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General discussion

i just got a new macbook pro

Mar 14, 2011 9:27AM PDT

hi i would like to know what the deal is with antivirus software and mac, as you can tell i am coming from windows where that is a must but i have heard otherwise for mac, please explain?

Discussion is locked

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Currently you will not need AV software on your Mac
Mar 14, 2011 9:34AM PDT

as there are no viruses out there that attack OS X.

There are a couple of trojans but AV software does not stop those.

If you really feel the need, then ClamXAV will suffice.


P

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do you
Mar 14, 2011 9:46AM PDT

do you suggest to download the program you mentioned? and is it free?

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ClamXAV is free
Mar 14, 2011 10:12PM PDT

and whether you download it or not depends on how comfortable you feel about not having AV software installed on your computer.

I do not have AV software on my machine.


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New Malware Risks
Mar 28, 2011 12:42PM PDT

As a new Mac user, I asked the initial questions you did: Do I need protection? How much? And is a free program sufficient?

I can tell you this much. I, along with Apple now, suggest Anti-malware software. I originally had the free Sophos Antivirus program and was happy with everything except the lack of scheduled full scans; you have to remember to do them manually. Since I'd heard Macs don't have virus problems, I considered this sufficient. Then I found my Yahoo email sending spam to my Contact list by way of a Trojan after having my MacBook Pro for only 3 months. I ran a full scan on my Sophos and it did find the Trojan and instruct me to remove it but I would never have caught it if a contact of mine hadn't brought the Trojan to my notice first.

So I did more research on Mac Anti-malware programs. I found that ClamXAV does have scheduled scans but reviews suggested it took longer to catch new risks than Sophos. Since I share a network and many files with other PCs, I've decided it might be worth the peace of mind to get one of the paid Anti-malware programs.

Of the paid programs that protect against both Mac and Windows threats:
Norton's program is well-rated but, as a previous customer who has learned that their software takes up lots of space and is near impossible to remove from your machine, I won't go there again. So I'm likely to go with MacScan or Kaspersky and trade $30 or $40 for some peace of mind.

I suppose this is a round about way of saying: Anti-malware is now necessary as malware grows with Mac's growing popularity. Get the free ones if you aren't worried about the amount of contact you have with PCs or feel your firewall is sufficient. And if, like me, you just want to be sure then maybe it's worth a little cash to feel protected. It really does depend on your circumstances.

Good luck!
-Lauren

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Nice post,
Mar 28, 2011 10:11PM PDT

where does Apple recommend Anti-Malware software?

Are you sure that you are not confusing Anti-Virus with Anti-Malware, there is a big difference.

On the subject of your Yahoo email sending spam. Your contact list for Yahoo is not stored on your computer, it is on the Yahoo site, which is most likely the source of the problem.

What Trojan did it find? Details would be nice as it would help others to be aware of any possible problem.

Most of the Malware that these programs claim to find date back to pre OS X days! They are still counting malware that is not capable of running on a modern Mac.

Anyway, instead of generalities, details would be more helpful

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Since you researched the subject so well,
Mar 30, 2011 10:18AM PDT

why are you leaning towards MacScan or Kaspersky if you know that Sophos does a good job and it's free?

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re
Mar 31, 2011 1:16PM PDT

currently i believe there are TWO known viruses for mac, both can be handled with the antivirus software out there.
i think apple may have patched their exploits too ("security updates" from your software update)

as for software, i have norton for mac, which i picked up @ bestbuy for $30 on sale.

can't say i've ever had to use it but its nice to have.

essential? nope.

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Please feel free to tell us the names
Mar 31, 2011 9:48PM PDT

of these viruses that you believe are out there.

If you have never used Norton for Mac, what good it it?

The primary purpose of Norton for Mac is to find Windows Viruses, and prevent you from sending them along to your less fortunate friends.
It just sits there, consuming processor cycles, doing nothing for you.


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to install or not to install
Jun 2, 2011 3:59AM PDT

i guess the argument will rumble on,i too have just moved from pc to mac and of course my macbook pro cost twice as much as a decent pc so i want to be sure it will be ok,the chap in the apple store did say that macs dont need security as they dont get virus,s,im not sure if i will install anything,i will keep monitoring the situation tho and see if it changes,maybe the clamXAV may be a good idea,better safe than sorry

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sophos
Jun 12, 2011 6:30AM PDT

hi,i had the same question,same as u coming from pc,in the end i downloaded sophos,seems ok so far,better to be safe than sorry i reckon