Mac Anti Virus Finally Needed?!

[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".

[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.

[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?

[rafe17]

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....

[LFC_SL]

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