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Question

Anti-Virus for Mac?

by Dec 11, 2013 11:07AM PST

Is there any value in using Sophos Antivirus for Mac? I know Macs generally don't seem to be much of a target for virus ( I mean, why bother when there are so many fertile PCs out there for virus writers to go after...lol). But I have heard of some Mac attacks out there, no pun intended...

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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Answer
Still looking for the first OS X virus
by Forum moderator Dec 11, 2013 8:55PM PST

There is some malware out there but most AV software does not counter that threat.

Almost all of the malware has to be installed by the user, password etc., and the built in app in OS X does a good job of detecting problems.

Personally, I don't run AV on my Macs and don't see the need right now to be overly concerned about it.

AV software for the Mac is, right now, just a waste of processor cycles, IMO

(Now watch the responses!)

P

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Here You Go
by Hforman Dec 14, 2013 1:48AM PST
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I swear I said VIRUS
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Dec 14, 2013 10:14PM PST

Not the usual low level malware like Flashback, which is removed by OS X by default

Still no Virus repots


P

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Answer
I think we need a virus first.
by Forum moderator Dec 12, 2013 2:04PM PST

That's a rather well beat up subject.
Bob

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Answer
Sophos Antivirus is excellent
by Dec 13, 2013 9:09PM PST

I use Sophos Antivirus in my Mac, and it is excellent. I've had no problems with it, and it does detect viruses and other things. And best of all, it's free. And for the peace of mind knowing your system is better protected, it is worth it. And yes, there are some Mac attacks you should be concerned about.

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Using Sophos, what is your system protected from?
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Dec 13, 2013 10:48PM PST

What "Viruses" does it detect?

P

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Everything that has tried to enter my computer
by Larry Launstein Jr Dec 14, 2013 9:02PM PST

It has stopped everything that has tried to enter my computer. What I really like about this program is that it will scan everything on my all my regular drives, and has prevented infected e-mails from entering my backup drive.

Cool

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Answer
No Computer is Free from Malware
by Dec 14, 2013 1:47AM PST

While we can go around and around about the term "Virus", we had a few discussions about this on the forum many times. One time, the discussion ended with a link posted to a NIST website that showed the top vulnerabilities were all MAC. There are a lot of people saying that there are no threats to MACs but that isn't true. Just someone who believes the hype. There was also a discussion about Apple trying to show that their systems are "safe" and then some old person gets a phishing email that they respond too and lose their life savings because they thought MACs were immune to that.

Also, if you get stuck with a "fake" anti-virus (ransom-ware) on a MAC, I've heard you have to wipe your disk and reload.

My suggestion would be:

1) Keep up with Apple patches
2) Go with something that offers more than just anti-virus. Use endpoint protection.
3) Evaluate what you will have on this computer. If it is really financial stuff or top secret documents, you may want to spend more. If nothing critical, spend less.

http://searchg.symantec.com/search?q=osx&charset=utf-8&client=symc_en_US&context=ent&hitsceil=100&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=symc_en_US&site=symc_en_US.

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Wipe your disk and re-load.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 14, 2013 6:48AM PST

Wait a second. Years ago Apple went plaid and can reinstall the OS and lead the user files intact. Your post seems to be from a non-apple view.
Bob

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