Adewald

Q: Search for Windows Malware?

Hello!

 

I heard that Mac can have Windows malware and while it is harmless to Mac (Windows malware can´'t really steal passwords?) it can move to Windows users through mail or such?

 

I don´t want to infect windows using buddies so any advice? I have Malwarebytes and Avast for Mac, but assume they don´t look for Windows malware?

Mac mini

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 2:01 AM

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Q: Search for Windows Malware?

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  • by John Lockwood,

    John Lockwood John Lockwood Sep 9, 2016 2:34 AM in response to Adewald
    Level 6 (9,314 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Sep 9, 2016 2:34 AM in response to Adewald

    I cannot speak from personal experience regarding Malwarebytes and Avast for Mac but I can say that Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac does detect and report both Mac and Windows malware.

     

    I am surprised that a horde of people have not already jumped in and said Macs do not need anti-virus and that anti-virus software itself is an actual nuisance. However what they always seem to fail to realise is that businesses often need to ensure that they do not pass on malware to those unfortunates using Windows.

  • by thomas_r.,

    thomas_r. thomas_r. Sep 9, 2016 5:29 AM in response to Adewald
    Level 7 (30,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 9, 2016 5:29 AM in response to Adewald

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac does not look for Windows malware currently. Our focus is specifically on Mac threats with that app. It's possible it could look for Windows malware at some point in the future, though that wouldn't happen any time soon, if it even happens at all.

     

    If you want something low-impact that will catch Windows malware, ClamXav is a good choice. I'd avoid Avast, as I've got a number of issues with that software.

     

    Be aware that you should never allow anti-virus software to delete malware found in e-mail messages in Mail. Doing so can corrupt mailboxes and will not result in the malware being properly removed from the mail server. For this reason, it can be a better idea to have your mail server take care of scanning for malware for you.

  • by Ryuuq,

    Ryuuq Ryuuq Sep 11, 2016 4:01 AM in response to thomas_r.
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2016 4:01 AM in response to thomas_r.

    Hello!

     

    Sorry, I have a question. Is there a difference between ClamXav on developer's website and in App Store? If I want just a scanner to use sometimes and not a full time protection, should I download the one from App Store?

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Sep 11, 2016 6:28 AM in response to Ryuuq
    Level 10 (188,908 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 11, 2016 6:28 AM in response to Ryuuq

    I just searched the Mac App store in the USA and did not find a ClamXav.

    Screen Shot 2016-09-11 at 9.27.23 AM.png

  • by thomas_r.,

    thomas_r. thomas_r. Sep 11, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Ryuuq
    Level 7 (30,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 11, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Ryuuq

    ClamXav has been removed from the App Store by the developer:

     

    https://www.clamxav.com/leavingTheAppStore.html

     

    The reasons cited are exactly the reasons that we at Malwarebytes have not made our software available in the App Store. For something like anti-malware software, the App Store restrictions are crippling.

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Sep 11, 2016 2:49 PM in response to thomas_r.
    Level 5 (7,778 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 11, 2016 2:49 PM in response to thomas_r.

    I'll toot Malwarebytes horn for you, amigo

     

    There are MANY reports in postings in ASC of Apple Support Specialists recommending Malwarebytes as a solution over the phone and in Chat

    8,000+ results >

    AdwareMedic OR Malwarebytes AND "Apple Support" site:discussions.apple.com - Google Search

    https://www.google.com/search?q=AdwareMedic+OR+Malwarebytes+AND+%22Apple+Support %22+site%3Adiscussions.apple.com&ie=utf-…