New Switcher In Need Of Advice

I am completely new to Mac. I have been a windows user for many years now so it's very new to me. I just got a MacBook Pro and 5 minutes out of the box I was online and had 7 email addresses up and running. Needless to say so far I am very happy that I have made the switch.

My question is security. Being a windows user for so long I was always "on gaurd" so to speak and constantly watching for spyware, viruses, and all those other lovely related things.

What precautions do I need to take with my new MacBook to keep it safe from similar such problems?

Thanks so much. I am looking forward to learning my way around Mac and have already found lots of useful info here. I read the New Switcher post and found it helpful as well.

Did you read the Sticky: The Official Mac AntiVirus and Firewall FAQ?

CrimsonRequiem said:

Did you read the Sticky: The Official Mac AntiVirus and Firewall FAQ?

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No I didn't I will read that thanks for pointing me to it!

ImmortalBeloved said:

My question is security. Being a windows user for so long I was always "on gaurd" so to speak and constantly watching for spyware, viruses, and all those other lovely related things.

What precautions do I need to take with my new MacBook to keep it safe from similar such problems?

Click to expand...

Well, firstly welcome to Mac-Forums.

There are a few simple things you can do to improve the security out of the box. The first thing I would recommend is setting the Firewall to "Set access for specific services and applications".

This is done by going to System Preferences => Security => Firewall Tab and checking the respective radio button.

This keeps applications from opening up a "server connection" unless you specifically authorize it.

While you're in there, I would enable "stealth mode" on the Firewall. This keeps your computer from responding to a ping command. If you connect directly to the Internet (i.e. there is no router between your ISP and your machine), this can prevent your computer from responding to port scans, which hackers routinely use to detect responsive computers on the Internet.

In the same Preference Pane, click the Advanced button and check the respective box.

Additionally, if you choose not to run anti-virus software (and I contend that it's largely unnecessary at this point), be aware that there are just a couple of Trojans that can effect Mac users. Trojans are merely malicious programs that are disguised as desirable ones. They rely on the user to deliberately install them and prey on their ignorance.

Right now, these trojans are packaged in with some pirated software and also video codecs (mostly on porn sites). The rule of thumb to use is that if you don't know exactly what it is you're downloading and you don't trust who it's coming from, don't install it!

Fortunately, OS X safeguards you a bit from doing this. OS X will not allow any modifications to the operating system without getting your explicit permission. If you are ever prompted to enter your admin password while installing software, this should throw up a red flag. Do not continue unless you are completely comfortable with what you are installing.

Another important thing is Software Update. If you haven't already run it, you should do so immediately (Apple menu => Software Update). Important security updates are released periodically and this is the way that you get them. Although this should run by itself periodically, if it's a new Mac, you'll want to make sure you're completely up to date to start.

So, those are my recommendations. The FAQ is a good resource, but it has grown very long, and these are some of the highlights.

Thank you very much. It's so nice of you to help! I will do all the things you suggested. I did read the other thread suggested as well and I am on the fence about anti-virus based on what I read. Most likely I will not install one.

and then if u are interested there is some good stuff here and if you want more details these guys have some good stuff. Perhaps bookmark them in case you need to have a look later.

Collin, thanks!