Snow Leopard Security

[06Honda]

Other than the normally suggested things to do for safe internet use does a mac still using SL 10.6.8 need a virus app to add to the security since no further updates are issued for this OS.

 

[GGJstudios]

Other than the normally suggested things to do for safe internet use does a mac still using SL 10.6.8 need a virus app to add to the security since no further updates are issued for this OS.

There are vulnerabilities in all versions of OS X. Whether such vulnerabilities will ever be exploited or not is another question. An antivirus app won't provide any protection against malware beyond that provided by practicing safe computing, and no antivirus app will detect all malware. Having said that, if it makes you feel better to run an antivirus app, by all means do so, as long as you're not depending on it to absolutely protect you against all malware or against your own actions.

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 12 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.

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