Is there a risk of malware?

new2compooters · Nov 25, 2010

According to this article, viruses and malware are on the increase for MAC's.
Do Apple Computers Need Virus Protection? | eHow.com

I am not aware of any and don't use any security software at the moment, but thought I would ask here to help put my mind at ease.
I have posted here, because I own an iMAC 27 desktop.

Buzzard2010 · Nov 25, 2010

As of yet there isn't a single virus for apple computers. I far as i'm aware viruses that attack windows computers attack the registry, (the registry contains information on the operating system and more and is all intertwined). Because apple computers don't use a registry its near on impossible to create a virus for them, but don't get me wrong there are couple out there, but because there are so few of them you'll be very unlucky to get one.
For now I really wouldn't be worried. But if you still have doubts, get some freeware protection.

- Simon

bobtomay · Nov 25, 2010

Just the Faq.

There are extremely few long time users of OS X that use any sort of A/V on their macs.
Common sense is your best guide.

new2compooters · Nov 25, 2010

Phew! That's a relief, thanks.

schweb · Nov 25, 2010

Buzzard2010 said:
As of yet there isn't a single virus for apple computers. I far as i'm aware viruses that attack windows computers attack the registry, (the registry contains information on the operating system and more and is all intertwined). Because apple computers don't use a registry its near on impossible to create a virus for them, but don't get me wrong there are couple out there, but because there are so few of them you'll be very unlucky to get one.
For now I really wouldn't be worried. But if you still have doubts, get some freeware protection.

- Simon

Just for the record, there are a lot more types of malware than just viruses. To focus only on the one is kind of misleading.

chas_m · Nov 26, 2010

1. Buzzard2010 is flat-out wrong. There are NO viruses, repeat NO viruses, for the Mac. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Zippo.

2. Malware ≠ viruses.

3. Some relatively harmless but super-annoying "trickware" (DNS changers, trojan horses) DO exist for the Mac -- we're talking maybe a half-dozen -- but are extremely easy to avoid -- since all of them HAVE to ask you for your admin password. So, easy rule -- if you're being asked for your admin password and you don't know why, don't give it until you do.

4. The above applies double for pirated software. Just avoid it (or "free porno viewing codecs").

5. Never EVER trust anything not written by Mac users about "the rise of Mac viruses and malware." Most of it is copied from the anti-viruse companies' press releases -- the people who have a VESTED INTEREST in scaring Mac users into buying their products. The PC-oriented "tech" press have FUNDAMENTAL misunderstandings of how Macs work, and so they mostly think that the only reason Macs don't have any viruses is because we have 10% or so of the market. They said this when it was 3% of the market as well, and its as big a lie now as it was then.

Buzzard2010 · Nov 26, 2010

chas_m said:
1. Buzzard2010 is flat-out wrong. There are NO viruses, repeat NO viruses, for the Mac. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Zippo.

Buzzard2010 said:

As of yet there isn't a single virus for apple computers.

- Simon

Click to expand...

Buzzard2010 · Nov 26, 2010

Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have announced the discovery of the first virus for the Apple Mac OS X platform. The virus, named OSX/Leap-A (also known as OSX/Oompa-A) spreads via instant messaging systems.

- Simon

new2compooters · Nov 26, 2010

Buzzard2010 said:
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have announced the discovery of the first virus for the Apple Mac OS X platform. The virus, named OSX/Leap-A (also known as OSX/Oompa-A) spreads via instant messaging systems.

- Simon

Thanks, I have just looked this up and it seems from the report that the risk of infection is low.

It seems to date from 2007, as it's also mentioned by Symantec and probably nothing to worry about. (I hope)
OSX/Leap-A Macintosh worm (CME-4, MacOS/Leap, MacOS/Leap!tgz, OSX.Leap.A, OSX/Leap) - Sophos security analysis

harryb2448 · Nov 26, 2010

You have been given good advice.

If Notrons and Sophos mention it, they are only trying to boost sales. This often happens with a burst of newspaper reporting. Why pay them to download Windows virus definitions, when these viruses will not function on the Unix operating System?

Have a read of this. Nothing has changed since it was written as there are no Mac OS X viruses still! And this Leap-A thingo was originally reported in 2006! Hardly caused immense crash in the Mac World has it?

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10331147-263.html?tag=mfiredir

CrimsonRequiem · Nov 26, 2010

harryb2448 said:
You have been given good advice.

If Notrons and Sophos mention it, they are only trying to boost sales. This often happens with a burst of newspaper reporting. Why pay them to download Windows virus definitions, when these viruses will not function on the Unix operating System?

Common courtesy, so you don't infect Window users with a virus via email?

That's really the only argument I would use for having antivirus software on a Mac.

If you are smart about your internet activities you will be fine. IE downloading sketchy websites and files etc.

new2compooters · Nov 26, 2010

harryb2448 said:
You have been given good advice.

If Notrons and Sophos mention it, they are only trying to boost sales. This often happens with a burst of newspaper reporting. Why pay them to download Windows virus definitions, when these viruses will not function on the Unix operating System?

Have a read of this. Nothing has changed since it was written as there are no Mac OS X viruses still! And this Leap-A thingo was originally reported in 2006! Hardly caused immense crash in the Mac World has it?

Mac OS X anti-virus software: More trouble than it's worth? | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews

Thanks for the link. As you say, it all seems a load of baloney.

I would have thought that it is the responsibility of WINDOWS users to install their own internet security software.
Not having to install it on a MAC is what persuaded me to change over and I don't regret buying my iMAC or miss Microsoft one bit since switching.

Thanks to all who replied.

chscag · Nov 26, 2010

I would have thought that it is the responsibility of WINDOWS users to install their own internet security software. Not having to install it on a MAC is what persuaded me to change over and I don't regret buying my iMAC or miss Microsoft one bit since switching.

It is the responsibility of every computer user, both Windows and Mac to practice safe computing and good security. Don't get complacent and think that because you're a Mac user, that you won't ever get infected by a virus or malware. Years ago MS DOS and early Windows users thought the same way.

schweb · Nov 26, 2010

And it's Mac and iMac not MAC and iMAC.

cwa107 · Nov 26, 2010

new2compooters said:
Thanks, I have just looked this up and it seems from the report that the risk of infection is low.

It seems to date from 2007, as it's also mentioned by Symantec and probably nothing to worry about. (I hope)
OSX/Leap-A Macintosh worm (CME-4, MacOS/Leap, MacOS/Leap!tgz, OSX.Leap.A, OSX/Leap) - Sophos security analysis

A worm is an exploit for a security vulnerability. Fortunately, this one has been patched and the worm is no longer in the wild or a threat. It was specific to iChat.

chas_m · Nov 28, 2010

Buzzard2010 said:
Because apple computers don't use a registry its near on impossible to create a virus for them, but don't get me wrong there are couple out there, but because there are so few of them you'll be very unlucky to get one.

- Simon

This is what I was responding to; it's still wrong.

chas_m · Nov 28, 2010

new2compooters said:
Thanks, I have just looked this up and it seems from the report that the risk of infection is low.

It seems to date from 2007, as it's also mentioned by Symantec and probably nothing to worry about. (I hope)
OSX/Leap-A Macintosh worm (CME-4, MacOS/Leap, MacOS/Leap!tgz, OSX.Leap.A, OSX/Leap) - Sophos security analysis

Thanks for giving me a perfect example of the scare tactics of Mac virus companies, and why they are not to be trusted.

OSX/Leap was a Trojan Horse, NOT a virus (despite a thousand incorrect headlines proclaiming just that). The terms "Trojan Horse" and "Virus" are not interchangeable (except with people who are ignorant of their meanings). Each has a specific meaning and describe different abilities.

Trojan Horses exist for Mac. We had a recent one come along just a few weeks ago. But they are not viruses, not destructive and unable to replicate over the net. They are simply annoying malware.

So, the answer to the question of this thread is "yes, there is a risk of malware -- an extremely low risk, but it does exist." But when it comes to viruses, there is no risk -- since there are no Mac viruses.

toMACsh · Nov 28, 2010

Buzzard2010 said:
As of yet there isn't a single virus for apple computers. . . . Because apple computers don't use a registry its near on impossible to create a virus for them, but don't get me wrong there are couple out there, but because there are so few of them you'll be very unlucky to get one.

First statement: true
Second statement: false

cwa107 · Nov 28, 2010

chas_m said:
OSX/Leap was a Trojan Horse, NOT a virus (despite a thousand incorrect headlines proclaiming just that). The terms "Trojan Horse" and "Virus" are not interchangeable (except with people who are ignorant of their meanings). Each has a specific meaning and describe different abilities.

Well, while we're correcting each other, technically OSX/Leap was a Worm. Trojan horses are malicious software masked to appear as desirable software. OSX/Leap was self-replicating and took advantage of a hole in iChat. But since it's been patched for and is no longer in the wild, it really doesn't matter anyway.

schweb · Nov 28, 2010

Many member ask the question about viruses and malware on the Mac and in addition to using the search function at the top of the forum, you'll find almost all your answers here:

Official Antivirus and Firewall FAQ

Is there a risk of malware?

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