I am one of those people who does not believe that macOS is immune to malware. I also don't think that just because the installed footprint of Macs is small compared to Windows computers that renders the macOS as not a target rich environment.
I've got my asbestos underwear on and am ready for the more experienced gurus to explain why I (and other people) are wrong. Please explain.
I long ago got rid of Java.
If you need it, it's still safe, depending on its use. Java 8 will only be used in your web browser if you allow it. Once installed, it's on by default, but a quick trip to the System Preferences will allow you to turn it off in the Java preference pane. The reason I have it installed is to order prints for my customers. The software is written in Java. As far as safety? A Java app running from your local drive is no more dangerous than any other third party software you can install. Any app has the potential of having intentionally damaging code in it.
Flash, on the other hand, will deservedly die in 2020. The only reason it got that grace period is to give vendors time to rewrite apps or sites that operate on Flash. Such as most online golf simulators. Once Flash is officially deprecated, expect all OS's to disallow it running. Maybe not immediately, but I wouldn't think MS or Apple would continue to allow a browser extension that will never receive another security update access to the system.
I am also convinced that a standard user account is superfluous, Unix experts aside. Thanks for the links.
Same here. I have only ever used the admin account. I understand the expert's position, but I don't think is necessary. At least not for me.
Malwarebytes…I guess everyone needs to make a living.
That's pretty much the answer. Thomas Reed is the author. It started out as a script (which I now can't recall the name of). When that got to be too cumbersome, he rewrote it as an actual app and released it as AdwareMedic. All of this on his time 'n' dime since it was a side project apart from his job as a self-employed web designer. The folks at MalwareBytes were impressed enough with his work to hire him. The name then changed to MalwareBytes for Mac so it fit with the company name and brand. Thomas still does all of the work with this app, but now as an employee, the app needed to generate income to pay his salary. It was only a matter of time before it would no longer be free. Still a great tool, though.
How many times do we have to post and say third party AV apps are not needed nor recommended. If you want to read reviews about AV apps you might try a review site.
Malware and macOS
