Clark Hampton
Senior Member
If so, which software is considered the best?
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Do Macs need anti virus or firewall sftware?
- Thread starter Clark Hampton
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No, unless you visit porn sites and download music/movies from file sharing sites
If so, which software is considered the best?
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jhwalker
Senior Member
I use the built-in firewall. Sophos and Intego both offer free anti-virus programs, so pick your favorite.
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John Walker
http://jhwalker.smugmug.com/
smalltimewine
Member
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I read a great analogy on this sometime back comparing PCs and Macs. Windows security is like living in the worst part of town and having to put bars on your windows (no pun intended). Macs are like living in the country and leaving your doors unlocked.
In general, the Mac OS has good security, but it has more vulnerabilities than the competition. Unfortunately, security is not always a top priority with Apple, and published vulnerabilities often take some time to close. However, the Mac OS, due mostly to its lower market share, has fewer threats, but with Internet oriented open-standards, the success of Apple in the last decade, and the halo power of the iPhone, this does not stand to be the case for long.
I use my machines for business, and very responsibly, however, I've discovered a few spy programs and viruses in the past few years. I can't afford to have downtime or lost data. I've only ever used Intego, and I'm pleased with it. It has been effective and affordable. BTW - they just did a big upgrade today.
In general, the Mac OS has good security, but it has more vulnerabilities than the competition. Unfortunately, security is not always a top priority with Apple, and published vulnerabilities often take some time to close. However, the Mac OS, due mostly to its lower market share, has fewer threats, but with Internet oriented open-standards, the success of Apple in the last decade, and the halo power of the iPhone, this does not stand to be the case for long.
I use my machines for business, and very responsibly, however, I've discovered a few spy programs and viruses in the past few years. I can't afford to have downtime or lost data. I've only ever used Intego, and I'm pleased with it. It has been effective and affordable. BTW - they just did a big upgrade today.
Sal Baker
Forum Pro
All I can tell you is I've had Macs at home and at work with no anti-virus software for 14 years without a single problem.
Sal
Sal
ajcook
Well-known member
If you mean on a Mac, please name one virus you've had on Mac OS X. There have certainly been a few trojans (which are trivial to avoid) , but as far as I'm aware no Mac OS X viruses in the wild.
Steve Ives
Senior Member
This is contradiction - you can't have both!
Pure conjecture, and, I think, inaccurate. The kudos someone would gain from creating OS X's first true virus would outweigh the smaller impact due to market share.
There are no known OS x viruses in the wild. There is spyware and trojans, but no viruses.
Steve
Corkcampbell
Forum Pro
especially that there hasn't been a good business model for trying to tap into the small Mac segment. Of course that's changing. But, many articles I've read recently mention that the main target is still the porous Windows XP segment. That makes sense, considering the group of people using that system and its economic strength, a good target.
I use a Mac for most of my work and I have anti-virus, anti-Etc., on it, but also use a VPN, which, for some reason, no one has thought to mention here.
I consider a VPN a necessary component for complete protection.
I use a Mac for most of my work and I have anti-virus, anti-Etc., on it, but also use a VPN, which, for some reason, no one has thought to mention here.
I consider a VPN a necessary component for complete protection.
Leon Wittwer
Forum Pro
You statement is rather silly and uninformed. Name a single successful Mac OS attack. There have not been any unless the attacker had some access to the actual computer. Apple is also good at issuing security updates as potential threats arise.
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Leon
http://web.me.com/leonwittwer/landscapes.htm
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Leon
http://web.me.com/leonwittwer/landscapes.htm
Actually, you can. If you leave the front door of your house unlocked, you are more vulnerable to theft than someone who does lock the door. But if you live in a small and quiet community, that has never seen any theft, you are still more secure than anyone who lives in the big city and does lock up.
Ten years ago, I would have agreed fully. But virus writing has changed. It's true that the average 'script kiddy' would still be temped to try, just for the eternal fame. But virus writing is usually a commercial affair nowadays, and then market share does matter to get the impact you want.
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Johan
http://www.johanfoto.com
Mike Osborn
Active member
As a Mac user since 1984, I would think I have a little experience in this.
I've NEVER used anti-virus or firewall software on any of my Macs, and have never even seen a virus attempt to infect any of my machines.
On the Windows machines I use at work, anti-virus is essential. Our IT department has had to clean virus/Trojan software from user machines more often than I can believe.
If there were credible reports of Mac viruses circulating in the wild, I MIGHT consider loading anti-virus protection. To date, the only Mac virus warnings I've read about have come from anti-virus software houses. Considering the source, I choose to ignore them.
If someone WANTS to run anti-virus software on their Mac, I'd say go ahead if you think it's necessary. Be warned, however, that in doing so you'll be stealing CPU cycles ALL the time....and that I've read this software can interfere with the proper operation of other Mac software.
Now...if someone's using Boot Camp, Parallels, or VM Fusion....all bets are off! With those, you're running Windows, not Mac OS, and would need the protection.
Just my $0.02 worth here.
I've NEVER used anti-virus or firewall software on any of my Macs, and have never even seen a virus attempt to infect any of my machines.
On the Windows machines I use at work, anti-virus is essential. Our IT department has had to clean virus/Trojan software from user machines more often than I can believe.
If there were credible reports of Mac viruses circulating in the wild, I MIGHT consider loading anti-virus protection. To date, the only Mac virus warnings I've read about have come from anti-virus software houses. Considering the source, I choose to ignore them.
If someone WANTS to run anti-virus software on their Mac, I'd say go ahead if you think it's necessary. Be warned, however, that in doing so you'll be stealing CPU cycles ALL the time....and that I've read this software can interfere with the proper operation of other Mac software.
Now...if someone's using Boot Camp, Parallels, or VM Fusion....all bets are off! With those, you're running Windows, not Mac OS, and would need the protection.
Just my $0.02 worth here.
edwardaneal
Veteran Member
Unlike Windows, Mac OS X applications don't share a common registry. Mac OS X applications use individual preference files, thus the types of global configuration changes which enable so much of Windows malware is simply not as feasible on a Mac. Further, root access is needed in order for malware to interact with other programs (i.e. steal passwords, intercept transmissions, etc.).
If you have Java enabled in your browser, it already has root access. Best bet: disable Java.
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My kit - D200, 10.5mm f/2.8D, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.4G & 70-300VR
Wifes kit – D80, 18-105VR
SB800, SB600 and other misc lighting equipment
Lenses worth mentioning owned and sold– 12-24 f/4, 17-55 f/2.8, 35-70 f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8, 20mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4D, 60mm f/2.8D, 85mm f/1.8, 105mm f/2D-DC, 180mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4D-ED
If you have Java enabled in your browser, it already has root access. Best bet: disable Java.
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My kit - D200, 10.5mm f/2.8D, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.4G & 70-300VR
Wifes kit – D80, 18-105VR
SB800, SB600 and other misc lighting equipment
Lenses worth mentioning owned and sold– 12-24 f/4, 17-55 f/2.8, 35-70 f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8, 20mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4D, 60mm f/2.8D, 85mm f/1.8, 105mm f/2D-DC, 180mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4D-ED
Chas
Leading Member
I don't use anti-virus software on my Mac and have never had a virus. However, having said that, isn't that sort of like saying "I've never been in a car accident so I don't wear a seatbelt"?
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chas... Zenfolio user... Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 30D
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chas... Zenfolio user... Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 30D
Dude Steve
Forum Enthusiast
What does a VPN have to do with it? You're using a VPN between home computers and then restricting services to the VPN? Yikes.
Dude Steve
Forum Enthusiast
It's more like saying I haven't taken out an insurance policy in case of attack from aliens from another planet.
Though, it doesn't sound so silly after the first alien attack.
Jaded Snapper
Forum Enthusiast
No business model for tapping into a segment of the market that is more affluent than the rest?
What foolish malware writers.
Sal Baker
Forum Pro
Actually, it's more like saying I have taken out an insurance policy in case of attack from aliens and it payed off. I've never been attacked by aliens!
Sal
F
f8BeThereToo
Guest
I use Hands Off to monitor outgoing network connections; a similar program is LittleSnitch. These types of programs will alert you if you inadvertently install a Trojan Horse that attempts to "phone home."
I also use Witopia's personalVPN service to secure data transfers at wireless/wired hotspots and to hide my IP Address online.
Anti-virus software on a Mac? Fergit About It!
I also use Witopia's personalVPN service to secure data transfers at wireless/wired hotspots and to hide my IP Address online.
Anti-virus software on a Mac? Fergit About It!
Edvinas
Senior Member
O am curiuos about one thing: if you're not using any malware detection software, how do you know that your system is not infected?
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