I think I have a virus, maybe Flashback

[mpqtpie]

I'm beginning to think I might have a virus or trojan. Is there any way to find out for certain?

Here's why I think I might have something. My computer has been lagging and running more slowly. I get pop ups saying to update flash player. And I think I remember entering my password to download it. It will not let me install ios software updates (says there is an error). And I ran a code through Terminal from f-secure and got a long message back instead of an error code (which is supposedly a bad thing). Would it help to paste the message I got into this thread?

I downloaded f-secure's Flashback remover and it says I don't have Flashback. But I'm still not convinced, because something doesn't feel right. I also have Dr. Web Light scanning now and so far it's clean. Is it possible that they would not detect it if it's there?

I have a MacBook Pro, running on ios 10.6.8.

Is there a way to send a program through my computer to remove it if it's there? Is there a way to really find out for sure? Would buying and installing the latest ios version through Apple remove it and secure my computer? Thanks so much for any help.

 

[satcomer]

On your Mac goto System Preferences->Network pane, Advanced button, DNS tab and make sure it is pointed to your router or ISP.

 

[benwiggy]

Here's why I think I might have something. My computer has been lagging and running more slowly. I get pop ups saying to update flash player. And I think I remember entering my password to download it. It will not let me install ios software updates (says there is an error). And I ran a code through Terminal from f-secure and got a long message back instead of an error code (which is supposedly a bad thing). Would it help to paste the message I got into this thread?

When you try try to download software updates, exactly what happens? What is the exact wording of any error messages? Can you otherwise download stuff from elsewhere?
What Terminal commands did you run? It's never a good idea to run Terminal commands without at least some idea of what they do, and if possible, without knowing how to undo them. Yes, paste the response here.
Also, Macs run OS X, not iOS. iOS is for iPhones.

For issues of slowness, open Activity Monitor, and have a look at what processes are using up all the CPU or RAM. You can sort the tables by CPU% or Real Memory size.

Is there a way to send a program through my computer to remove it if it's there? Is there a way to really find out for sure? Would buying and installing the latest ios version through Apple remove it and secure my computer? Thanks so much for any help.

A program that could be sent to your computer to control it and delete stuff?? That's usually what security tries to prevent.

At the most, if you want to be absolutely certain, all you have to do is reinstall your current OS, change all your passwords and restore your data from your backup.

I'm beginning to think I might have a virus or trojan. Is there any way to find out for certain?

Consult the following Venn diagram:

 

[GGJstudios]

Yoy dont have a virus. Macs are not immune to malware, but no true viruses exist in the wild that can run on Mac OS X, and there never have been any since it was released over 10 years ago. The only malware in the wild that can affect Mac OS X is a handful of trojans, which can be easily avoided by practicing safe computing (see below). 3rd party antivirus apps are not necessary to keep a Mac malware-free, as long as a user practices safe computing, as described in the following link.

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.