Did my Macbook Pro get any viruses or male-ware?

Alright, I guess this question is being over-parinoid, however I'm just making sure.


Ok, so I wanted to watch 2 movies online but for free, Ive been searching online for a safe site to do this and for it to be legal not illegal, anyways, I decided to just better off renting the movies i want to watch, cuz honestly i don't trust these websites I'd say. So anyways, while i was still doing this today, i went on a site and clicked "stream this movie in HD" and it sent me to another site, and began DOWNLOADING something BUT it didn't even ask me if i wanted to download it. As soon as it did that i paused/stopped the download before it finished, and quickly deleted the download from my mac. I think I'm safe, cuz i think its only bad if i opened the download correct? I didn't open the download. And theres always that little window that pops up BEFORE you open a download that says "are you sure you want to open this file/download since its from the internet."


So anyways, I'm ok right, does anyone think i got a virus or some sort of maleware??


Also, since this happened to me today i was thinking of getting a anti-virus software for my mac, which would you guys consider getting on a mac? I was looking at Clamxav which i read on apple support someone recommend to someone else. Sorry this is 2 questions in one, just curious if i should look into getting one.


MacBook Pro Version 10.9.2 OS X

Posted on Jan 16, 2015 6:13 PM

Reply
4 replies

Jan 16, 2015 6:19 PM in response to Wesley838383

You are OK. Anti-malware software isn't going to slap you on the back of your head the next time something like this happens. Learn from the mistake.


From user Joe Bailey comes this useful advice:


The facts are:


1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.

2. There is no anti-malware that can detect everything targeting the Mac.

3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that

the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering

techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.

4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on

your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a

protection against malware.

5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware

from which they purport to protect you.

6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.

7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.

8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something

you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.

9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware.

Jan 17, 2015 4:31 AM in response to Wesley838383

Wesley838383 wrote:


Ok, so I wanted to watch 2 movies online but for free, Ive been searching online for a safe site to do this and for it to be legal not illegal


There is no such site. Any site that promises streaming of commercial movies for free is illegal, and is probably designed with the intent of infecting you with something. On a Mac, this would typically be adware, but malware is also a less-likely possibility. NEVER engage in this kind of activity in the future!


I think I'm safe, cuz i think its only bad if i opened the download correct?


There is currently no known malware capable of infecting a Mac just by visiting a website. So, as long as you didn't open that downloaded file, you should be fine.


Also, since this happened to me today i was thinking of getting a anti-virus software for my mac, which would you guys consider getting on a mac?


See my Mac Malware Guide for help learning how to protect yourself, whether to use anti-virus software and, if you do, what to use.


(Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com, in the form of buttons allowing for donations. Donations are not required to use my site or software.)

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Did my Macbook Pro get any viruses or male-ware?

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