What to scan in ClamXAV Sentry?

[xTRIGGER092x]

I just installed ClamXAV and I'm using Sentry to watch files for me. I've got Documents, Downloads, Desktop being watched. Should I watch the browser caches too? If so, where are those located? I use Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

Also, what about email? I have the scan for email settings checked in the preferences, but I dunno if that means anything considering Sentry has to be told what to watch. If I have to add it to Sentry, what do I need to add? I use Apple Mail.

 

[GGJstudios]

You don't really need to use the Sentry feature. It will consume system resources, with not much benefit in return. You can periodically scan without using the Sentry component, if you are determined to use a 3rd party app.

You don't need any 3rd party antivirus software to protect Mac OS X from malware. 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.

Mac Virus/Malware Info​

 

[MasterBSOD]

You don't really need to use the Sentry feature. It will consume system resources, with not much benefit in return. You can periodically scan without using the Sentry component, if you are determined to use a 3rd party app.

You don't need any 3rd party antivirus software to protect Mac OS X from malware. 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.

Mac Virus/Malware Info​

I still keep ClamxAV on my system; but I don't keep Sentry active. I only turn it on when I'm in a paranoid mood or I know I'll be exchanging files with Windows users en masse.

OSX malware is a joke. Unlike Windows, you have to take steps to install it. When I use Internet Explorer - one false click - something gets installed.
On OSX you download the package and then you have to execute it to install.

 

[munkery]

If you are going to use the Sentry, you only really have to watch the following folders: ~/Downloads, ~/Library/Mail, and ~/Library/Mail/Downloads.

If you set up a receiving folder for file transfers via client apps (such as Adium), then watch those folders as well.

Files typically enter the system via these folders. It is rare for something to go directly to other locations.

In the event you want to scan something in another location, you can secondary click the item and select "Scan with ClamXav."

You may wish to watch folders for online games that download content, such as maps. Set the Sentry to watch the application support folder for the game to do this.

Don't worry about the browsers. Watching sources related to the browsers won't provide much benefit and may make the Sentry feature cumbersome and resource hungry.

For more "Mac Security Suggestions," see the link in my sig.

 

[MasterBSOD]

If you are going to use the Sentry, you only really have to watch the following folders: ~/Downloads, ~/Library/Mail, and ~/Library/Mail/Downloads.

If you set up a receiving folder for file transfers via client apps (such as Adium), then watch those folders as well.

Files typically enter the system via these folders. It is rare for something to go directly to other locations.

In the event you want to scan something in another location, you can secondary click the item and select "Scan with ClamXav."

You may wish to watch folders for online games that download content, such as maps. Set the Sentry to watch the application support folder for the game to do this.

Don't worry about the browsers. Watching sources related to the browsers won't provide much benefit and may make the Sentry feature cumbersome and resource hungry.

For more "Mac Security Suggestions," see the link in my sig.

There are games for Mac?