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jcfdm

Q: what spyware & virus scanning software best for macbook pro

email account hacked. possibly obtained password vi spyware or virus i somehow downloaded on to my Mac. What is best spyware / virus scan software for MacBook Pro ( OS X version El Capitan 10.11.5 running)

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jul 20, 2016 7:07 AM

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Q: what spyware & virus scanning software best for macbook pro

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  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 20, 2016 7:12 AM in response to jcfdm
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 20, 2016 7:12 AM in response to jcfdm

    What makes you think you were "hacked"?

     

    Download and run MalwareBytes. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC. It gets rave reviews and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac.

     

    There are no viruses that can attack Mac.OS X. So, anti-virus programs are selling a cure for a disease that doesn't exist. And they are renowned for borking Mac systems.

     

    A Mac can pick up malware but not if you just use common sense. You really have to actively invite some malware in for it to happen. That means downloading and knowingly giving your password for it to download. Mac provides all the protection you need with SIP (System Integrity Protection).I About System Integrity Protection on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    If you do happen to download adware you can use MalwareBytes to get rid of it. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC. It gets rave reviews and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac. If you use torrents, don't. Torrents are a good way to pick up malware because anything can hitchhike in on a download.

     

    Safari pop-ups are different and easier to deal with. In Safari 9.1 and later just close the window. For earlier versions force quit and hold the shift key while restarting Safari.

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987

     

    Finally, stay away from programs that purport to "clean your Mac". They can do damage to your system. Your Mac needs no cleaning in the first place. All the cleaning that is necessary is taken care routinely by OS X.

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Jul 20, 2016 7:16 AM in response to jcfdm
    Level 6 (15,269 points)
    Jul 20, 2016 7:16 AM in response to jcfdm
  • by jcfdm,

    jcfdm jcfdm Jul 20, 2016 8:06 AM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 20, 2016 8:06 AM in response to macjack

    Thank you for your reply!

     

    I think i was hacked because:

     

    I have 2 email addresses. Use the aol one for non personal stuff but got lazy and emailed with banker on aol email ( aol address is shorter). someone got into my aol account (obtained the password?) & emailed my banker directly to his email address trying to liquidate one of my investment accounts yesterday ( wire disbursement to "my cousin") using my name and an aol email address almost exactly mine, just 1 letter difference.

     

    I've had 2 occurrences of suspicious events ( that i can remember ) in recent past. 1 event few days ago, i kept getting aol message on my Mac that had to reenter my password . When i used the memorized password function (keychain) it kept coming back with error message until i typed in the address 1st in the window that requested password enter & then in system preferences detail.

     

    Other suspicious occurrence occurred when i received emails on AOL account from USAA company with email sender address at a .edu. The body for those emails had picture /"no content". I didn't "click" on anything in those emails & finally called & emailed USAA about possible fraudulent use of their compnay info. USAA response was change my password on my account with them & automated email reply noted they would investigate. I didn't think anything more about it as I never had any accounts or site visits for USAA

     

    Someone mentioned that possible "strokes" (?) spyware was downloaded onto my Mac. Hence my questions about spyware & virus scanning.

     

    Your response noting no viruses can attack Macs is very helpful. What company is ASC?

     

    PS. I switched over to Apple products a few years ago when time came to get new phones & laptops. Among other issues, I was attempting to avoid possibility of the occurred fraud. I have been VERY pleased with all the Apple products up to this point.

  • by macjack,Solvedanswer

    macjack macjack Jul 20, 2016 9:08 AM in response to jcfdm
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 20, 2016 9:08 AM in response to jcfdm

    The problem seems to be with your AOL mail, not your OS X system. You can run Malwarebytes to be sure.

    I would close the AOL account and add a new one, if you must have AOL. If not, just don't use it.

     

    ASC is where you are...Apple Support Communities.

  • by Cartelería Digital,

    Cartelería Digital Cartelería Digital Jul 20, 2016 8:17 AM in response to jcfdm
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jul 20, 2016 8:17 AM in response to jcfdm

    I always use Malwarebytes and Sophos

  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Jul 20, 2016 8:27 AM in response to jcfdm
    Level 5 (7,030 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 20, 2016 8:27 AM in response to jcfdm

    At this time the best defense on mac is to keep it up-to-date with securities updates and system updates from Apple and to make yourself knowledgeable about specific threats from reliable sources (e.g. not cable news or the cashiers at piggly-wiggley)

     

    there is no shortage of evidence on these forums in cases of troubleshooting that some if not all mac AV products cause problems with the interoperability of OS X. These issues are predominantly performance issues but are not limited to CTD's and kernel panics.

     

    At this time no securities lab in the world has found evidence of a mac "virus" by definition in the world at this time. While this could change tomorrow keep in mind:

    Mac AV has never been tested against and actual Mac Virus, Mac AV has had no time to mature with the OS, Mac AV has far fewer developers than it's windows counterparts, Mac AV has never coordinated efforts with Apple Computer like the developers often do with Microsoft. If you wish to use your Mac to defend against Windows virus it is a poor substitute to maintaining an anti-virus solution for Windows which is designed and maintained and updated and supported on a far more prolific schedule.

     

    Keyloggers and other spy software won't necessarily be detected as AV by any AV solution since it is used in legitimate scenarios. Companies may use to to monitor critical data, parents may use it to protect their kids. It also won't protect you if your webmail was compromised by someone who didn't have to go near your computer or install anything to compromise it.

  • by jcfdm,

    jcfdm jcfdm Jul 20, 2016 9:08 AM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 20, 2016 9:08 AM in response to macjack

    Thank you for your reply and for your time.

     

    I will run Malwarebytes and am in the process of downloading/ categorizing all my aol emails in order to cancel my AOL account. I'm a child of the 70's :-) & signed up for AOL when it was one only a few providers available ... thousands of emails & so several day project on my hands.

     

    I was hoping to ascertain my level of vulnerability from the incident & take all possible measures to prevent any further fraud for myself & others I have been in contact with. My main fear was that my laptop was compromised & any further actions taken on laptop would enable increased vulnerability. Your note regarding likely issue isolated to my AOL account and not everything administrative in my life essentially :-) is helpful. I have changed passwords, contacted AOL fraud dept ( still no reply:() & will run the Malwarebytes.

     

    Again thank you for your time & for sharing your knowledge. I'm always amazed that people take the time from their busy lives to reply to these inquiries.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 20, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Cartelería Digital
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 20, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Cartelería Digital

    As I mentioned in my first reply, AV apps cause more problems than they solve Sophos is one of the worst. Your system also takes a hit on performance, I suggest uninstalling it.

    To Uninstall Sophos completely, use their uninstaller.

    https://www.sophos.com/en-us/support/knowledgebase/120838.aspx


  • by arronsalks,

    arronsalks arronsalks Aug 18, 2016 6:30 PM in response to jcfdm
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 18, 2016 6:30 PM in response to jcfdm

    For Mac spy software, Aobo Mac keylogger and Amac keylogger is recommended. They are much more multifunctional, clean and undetectable. It even records typed passwords.  Besides, you will find  it's easy to use and be uninstalled. Their tech support is always helpful once you  have any problem. 

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Aug 18, 2016 10:02 PM in response to arronsalks
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 18, 2016 10:02 PM in response to arronsalks

    arronsalks wrote:

     

    For Mac spy software, Aobo Mac keylogger and Amac keylogger is recommended. They are much more multifunctional, clean and undetectable. It even records typed passwords.  Besides, you will find  it's easy to use and be uninstalled. Their tech support is always helpful once you  have any problem.

    So you are a black hat?