Anti Virus program?

Do I need to buy an Anti Virus program for my IMac? Ior something else to keep my computer internally clean...

Posted on Jun 25, 2014 11:39 PM

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7 replies

Jun 25, 2014 11:52 PM in response to gandp7302

Most people don't purchase antivirus protection for Mac. Do you need to? Now that's a bit of a choice you need to make. Is the Mac OS 100% impenetrable? No. If you feel like you might be at risk and an anti-virus would make you feel better (depending on what you rely on your Mac for), then go for it. There are plenty of program out there ready for your cash 🙂

Jun 26, 2014 12:52 AM in response to gandp7302

No. Please read this use tip > Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security: Apple Support Communities


And avoid any third party Mac cleaning utilities such as MacKeeper and CleanMyMac. Your Mac runs maintenance in the background for you.


Do not install MacKeeper: Apple Support Communities


If viruses were an issue for Macs, they would come with anti virus software pre installed.


Malware is another issue. Help for protecting your Mac against malware here > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-defense/

Jun 26, 2014 4:39 AM in response to gandp7302

gandp7302 wrote:


Do I need to buy an Anti Virus program for my IMac?


No. OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.



A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":


  • Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
  • Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
  • Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
  • Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
    • Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
    • Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
    • Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
  • Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
  • Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
    • Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
    • Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
    • Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
  • Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
    • Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
    • Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
    • If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
  • Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
    • The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
    • OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
    • Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
    • If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
    • Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
  • Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.


Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.



Ior something else to keep my computer internally clean...


When discussing any Mac related concern you should purge the word "clean" from your lexicon. It's misleading in that it implies neglecting a Mac will cause it to somehow become "unclean", and after all who wants a filthy Mac. The emotional connotation results in many Mac users represented on this site relating tales of misery after using garbage "cleaning" apps. Avoid them as you would a social disease.

Jun 26, 2014 1:50 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Carolyn Samit wrote:


....Your Mac runs maintenance in the background for you.....

As I got informed recently there is no big stuff with this maintenance. Just clearing and consolidating some logs. Nothing more significant.

secret-name wrote:


...and for more safe...keep you Mac OFF... =P

This would make mentioned maintenance disabled.

John Galt wrote:


.. Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email: ...

How to help the Mail it never opens attachments of no type on opening the received e-mail by itself?

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