[jms_uk]

From a post on The Register

Apple tells Mac users: Get anti-virus • The Register

It had to happen eventually I guess

But interesting that the feedback comments from Reg readers generally echo sentiments I've seen posted on here.. thoughts??

[MrSossidge]

Apple have recommended Virus protection before this.

Mac Maintenance Quick Assist

Look at item number 6. This document was updated back in April this year, but I suspect that it was included way before then.

I think there are 2 camps on the subject of viruses. Those who say, "Not Needed", and those who say, "Better Safe than Sorry".

[Rafe]

I have never needed AV and never seen the point. I think it's because I am very careful about what sites I browse and only using reliable sources for downloads etc.

Obviously no one is safe but it helps to have a bit of common sense when doing things across the net.

[duke748]

Originally Posted by rafe17

I have never needed AV and never seen the point. I think it's because I am very careful about what sites I browse and only using reliable sources for downloads etc.

Obviously no one is safe but it helps to have a bit of common sense when doing things across the net.

Which still doesn't save you when you get attacks on apache and iis sites like those earlier this year which compromised legitimate shopping cart software. Nothing can be considered safe to browse these days.

Just consider the DNS flaw that took an age for apple to fix - A poisoned DNS cache could have redirected you to a fake BBC website for instance.

[simon12]

Does anyone know of a free antivirus for Mac along the lines of Avast who do a free version for home users?

[Rafe]

Originally Posted by duke748

Which still doesn't save you when you get attacks on apache and iis sites like those earlier this year which compromised legitimate shopping cart software. Nothing can be considered safe to browse these days.

Just consider the DNS flaw that took an age for apple to fix - A poisoned DNS cache could have redirected you to a fake BBC website for instance.

I agree with you completely!

I was merely talking about the some what easier virus's that you can pick up by not using common sense.

Obviously DNS hacks are a different kettle of fish all together

[MrSossidge]

Originally Posted by simon12

Does anyone know of a free antivirus for Mac along the lines of Avast who do a free version for home users?

ClamXav

[James.1]

I'm in the camp that doesn't think we need it. My reasons why not can be found in this recent(ish) topic.

[jms_uk]

There seems to be a Mac build of Avast, but its unclear whether its free like the PC version

avast! Mac Edition Download

[pault2007]

I've got my firewall set to 'only allow essential services' - is this OK?

I'm a bit worried because someone got at my bank account the other day and I can't prove which machine it was done on - my Windows PC (not used for the last month but had Kaspersky Internet Security on it), Windows laptop or Mac desktop.

[James.1]

That's the most secure setting for Leopards firewall, although it's of no use when it comes to being protected against a phishing scam, which is what I'd imagine you have falling victim to.

[pault2007]

Originally Posted by James.1

That's the most secure setting for Leopards firewall, although it's of no use when it comes to being protected against a phishing scam, which is what I'd imagine you have falling victim to.

I don't think it was phishing because I didn't click on any dodgy links - e.g. an e-mail claiming to be from my bank.

[baldrick]

A friend of mine is a professional, independent Apple specialist. He will spec, source, install and support Mac systems.

His view is that this is an arse covering action in case someone takes them to task over advertising that Macs are virus free and then someone infecting a Windows network by forwarding an infected mail etc...

At the end of the day the sort of web attacks they are talking about aren't actually viruses and I'm guessing it's more the firewall part of the packages you'll be utilising?

His biggest surprise is the fact that Apple recommend Norton!?!?!?

[sim667]

ive used clamxav and avast, from a gui point of view i much prefer avast, however i dont really understand the gubbins of viruses etc....

[Steven]

Originally Posted by baldrick

His biggest surprise is the fact that Apple recommend Norton!?!?!?

By all accounts 2009 was reworked from top to bottom from what I can digest in an article on Businessweek after friends and family informed the CEO why their were staying away from Norton

Not that I have tried it

Anyway, I have a HP laptop with AVG Pro (expiring in 2.5 weeks ) and though I would need not bother with my new Macbook

[dejongj]

I do use anti-virus, I actually use the Intego products. Sure I am not so concerned about my Mac getting infected or harm done to, not at all. However I could risk several hundreds of thousands of pounds if I were to pass on a virus to any of my customers and they traced me as the source! Don't forget just because we might be immune that doesn't mean we can't pass it on to someone else and be the carrier!

So it is rather selfish behaviour in my opinion to not use any kind of protection. Professionally it would not be good for me at all.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by james.1

i'm in the camp that doesn't think we need it. My reasons why not can be found in this recent(ish) topic.

+1

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by rafe17

I have never needed AV and never seen the point. I think it's because I am very careful about what sites I browse

I agree. For example, I never look at granny porn. Stick with what you know, I always say.

[dejongj]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

I agree. For example, I never look at granny porn. Stick with what you know, I always say.

Wow so you guys never receive emails either? You are certain you have your network connections secured, really? Do you realise how that sounds like sticking your head in the sand. Or if you are old enough that line from the eighties; "I am not gay so I won't get Hiv..."

Even class consultants won't be able to fully secure their connections. Not even absteining will prevent it. Rememer that manufacturers discs or dare I say Mp3 players come ready installed with viruses. The only way you won't get infected is by not using it. Careful use places the trust in the other party!

[MrSossidge]

This is one of those discussions that always seems to bring out the two camps.

To be honest, I don't run AV software. I think I should but I don't. I know that an email from someone I've never heard of with a badly spelt subject line and an EXE file is likely to be a virus or something not very nice. I know my bank invest more in their email marketing than the shocking offerings than the dodgy phishing sites do. I like to think I'm a bit more clued up than PC World Joe is and I am less likely to 'get a virus' but ultimately the people who write viruses are a lot cleverer than I am.

Equally, burglars are better at breaking into houses than I am and I still lock my front door after I leave the house and set the alarm but I have never been burgled.

Tomorrow (I'm a little drunk right now ) I will be re-installing ClamXAV and let it run in the background watching specified folders.

It's not like I'm shelling out hard earned redundancy money on Norton. What harm can be a little cautious do? Using some processor power on saving the last 5 years of my kids growing up in photos isn't a waste IMO.

[Ned Senior]

Dunno if anyone saw this a story over at bbc news site it states that apple have made a comment regarding AV and say it is not desperately needed :...BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple removes anti-virus advice

I am glad but wonder whether dads tiger mac mini needs cover.. (he duz look at granny porn )

[James.1]

Originally Posted by dejongj

Wow so you guys never receive emails either? You are certain you have your network connections secured, really? Do you realise how that sounds like sticking your head in the sand.

We've been over the whole head/sand thing before, see here, and the rest of that topic for my discussion with 'spinaltap' who takes the same view point as you.

Originally Posted by dejongj

Or if you are old enough that line from the eighties; "I am not gay so I won't get Hiv..."!

Comparing the AIDs virus to a PC virus is not an accurate analogy. No person is immune to the AIDs virus, whereas Mac users are immune to PC viruses.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by dejongj

Do you realise how that sounds like sticking your head in the sand.

On the contrary, I've weighed the security benefits against the processing overheads and decided it's not worth it. When I get wind of an OSX-targeted worm / trojan / whatever that threatens not just the internal HDD in my mini (nothing there I can't replace from a backup) but my external harddrives too, then I'll reconsider. That day hasn't come yet. In the meantime, I take the sensible precaution of only opening email from people I know. Googlemail is a big help there, missing less than 1% of spam that makes it to my address.

I don't even like sand.

Andrew.

[sillycargt4cs]

so for us brave ones without av,what settings on a mac are there to keep us safe????

[Tenex]

Originally Posted by sillycargt4cs

so for us brave ones without av,what settings on a mac are there to keep us safe????

Switch on the firewall and be cautious with your email. You can go further with precautions around your router etc but they aren't specific to a Mac.

[jcstock74]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned but there is free AV software for Mac OS X available.

I use ClamXAV.

Jon

[duke748]

Originally Posted by jcstock74

I am not sure if this has been mentioned but there is free AV software for Mac

There's also a product for those that believe they will never get a virus\malware on their Macs . MagicFairyDust.com

[Chester]

This was an interesting read - Malware Evolution: MacOS X Vulnerabilities 2005 - 2006

That's old news. Viruses are almost impossible to get through the protection that OS X provides. Trojans and worms a little easier, especially for those more naive or easily succummed to trojan based threats. No, I'm not worried about these at all. I'm worried about cyber crime, phishing and spyware. A lot of the threats emerging today and in the future will be server side, not residing locally on our Macs. We have practically zero protection against these, with the exception of common sense of course.

I'm not willing to install the current crop of AV software because they don't cater for malware on the whole as well as they should. I shall be waiting for Kaspersky, which interestingly this report shows there is already a beta version of KAV for OS X in the mist. I'd personally be happy to take the availability of a full product to be the signal to get either KAV or other good quality anti-malware (not just AV) software installed.

[hutch]

Originally Posted by Chester

I'm not willing to install the current crop of AV software because they don't cater for malware on the whole as well as they should. I shall be waiting for Kaspersky, which interestingly this report shows there is already a beta version of KAV for OS X in the mist. I'd personally be happy to take the availability of a full product to be the signal to get either KAV or other good quality anti-malware (not just AV) software installed.

The public Alpha of Kav has been available on the Kaspersky Forum since February, I wouldnt bother though its one of the most horrific program ive ever installed for slowing down your machine...

[Chester]

Yes, but it's an alpha release! There's absolutely no way I'd install even beta code on my production Macs. That's simply crazy.