The Ten Most Dangerous Mac Viruses

[atlanticza]

So they do exist...From PCmag

 

[chrono1081]

Sounds more like a paid ad.

I can't take ANY article seriously that recommends Norton/Symantec products.

 

[thekev]

Unfortunately the author doesn't understand malware. Note all of the installers. At least with those shown in the link, you had to do something stupid to acquire the infection. This is not the same as a virus. People make the same mistake on Windows. Either way the author is uneducated.

 

[chrono1081]

Unfortunately the author doesn't understand malware. Note all of the installers. At least with those shown in the link, you had to do something stupid to acquire the infection. This is not the same as a virus. People make the same mistake on Windows. Either way the author is uneducated.

This.

If the user sees it, its probably not a virus.

 

[John T]

Which proves the point that you don't want to believe everything you read on the Internet - or even MacRumors!

 

[eawmp1]

Ah, the old virus versus malware debate. Almost as useful as the "is the 4S the 5" debate. Bottom line, if you get alware on your Mac you actively allowed it. Dot allow it and you don't need some third party software the computer journalists are likely getting kickbacks to promote.

 

[Tumbleweed666]

It's like a list of "the ten most dangerous snakes that might attack you unawares*" but it's actually stories about people who climbed into the lion or tiger enclosure at the zoo. And no snakes mentioned.



* that would be you unawares, not the snakes

 

[GGJstudios]

So they do exist...From PCmag

Not a single one of those is a virus. Read the following link to understand the differences in various forms of malware. 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. You cannot infect your Mac simply by visiting a website, unzipping a file, opening an email attachment or joining a network. The only malware in the wild that can affect Mac OS X is a handful of trojans, which cannot infect your Mac unless you actively install them, and they 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.

Mac Virus/Malware FAQ​

1. Make sure your built-in Mac firewall is enabled in System Preferences > Security > Firewall
   
   
2. Uncheck "Open "safe" files after downloading" in Safari > Preferences > General
   
   
3. Uncheck "Enable Java" in Safari > Preferences > Security. Leave this unchecked until you visit a trusted site that requires Java, then re-enable only for your visit to that site. (This is not to be confused with JavaScript, which you should leave enabled.)
   
   
4. Check your DNS settings by reading this.
   
   
5. Be careful to only install software from trusted, reputable sites. Never install pirated software. If you're not sure about an app, ask in this forum before installing.
   
   
6. Never let someone else have physical access to install anything on your Mac.
   
   
7. Always keep your Mac and application software updated. Use Software Update for your Mac software. For other software, it's safer to get updates from the developer's site or from the menu item "Check for updates", rather than installing from any notification window that pops up while you're surfing the web.

That's all you need to do to keep your Mac completely free of any virus, trojan, spyware, keylogger, or other malware. You don't need any 3rd party software to keep your Mac secure.

Unfortunately the author doesn't understand malware. .... Either way the author is uneducated.

No kidding! This is another reason not to believe everything you read. Here is the malware "authority" who wrote the article:

​

 

[satcomer]

"The thing to remember the most import security failure is between the keyboard and chair."

Remember this ALWAYS! Even Windows users can use avoid 99% of 'bad things on the Internet" by using Common Sense!

1. Don't open any attachment if you are not expecting it! If in doubt, call the person to verify the sent attachmnet. Better be safe then sorry.

2. Stay away from programs that "fell from the back of the truck". A couple of Mac Trojans were distributed this way (i.e. - iWork Trojan).

3. Use your head. Stay up with Mac news from places like MacRumors and MacWorld as well as other places.

4. Pay attention to the forum poster GGJstudios. He will post some good articles on Mac Trojans, when they appear.

5. Always stay upgraded on your your OS X install version to the latest version. and always backup, backup, backup.