java5656
Level 1 (12 points)
Desktops

Q: Software protection for iMac

What would be a good anti-virus, anti-malware product for the Mac? I recently saw a pop-up that told me my firewall was on BUT the 'stealth' option was off. I'm not sure what this means. I was also told that my Mac had taken 4000 hits in the past day. I do have Apple's one-on-one which is current. Is this something I can find find on this board or should I call Apple support??  Thanks  Java

Posted on May 12, 2016 12:51 PM

by macjack,Solvedanswer
macjack macjack
Level 9 (55,709 points)
Mac OS X
A:

None. Absolutely none! There are no viruses that can attack your Mac. They are selling a cure for a disease that doesn't exist. And they are renowned for borking Mac systems.

 

A Mac canpick up browser pop-ups and the like, but mnot 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).

About System Integrity Protection on your Mac - Apple Support

 

Contact Apple at  reportphishing@apple.com which, one hopes, they might use to take down fraudulent websites.

Posted on May 12, 2016 1:35 PM

Close
java5656

Q: Software protection for iMac

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by stedman1,Helpful

    stedman1 stedman1 May 12, 2016 1:36 PM in response to java5656
    Level 9 (73,808 points)
    Apple Watch
    May 12, 2016 1:36 PM in response to java5656

    No anti virus product is required, or recommended.

    Such popup messages will always be a scam. Do not interact with them.

  • by macjack,Solvedanswer

    macjack macjack May 12, 2016 1:35 PM in response to java5656
    Level 9 (55,709 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 12, 2016 1:35 PM in response to java5656

    None. Absolutely none! There are no viruses that can attack your Mac. They are selling a cure for a disease that doesn't exist. And they are renowned for borking Mac systems.

     

    A Mac canpick up browser pop-ups and the like, but mnot 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).

    About System Integrity Protection on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    Contact Apple at  reportphishing@apple.com which, one hopes, they might use to take down fraudulent websites.

  • by java5656,

    java5656 java5656 May 12, 2016 1:37 PM in response to stedman1
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    May 12, 2016 1:37 PM in response to stedman1

    Many Thanks.. But what if I did react in kind?? Is there anyway to check to be sure?? Thanks again   Java

  • by stedman1,

    stedman1 stedman1 May 12, 2016 1:43 PM in response to java5656
    Level 9 (73,808 points)
    Apple Watch
    May 12, 2016 1:43 PM in response to java5656

    The key thing to remember with these scam popups is that they are a nuisance, but generally harmless. The problems arise when you contact the number presented, and either permit the criminals to access your computer or divulge personal/financial information to them. Have you done either of those?

  • by java5656,

    java5656 java5656 May 12, 2016 1:50 PM in response to stedman1
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    May 12, 2016 1:50 PM in response to stedman1

    (hang my head in shame)

    I'm guessing you have my answer. It happened so fast but I did stop it. But they pulled up a page that told me of the hits my computer was taking. And about my system not being in "stealth' mode... I realize I made a mistake when it happened but my Mac is working fine. I'm just afraid to use it for something important!! Is there any hope for me? AND thank you for the very fast response..   

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack May 12, 2016 1:57 PM in response to java5656
    Level 9 (55,709 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 12, 2016 1:57 PM in response to java5656

    Steadman has answered that...

    "The problems arise when you contact the number presented, and either permit the criminals to access your computer or divulge personal/financial information to them."

    You did not reply, so no harm done.