Is Virus Proctection Necessary?

bunfish · bunfish #1 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 12:21 PM

I just downloaded "Mac Protector" thinking it was something through Apple. I didn't buy it. Is it really necessary? I got a porn site pop-up for the first time ever after I downloaded it and now a Viagra ad!

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 12:46 PM

Your post was moved as it does not belong in the "Lounge". Please read our forum descriptions and Sticky notices before posting. Thanks.

To remove the "Mac Protector" see this LINK. We also ask that you read our Sticky notice about viruses and malware at the top of this forum.

baggss · baggss #3 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 02:20 PM

"Mac Protector" is a scam aimed at Mac users. Search the forums and you will find how to remove it. Be happy you didn't give it your credit card number. Make sure Safari (or other browser) has pop up windows blocked.

Oneironaut · Oneironaut #4 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 02:23 PM

Mac Protector is malware. That's probably why you're having problems.

You don't need any AV software as there are no viruses for Macs, so such software would be useless unless you're concerned about passing Windows viruses on to people who use Windows. But even then it can muck up your system.

That said, there is some malware that target Macs, but these are easily avoided by never installing anything you aren't sure about. Apple security patches will ONLY come via Software Update (found under the Apple menu at the top left of your menu bar).

If something is trying to scare you into thinking your Mac needs extra protection and if it didn't come from Software Update, don't download it. Things can only install on your Mac if you give it permission to by entering your password. If something is asking for your password and you don't know what it is, what it does or where it really came from, don't give it permission to install.

schweb · schweb #5 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oneironaut

You don't need any AV software as there are no viruses for Macs, so such software would be useless unless you're concerned about passing Windows viruses on to people who use Windows. But even then it can muck up your system.

Not exactly true and definitely not a complete explanation. The poster should read this thread:

Official antivirus, malware, and firewall FAQ

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #6 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 05:26 PM

And do a search of the forums on removing MACDefender.

bunfish · bunfish #7 (**permalink**)

05-11-2011, 09:54 PM

I was able to remove "Mac Defender" through the forum help link. Thanks!!!

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #8 (**permalink**)

05-12-2011, 12:37 AM

It is a personal thing AV software and many of us use safe browsing practises, but if you wish have a look at ClamXAV which is free.

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 32,376 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	05-11-2011, 12:46 PM Your post was moved as it does not belong in the "Lounge". Please read our forum descriptions and Sticky notices before posting. Thanks. To remove the "Mac Protector" see this LINK. We also ask that you read our Sticky notice about viruses and malware at the top of this forum. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

harryb2448 #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 14,262 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz OS X.8.3	05-11-2011, 05:26 PM And do a search of the forums on removing MACDefender. *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

harryb2448 #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 14,262 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz OS X.8.3	05-12-2011, 12:37 AM It is a personal thing AV software and many of us use safe browsing practises, but if you wish have a look at ClamXAV which is free. *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

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bunfish #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 11, 2011 Location: Marysville Posts: 2 Mac Specs: Macbook Pro	05-11-2011, 12:21 PM I just downloaded "Mac Protector" thinking it was something through Apple. I didn't buy it. Is it really necessary? I got a porn site pop-up for the first time ever after I downloaded it and now a Viagra ad!
	QUOTE Thanks

Oneironaut #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 23, 2009 Posts: 1,262 Mac Specs: 21" iMac * 2.8 Ghz Intel Core i7 * 16GB 1333 Mhz DDR3 * 1TB HD *AMD Radeon HD 6770M 512 MB	05-11-2011, 02:23 PM Mac Protector is malware. That's probably why you're having problems. You don't need any AV software as there are no viruses for Macs, so such software would be useless unless you're concerned about passing Windows viruses on to people who use Windows. But even then it can muck up your system. That said, there is some malware that target Macs, but these are easily avoided by never installing anything you aren't sure about. Apple security patches will ONLY come via Software Update (found under the Apple menu at the top left of your menu bar). If something is trying to scare you into thinking your Mac needs extra protection and if it didn't come from Software Update, don't download it. Things can only install on your Mac if you give it permission to by entering your password. If something is asking for your password and you don't know what it is, what it does or where it really came from, don't give it permission to install.
	QUOTE Thanks

bunfish #7 (permalink)
Member Since: May 11, 2011 Location: Marysville Posts: 2 Mac Specs: Macbook Pro	05-11-2011, 09:54 PM I was able to remove "Mac Defender" through the forum help link. Thanks!!!
	QUOTE Thanks

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