Email Problems

Hi,

I have a Macbook pro with no security on and use aol as my ISP. I use mail on the mac as well as signing into aol to check email.

Recently most of the people in my address book have been sent an email about quiting smoking, that I haven't sent. It says it is from my email address but I didn't send it.

I have now changed my aol password.

Does anyone know why this has happened and how I can avoid it in the future?

Do I need virus/spyware/adware protection like I would on a PC - do you know any good free ones that I can download without it slowing my machine up when running them?

Could my Mac have a virus on it - if so how can I check this and get rid of it?

My mac is new and quick and I love it - I dont want to put stuff on or have stuff running that I dont need to. Help!

Thanks Rob

Moved to correct forum.

Your Mac doesn't have a virus. What has happened is your email account has either been compromised or someone in your address book has an account that's been compromised.

My suggestions:

1. Get rid of AOL and use a different ISP. GMail is a good one and is free.

2. Change your password on your email account. Use a strong password consisting of letters, numbers, and some characters.

You are the first line of defense when it comes to technology security. Common sense can go a long way.
BTW, this has been touched on several times. E-mail account hacking is simple, especially if you don't have a strong password. Just follow chscag's advice and you'll be safe(r).