Why Apple doesn't say anything which Antivirus the customer should use?

[Mattie Num Nums]

Try checking out JAMF's user boards or the Mac Enterprise group. You could always use Symantec, comes with malware preloaded as a feature.

There's only so many ways you can answer the same question. If you want different responses, ask different questions.

Most respected by whom? Certainly not by everyone.

You apparently didn't read and comprehend the links. Sophos introduces a vulnerability that isn't present with other antivirus apps, such as ClamXav. You can't "patch" the fact that Sophos runs with root privileges, something that could be exploited by malware. That vulnerability, however significant, is not introduced by apps like ClamXav.

That can be patched.

ClamXav is also open source. Some may say that is a vulnerability in itself.

 

[koigirl]

Okay, you will probably all roll your eyes but I have 2 questions:

1. How would I go about identifying malware on my MBP?

2. Is there a downside to installing ClamXAV for a non-technical user?

I just want to be safe.

 

[dacoolest]

The only two ways the Flashback could infect is through Java vulnerabilities, which are nullified by disabling Java in your browser, as has been recommended for at least 18 months, or by entering your admin password when asked, which has never been recommended for unknown software.

Thanks simsaladimbamba and GGJstudios for the awesome explanation. About disabling java, is disabling java from the Java Preferences is enough ? Does that disable all the whole java thing or do I have to make any more configurations other than that?

 

[GGJstudios]

Thanks simsaladimbamba and GGJstudios for the awesome explanation. About disabling java, is disabling java from the Java Preferences is enough ? Does that disable all the whole java thing or do I have to make any more configurations other than that?

No, only disable Java in your browser, not in Java Preferences. If you're using Safari, go to Preferences > Security and uncheck "Enable Java". That's all you need to do. You don't even need to open Java Preferences.

 

[Martyimac]

As has been proven many times, antivirus apps are not completely effective in detecting and protecting against malware. The danger in your recommendation is the tendency that many will have to adopt a false sense of security, just because they have an antivirus app installed. As an example, when MacDefender first appeared on the scene, no antivirus app, including Intego's, identified it as malware, while those practicing the safe computing tips listed below were completely protected.

The computing world is constantly changing, so what is true today may not be true tomorrow. So far, however, every Mac OS X malware released in the wild since Mac OS X was released over 10 years ago can be completely nullified by practicing those safe computing tips. Granted, enabling and disabling Java in your browser may be inconvenient for some, but many never need to enable it. It's up to you whether the minor inconvenience is worth keeping your Mac malware-free. An antivirus app certainly can't ensure complete protection.

Absolutely agree with what you say. But caution never hurts. Practice safe computing, but if one chooses to live by the credo "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst", you can't fault them.

But the vast majority of users do NOT practice safe computing. That is why I say get an good program to HELP protect ones computer. But the reality is, folks don't do "safe" computing, just like they don't practice other safe "acts". A little protection in either case can go a long way.

While it is obvious to me that your computer skills are way better than mine, I hope folks will read this thread and realize that the threat is out there, and safe computing may not always protect them down the road.
__________________