Anti-Virus for MacPro

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 6:37AM PST

Anti-Virus for MacPro ...
Posted: Feb 7, 2011 2:25 PM
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Somebody has hacked our Internet connection and downloaded illegal files. I'm looking for Anti-Virus software to use with my MacPro.

I've already called our ISP (Charter). They told me there is nothing they can do, since I use my own router. I called D-Links, and they helped to set up a secure connection. I asked them about setting up a second level of security (recommended by Charter), but they told me I didn't need that, and refused to help me with the MAC ID Filtering (recommended by Charter).

I called Apple Tech Support and they helped me to adjust some other settings (Firewall on, Sharing Files off).

I just want to have the maximum security to hopefully stop whoever is hacking and downloading illegal files ...

Discussion is locked

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Re: downloading

by Kees_B Forum moderator Feb 7, 2011 6:47AM PST

If somebody outside your house uses your wireless connection to download illegal files, that doesn't reach you Mac at all. It passes through the router and your Mac doesn't see it and isn't in danger.
By the way, how did you find out that they used your connection for downloading?

Three things make sense to stop others using your Internet connection:
1. Using WPA2-encryption with a good password.
2. MAC filtering
3. Changing the SSID and turn off SSID broadcasting.
How to do all that is in the router manual.

#3 makes it difficult to guess the name of your router to access it.
#2 makes it necessary to guess that password
#1 refuses the connection even with the right SSID and the right password.

Indeed, if they access the router and you have file sharing on they might be able to see your files (depending on with whom you share it). So turning it off if you don't need it makes sense.

Kees

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Internet Tablet that Needs Wireless ...

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 7:11AM PST

I have an Internet Tablet (Archos 70 IT 250GB), so I need to have a wireless connection. Also have a laptop that uses wireless.

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File Sharing is Turned Off ...

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 7:12AM PST

I turned File Sharing Off.

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Notice in the Mail About Illegal Downloads ...

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 7:14AM PST

I have received numerous post cards in the mail informing me that somebody has been downloading illegal files! They are threatening to take me to court, and pay a fine and possible jail or prison sentencing ... !!!!!

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Today. WPA and if possible WPA2.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 7, 2011 7:31AM PST

However given that with common kid friendly tools any hiding of the SSID, MAC filtering on WEP is ineffective you want to consider WPA or better.

And even then we have this -> http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/new-cloud-based-hacking-service-can-crack-wi-fi-passwords-in-20-minutes/28224

And it's faster today! That's old news!

If you must get secure, it's time to turn off the wifi.
Bob

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MAC ID Filtering ... ???

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 7:08AM PST

I wonder why D-Links refused to help me set up our router with an extra level of security (as recommended by Charter). The Charter Tech Support told me that I need a second level of security having something to do with MAC ID Filtering ...

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How does MAC filtering add security?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 7, 2011 7:16AM PST

It's been over 8 or more years since we found out how to discover hidden SSIDs and how to spoof MAC addresses.

Now with kid friendly apps to break into WEP protected (?) networks even with hidden SSID and MAC filters, isn't it about time this outdated advice be ignored?
Bob

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And since it hasn't been said

by Jimmy Greystone Feb 7, 2011 9:16AM PST

And since it hasn't been said, and anti-virus program would be completely useless to help protect against this kind of thing.

So, your best course of action here is to shore up the security on your wireless router. You can't do anything about what has already been done, but you can do something to prevent this sort of thing in the future.

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Connection Secured ...

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 11:01AM PST

Well, after several more calls to D-Links Tech Support, got the MAC address figured out for three of our computers. I think we have the most secured connection we can get. File Sharing turned off. Firewall on, highest level of security. Password for Admin to the Router page. Changed name of router to nonsense.

And, as the tech suggested, we will unplug our router when we are not using the computer(s).

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Physically removing

by sturner--2008 Feb 7, 2011 11:34AM PST

the router (turned off) from the net is very effective. As for the other thing, if it's RIAA or someone similar you should contact a lawyer before proceeding with any response.

I'm of a mind that this is scare tactics. Best to respond with legal help.

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RIAA ... ???

by vja4Him_57 Feb 7, 2011 11:58AM PST

What/who is RIAA ... ???

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Recording Industry Association of America

by Jimmy Greystone Feb 7, 2011 10:17PM PST

Or my favorite version: Recording Industry ***. of America.

It's like a co-op of all the major record labels in the US, and there's almost always something similar in other countries. In England it's the BPI: British Phonograph Institute. I forget Canada's off the top of my head, but it's something like Canadian Recording Group.

If it makes it easier, just think of them as the music industry.

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anti virus

by kelly566 Feb 8, 2011 6:44AM PST

the mac is good because it doesnt' get viruses so you don't have to worry!! and how Kees B. said downloading from your internet connection has nothing to do with your machine..

Note: This post was edited by forum moderator to remove non-relevant promotion/ad link. kelly566, please do not advertise in these forums. on 02/08/2011 on 5:08 PM PT

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Incorrect

by Jimmy Greystone Feb 8, 2011 9:11AM PST

Incorrect. There's nothing about Apple systems that make them in any way immune to viruses. There are a number of mitigating factors involved should a virus ever infect an Apple system, and with Windows being such an easy target, there's little incentive to bother with Apple systems, but that could some day change. Might be tomorrow, might be another 10 years from now, might be never, but we simply don't know. Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it couldn't happen at any time.

To think that simply because you're using an Apple system makes you immune to a particular kind of threat is to tempt fate and invite just that kind of problem down upon yourself.

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