I just bought Norton Internet Security suite. It has an auto unlock feature designed into the firewall. Does anyone beside me think this is an awkwardly hazardous feature in they're firewall design that needs to be reevaluate? If a hacker broke into your system and got access to your Norton firewall configurations, you would not know it because the firewall auto unlocks every time you turn on your computer. When you finally did realize your Norton firewall had been breeched, it would possibly be to late because your person files would have been compromised. With that said, would someone elaborate, or offer a firewall recommendation for Mac? I was thinking about purchasing Intego Firewall X6.
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Norton Internet Security Firewall
- Thread starter crtvmac
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I used the NIS Suite for years on Windows, but finally gave it up in favor of other tools, because it was such a resource hog. There's exactly zero need for it on a Mac, since the Mac OS X built-in firewall does just fine and there are zero viruses that run on Mac OS X, so there's no need for the AntiVirus tool.
If its a Norton/Symantic product - avoid it like the plague. Those programs seem to cause problems then what they're purportedly trying to fix/protect.
OSX has a built-in firewall actually two. The one with the GUI front-end that they produced and ispfw which is included and can be accessed via the terminal. Both of which I believe offer a better solution that norton
OSX has a built-in firewall actually two. The one with the GUI front-end that they produced and ispfw which is included and can be accessed via the terminal. Both of which I believe offer a better solution that norton
Maybe I did not express myself for full comprehension. When I said, "files compromised", I meant your personal files that you did not want strangers to view, not virus infected. Thanks for the input, just the same.
Thanks for the information.
I've decided to learn how to configure the build in firewall included with my Mac OS, based on the input I have gotten form this thread. Thanks for the input.
I agree that Norton is bad news.
As stated, you have two active firewalls if you're using Leopard or Snow Leopard, although one of them may have been turned off by default when you installed Snow Leopard, if you did. You can check that by going to Preferences -> Security -> Firewall.
Also note that virtually all routers provide hardware firewall protection.
If you want to test your vulnerability, check Shields Up! It will do a VERY thorough analysis. I know from past experience that Norton products add virtually nothing that Macs dont' already have built in.
As stated, you have two active firewalls if you're using Leopard or Snow Leopard, although one of them may have been turned off by default when you installed Snow Leopard, if you did. You can check that by going to Preferences -> Security -> Firewall.
Also note that virtually all routers provide hardware firewall protection.
If you want to test your vulnerability, check Shields Up! It will do a VERY thorough analysis. I know from past experience that Norton products add virtually nothing that Macs dont' already have built in.
I know you weren't referring to virus-infected files. I only mention it because Norton AntiVirus is part of the NIS Suite, so both the firewall and the AV components are unnecessary on Mac OS X.
Norton's software is generally as bad as malware. Until some time ago it was actually a huge pain in the ass to even remove it from the system. The only reason they're still in business is that they're selling in stores and there are lots of less computer-savvy folks around.
I know what you talking about concerning malware. You wouldn't want your file's information leaving your computer without your consent, some nefarious person taking control of your computer, or someone with a keylogger looking to illegally get rich at your expense by circumventing physically going to a bank. It would be in your best interest to safeguard against malware with some form of security software by some reputable software manufacture of your choice.
should i remove norton
Way before I found this website and taking the advice of an apple service rep, I actually bought Norton Internet Security for my 2006 imac. Today, I finally upgraded my ram and installed Snow Leopard on what will soon be my "backup" imac. Should I remove Norton from this old computer or is the damage done and just live with it hogging up ram and being unnecessary?
Way before I found this website and taking the advice of an apple service rep, I actually bought Norton Internet Security for my 2006 imac. Today, I finally upgraded my ram and installed Snow Leopard on what will soon be my "backup" imac. Should I remove Norton from this old computer or is the damage done and just live with it hogging up ram and being unnecessary?
If you plan on using the firewall thats incorporated within Snow Leopard, I personally would remove the Norton firewall application. It will free up space on your harddrive. You should only run one firewall application on your computer at any time. No, the damage is not done. You can remove the Norton firewall or all other applications bundle within the Norton Internet Security Suite. To preform removal of Norton applications, open your application folder. Then open the Symantec Solutions folder. In the Symantec Solutions folder you will find the Symantec uninstall.app; run that application. The rest of the uninstall procedure should be easy to follow within the uninstall window. Your upgraded ram will not be hogged up/affected by your Norton Internet Security applications or any other applications, unless you run those applications.
This sounds like my best bet. I took care of this in about thirty seconds. Should have found this site years ago..... Thanks for the advice.