do people sign up to troll. Way too much time on their hands.

[simsaladimbamba]

This post is a virus to my eyes.

Why do people sign up to troll. Way too much time on their hands.

It is more like spamming.

[Rlnplehshalo]

Macs can in some forms 'get viruses' but the chances are very low, and I myself have had a mac for over 5 years and never had any virus problems.

[simsaladimbamba]

Macs can in some forms 'get viruses' but the chances are very low, and I myself have had a mac for over 5 years and never had any virus problems.

How?
Or are you talking about Macs running Windows or classic Mac OS versions like System 6 or 7?

In any case you mean Mac OS X, please ignore the following FAQ to keep on being ignorant:
Mac Virus/Malware Info (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4) by GGJstudios (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=186377)
There are currently no viruses for Mac OS X in public circulation, only a handful of trojans and other malware, which have to be installed manually via entering the administrator password.
The only anti-virus you need to protect your Mac is education and common sense.

[old-wiz]

This post is a virus to my eyes.

Why do people sign up to troll. Way too much time on their hands.

Maybe they should do something else with their hands. :rolleyes:

[GGJstudios]

Several years ago Mac's were nearly immune to viruses and malware
Macs have never been immune to viruses or malware. No OS is immune. You have much to learn about malware as it relates to Macs. Also, Sophos is not recommended, as it can actually increase your Mac's vulnerability. The malware you installed yourself is a variant of the MacDefender trojan. The only way you had that installed on your Mac is if you were foolish enough to install it yourself, or gave someone else access to your Mac. No antivirus can protect a Mac from its greatest threat: the user.
Macs can in some forms 'get viruses'..
Macs CAN get a virus, but they don't, since none exist that run on Mac OS X.

[satcomer]

How about stopping said known trojan hosting site from yourself by using OpenDNS (http://www.opendns.com/) (they have a instructional video (http://www.opendns.com/support/videos/basic/)) because they use the spam reporting site PhishTank (http://www.phishtank.com/) reporting site to block known Trojan hosting sites.

So this way you never visit known trojan hosting sites. Plus never download a program from a "forum" you never been to before and also if you have never seen this poster before. Also don't trust IRC program sharing sites because there have been Trojans embedded in cracked Mac programs before.