Seems to be a growing threat, I wondered what experience of AV software anyone has had.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
That is a bit of an oxymorn there. There is no such things a good AV software for Mac so how can there be a best one.
It is not necessary. All AV software does is cause problems.
Allan
Why are you so certain its not necessary ?
have a look at this
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57409619-83/more-than-600000-macs-infected-with -flashback-botnet/
I have spoken to several people who have been infected with this
That isn't a virus. It is a trojan. There are other way to protrct yourself instead of AV software.
Allan
What would you reccomend
The best is really to use none and to use common sense when downloading. If you don't trust a site don't download from it, especially if it says you must download something. Most commercial anti virus application's tend to create more problems for OS X than they solve. If you feel you must have anti virus software download and install ClamXav, this is the most unobtrusive application, it's free and is kept up to date. You can find it at www.macupdate.com.
Let's be clear a Trojan (the most recent scare) is totally different than a virus. No viruses currently exist for OS X so technically anti virus software is a waste of time, resources and potentially money. A Trojan must be downloaded and installed by the user. Using a little common sense and not downloading from a site you don't know or trust will protect you. If you run into a site, popup, e-mail etc. that tells you it must download something then you should be suspect and probably avoid it.
Daggilarr wrote:
What would you reccomend
I would tell your friends to quit downloading from torrent sites and downloading software from sites they know nothing about.
Do not allow the trojan to install itself on your computer.
Allan
Why the unfounded assumption ? What is with this site that individuals are often patronising and critical.
My query is perfectly legitimate and I am offended by this remark.
Jeez why didnt I think of that
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer some guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them, including the Flashback Trojan.
Bear in mind that from April to December 2011 there were only 58 attempted security threats to the Mac - a mere fraction compared to Windows malware:
http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00002300.html
(I have ClamXav set to scan incoming emails, but nothing else.)
Daggilarr wrote:
Why the unfounded assumption ? What is with this site that individuals are often patronising and critical.
My query is perfectly legitimate and I am offended by this remark.
Trojans need permission to install, a user name and password, instead of being offended, be careful!
I do not "choose" to be offended, I am- by that which I find offensive, nor can I choose to swap that for an alternative, that is a bizzare idea.
I can be offended and careful
You can choose whatever feeling you decide to feel, that is each or our rights. However my advice still stands.
Daggilarr wrote:
I do not "choose" to be offended, I am- by that which I find offensive, nor can I choose to swap that for an alternative, that is a bizzare idea.
I can be offended and careful
Trojans need your help to install, you can be offended if you want, but the trojan is on your machine anyhow.
Csound1 wrote:
Daggilarr wrote:
Why the unfounded assumption ? What is with this site that individuals are often patronising and critical.
My query is perfectly legitimate and I am offended by this remark.
Trojans need permission to install, a user name and password, instead of being offended, be careful!
Nope. This is now an urban myth. Not the latest Flashback. It's a drive-by and in a number of its forms doesn't require a password or any user interaction to be deepy installed.
And to Roger, no amount of common sense would have protected you from this, if you had Java enabled and you had visited a site with a malicious Java Applet.
What is the best AV program for Macs
