Viruses

zanne101zanne101
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
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

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    mrtotesmrtotes Posts: 760member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by zanne101 View Post


    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)).
  • Reply 2 of 6
    bbwibbwi Posts: 812member
    I guess if you were truly hypersensitive then you would have already purchased antivirus software. I recommend Kaspersky if you do
  • Reply 3 of 6
    gerald applegerald apple Posts: 333member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by zanne101 View Post


    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



    There is only one virus program for macs which is called ClamXaV which is free and I use. Good program and it scans what is essential in your mac.
  • Reply 4 of 6
    zanne101zanne101 Posts: 28member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bbwi View Post


    I guess if you were truly hypersensitive then you would have already purchased antivirus software. I recommend Kaspersky if you do



    If you had read my post, you would have seen that I had just received the Mac and was asking a simple question. No need for snide remarks. Thanks, but no thanks.





    Thank you to the others who gave me information without attitude.
  • Reply 5 of 6
    gerald applegerald apple Posts: 333member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bbwi View Post


    I guess if you were truly hypersensitive then you would have already purchased antivirus software. I recommend Kaspersky if you do



    Kaspersky is crap I used it and I had some viruses and malware. Buy Norton 2010 much better.
  • Reply 6 of 6
    harrisscottsharrisscotts Posts: 5member
    There are lots of antivirus have been available in the market but Avg antivirus is the best among the all kind of antivirus. This is the best antivirus for P.C. It is not only find the virus but remove from your computer.
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