Q: Do I need malware or antivirus software for my Mac if I have up to date OS X El Capitan?

Well, no one will force you to be courteous.

I do not see it as being courteous to run dangerous software on my computer to protect another person's computer when they are too lazy to do it on their computer. I see that as stupid.

Over the years, I have occasionally tested anti-virus products for OSX. None of them turned out to be "dangerous". Some can affect performance to some degree but most aren't any worse than many other third-party apps that run in the background, some less so.

You mentioned in another post that no workplace can force you into installing something on your computer. That is true but they can terminate your employment for not following company policy, just as they can for not following their dress code.

I think people can make up their own minds what works and what doesn't, what effect that has on their own PC.

If someone wants to run an anti-virus program on OSX just for "piece of mind" or to be courteous I think that is their choice just as it is your choice not to run them.

You are entitled to your opinion, I do not agree with you. FUD rules this thread so far.

As for protecting against Windows viruses it would be better to protect yourself against Window users and their bad choices. .

Csound1 wrote:

 

You are entitled to your opinion, I do not agree with you. FUD rules this thread so far.

 

As for protecting against Windows viruses it would be better to protect yourself against Window users and their bad choices. .

I don't feel a need to protect myself against "Windows users and their bad choices" any more so than I feel a need to protect myself from OSX or Linux users and their bad choices. I run all three platforms and I really don't feel a need to protect myself from myself.

Thank you for letting me know your position.

You're very welcome.

Linc's post earlier in this thread is the best summary of essential OS X security practices I've read in a long while. Heed his advice and you'll be as safe as you can be against known vulnerabilities.

So in short Linc you are saying one should wait for an update from Apple to fix the problem.

Can't think where I picked it up from, other than a adobe flash player update alert.

will turn all plug-ins off see what that does.!

Thanks for your helpful artical.

John.

Your response is the most helpful thing I've read online in a long time.  Thank you for your time and level of detail.  Much appreciated.