Quote:
Originally Posted by
zanne101 
Couldn't figure out where to post this.
Are there any posts regarding the need for anti-virus software for Macs? I know Macs don't get hit like MS systems, but I understand that there is always the possibility of this happening. I just got my Macbook and previously the Dell I was using got hit twice within 6 months. Created quite a mess for me.
\ So, I'm just being hypersensitive to the possibility of viruses/trojans.
If I should consider getting security software, any suggestions?
Also, any suggestions for the security/firewall on my Mac - little tricks/settings that work best?
Thanks
Trojans - yes can be treat on the Mac - you need to be vigilant to what you install. OS X inhernetly protects you as the OS X has to install all sofwtare. Viruses don't exist on the Mac (almost ten years and none for OS X, although in the bad old days their were some for OS 9 and below). I wouldn't waste the processor cycles on anti-virus sofwtare unless you regularly share unreliable content with PC users who may suffer. (ClamXAV is free av for Mac)
Mac Security tips:
- Check and adjust the OS X firewall for your needs (Apple menu > System Preferences... > Firewall > Advanced... ). Also check your hardware firewall in your router.
- Create a non-admin OS X user for your day to day use of OS X. You'll be asked to authenticate a few more things in OS X including settings and will get a better feel for when software is having a deeper impact on the system. The OS X Admin account on my Macs doesn't ever get logged into but I do often enter the password to authorize various actions.
- Check for updates (Apple menu > Software Update...) regularly. Apple patches issues often and you want to have the latest security releases installed.
- Backup, Backup, Backup. I use TimeMachine on an Apple Time Capsule that is out in the Garage to be safe if the house burns down and also Clone the drive periodically using Carbon Copy Cloner (which copies each bit of data to an external drive) and keep a copy elsewhere. this gives me high confidence I can roll back should I ever need to.
- Common sense. Most Mac malware issues I've heard of relate to installing software (i.e. illegal versions of iWork or downloading 'codecs' to view "specialist" video content (which is a typical hook used)).
