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PC Spyware

gslrider

gslrider

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 4, 2005
338
9
Can a PC spyware affect a Mac? A friend of mine sent me an exe file, Symantec Endpoint Protection detected a Spyware.Perfect virus. I looked up what that was and found out it is a keylogger. Every now and then I open exe files (using CrossOver) sent to me by known sources. Most times the files are clean. This is the first time I've detected something. But considering it's a PC file virus, would it still affect my system? I haven't opened it yet, and my friend hasn't experienced anything on his Mac, or detected anything. Don't think I'll be launching that file, I'm just curious more than anything else. Thanks.
 
gslrider said:
Can a PC spyware affect a Mac? A friend of mine sent me an exe file, Symantec Endpoint Protection detected a Spyware.Perfect virus. I looked up what that was and found out it is a keylogger. Every now and then I open exe files (using CrossOver) sent to me by known sources. Most times the files are clean. This is the first time I've detected something. But considering it's a PC file virus, would it still affect my system? I haven't opened it yet, and my friend hasn't experienced anything on his Mac, or detected anything. Don't think I'll be launching that file, I'm just curious more than anything else. Thanks.
Click to expand...
No Windows programs, including malware, can run on Mac OS X, so none can affect your Mac. No viruses exist in the wild that can run on Mac OS X, and there never have been any, since it was released 10 years ago. The handful of trojans that exist can be easily avoided with some basic education, common sense and care in what software you install. Also, Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Lion have anti-malware protection built in, further reducing the need for 3rd party antivirus apps.
 
gslrider said:
Can a PC spyware affect a Mac? A friend of mine sent me an exe file, Symantec Endpoint Protection detected a Spyware.Perfect virus. I looked up what that was and found out it is a keylogger. Every now and then I open exe files (using CrossOver) sent to me by known sources. Most times the files are clean. This is the first time I've detected something. But considering it's a PC file virus, would it still affect my system? I haven't opened it yet, and my friend hasn't experienced anything on his Mac, or detected anything. Don't think I'll be launching that file, I'm just curious more than anything else. Thanks.
Click to expand...

It will possible not affect your system, but if you worry that your computer may affected by virus, never download any unknown or unfamiliar files and software.
 
Last edited:
Thomas-Symantec said:
GGJstudios is correct. Windows viruses cannot run on a Mac OS, and vice versa.

Here is an informative Symantec webcast "Threats and Vulnerabilities on the Mac".
http://www.symantec.com/podcasts/detail.jsp?podid=hho_threats_on_the_mac


Regards,
Thomas
Click to expand...

Looks like we have a shill for Symantec on the forum.

Any advertising from a company that makes anti-virus is of very dubious dependability. They are in the business to sell software, and they will do most anything to get you to buy.
 
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