Are Safari security extensions safe to use and necessary?

Question

Level 1

13 points

Are Safari security extensions safe to use and necessary?

In MacOS High Sierra, is it necessary and safe to use Safari browser extensions like Bitdefender TrafficLight, especially when I already have Adblock with the malware protection list checked? I've heard that certain antivirus software can be ineffective and actually punch holes in the security of certain browsers.

Additionally, there is a concerning note in the extensions tab of Safari preferences that says "'TrafficLight' can read, modify, and transmit content from all webpages. This could include sensitive information like passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards." Is there anything to worry about here?

All responses are greatly appreciated.

MacBook Air, macOS High Sierra (10.13.2)

Posted on Dec 30, 2017 7:01 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Dec 30, 2017 8:00 AM in response to mbenson2

Yes, I wouldn't use BitDefender. The AppStore is no assurance of quality, only that it conforms to Apple Developer Guidelines. If you do happen to download any malware you can use Malwarebytes. You won't find it in the AppStore because it could not do its job effectively if it conformed to Apple Guidelines. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC. It's used by Apple techs and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac. The free version only scans on demand.

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Answer 2

mbenson2 Author

Level 1

13 points

Dec 30, 2017 7:23 AM in response to macjack

Thank you for your response. Why should systemwide security apps be avoided? I see no issue with them other than a decrease in system performance. They seem pretty safe since I know for a fact that the University of Michigan requires all faculty that own Mac computers to install Sophos Anti-Virus (https://www.safecomputing.umich.edu/be-aware/viruses/).

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Answer 3

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Dec 30, 2017 7:43 AM in response to mbenson2

The University of Michigan is worried about viruses (which cannot affect a Mac) being passed to PC's on the network. What they may not understand is that Mac has it's own virus definitions which are periodically updated. As I said, they can conflict with Mac's own built-in security and can bring your Mac to its knees. We've seen this time and time again here on the forums. A person is having problems with their Mac and as soon as they uninstall the software the problem disappears. Sophos is one of the worst and it is renowned for reporting false positives.

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Answer 4

mbenson2 Author

Level 1

13 points

Dec 30, 2017 7:52 AM in response to macjack

Thanks you for your quick responses. One more question: is it harmful to install simple virus scanners, such as the free "Bitdefender Virus Scanner" on the App Store, that don't run in the background? One of my friends has this app, and I want to let them know to uninstall it if it is dangerous.

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Answer 5

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Dec 30, 2017 7:05 AM in response to mbenson2

No security extensions are necessary. They can conflict with Mac's own built-in security. Also any systemwide security apps like BitDefender should be avoided.

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Answer 6

Eric Root

Level 10

685,221 points

Dec 30, 2017 8:37 AM in response to mbenson2

Bitdefender uninstall

Bitdefender uninstall (2)

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