Viruses

kribensis12 · Apr 15, 2011

Mac Virus Database | iAntivirus

Supposedly these are all viruses capable of attacking a Mac. Anyone know about this?

harryb2448 · Apr 16, 2011

There are no viruses for Mac OS X. Have a read of this blog:-

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/sw...-official-antivirus-malware-firewall-faq.html

Best protection is safe browsing practices and never part with your password, or download pirated software. If you are paranoid try the ClamXAV as suggested. Most experienced Mac users do not use any antivirus and keep Nortons etc away from your Mac. Running Windows through Bootcamp or VM's use Microsoft Security Essentials, an excellent free program.

McYukon · Apr 16, 2011

100% of those "Viruses" can only be gotten by pirating software.

kribensis12 · Apr 16, 2011

How so? What makes you positive of this?

McYukon · Apr 16, 2011

Just trust us, I have been running Macs for 3 years now and my Dad for 20 years.
Neither of us has ever had a virus, malware, etc ever.

IvanLasston · Apr 16, 2011

Did you read through the threats? Of the ones that are relevant to OSX - they are programs that have to be run. They would effect the current user but wouldn't have system access unless you put in a admin password.

Of the ones classified as virus - they are for system 6 or Mac classic OS. I don't know about you but the last time I saw anything capable of running those OSes was when I visited Powell technical books in Portland, OR.

Of the one virus for OSX - it had to be on a power pc.

There are other forms of malware - like Trojans and rootkits and spyware - but you have to run a program to start them. Hence the statement about pirated software. The best example is pirated iWorks. That has a known malware embedded in it. Get your software legally and that becomes a non-concern.

the8thark · Apr 16, 2011

harryb2448 said:
There are no viruses for Mac OS X.

McYukon said:
100% of those "Viruses" can only be gotten by pirating software.

McYukon said:
Neither of us has ever had a virus, malware, etc ever.

IvanLasston said:
Of the one virus for OSX - it had to be on a power pc.

So which it is? Are there viruses or not?

robduckyworth · Apr 16, 2011

I think half of them on that list are "scare-mongering" so that you buy or download the A/V.

schweb · Apr 16, 2011

I've moved your post to a more proper forum; please be sure to check the forum descriptions to find the best place to post.

By posting in the right forum you help people not only find your question faster, but it helps others looking for the same information in the future.

Thanks for understanding!

schweb · Apr 16, 2011

IvanLasston said:
Did you read through the threats? Of the ones that are relevant to OSX - they are programs that have to be run. They would effect the current user but wouldn't have system access unless you put in a admin password.

And most casual users just enter their password whenever the box pops up without thinking. Most also don't create non-admin accounts.

So in reality, just because what you said is the truth, for 95%+ of Mac users, it doesn't mitigate the threat.

the8thark said:
So which it is? Are there viruses or not?

Answer is here:
Official Antivirus, Malware, and Firewall FAQ

The trouble is, that some people on this forum are what I call "virus" nazis. They fail to understand that when a casual user says "virus" they mean malware in general. And then they like to foam at the mouth and say "THERE ARE NO VIRUSES LOLZZZZ!!!111!!1!!1!" rather than actually truthfully answer the question.

So yes, technically there are no viruses for the Mac, but that doesn't mean there aren't threats. Just wish more people would be helpful rather than so literal.

IvanLasston · Apr 16, 2011

I'm with schweb on this for sure - malware in general is a threat to any OS. If you read my post I talk directly about viruses - as that is what the OP asked about. Note I called the rest of it threats. There are plenty of threats around - porn codecs, illegal software, attaching to open unknown networks, attaching to known open networks in public places without ssl, just to name a few. Be ever vigilant - as there are plenty of ways to get hacked - but most of them have to do with human engineering nowadays - for all OSes - there aren't a lot of true self replicating viruses out there for modern OSes.

tl ; dr - question every email link and don't enter your password until you are sure of what is asking for it. Don't pirate anything either.

MYmacROX · Apr 18, 2011

schweb said:
The trouble is, that some people on this forum are what I call "virus" nazis. They fail to understand that when a casual user says "virus" they mean malware in general. And then they like to foam at the mouth and say "THERE ARE NO VIRUSES LOLZZZZ!!!111!!1!!1!" rather than actually truthfully answer the question.

I agree it is not helpful to just scream "there are no viruses for Mac!". It is helpful to inform newbies (or those unaware) that this is the case, but it is also important to further elaborate and attempt to address the actual issue the OP is having.

However, instead of jumping to an unnecessary conclusion, people need to ask "what sort of threat is this?" I don't go to my dentist and say my tooth needs pulled just because it hurts. Let the expert determine the problem and solution.

schweb · Apr 18, 2011

MYmacROX said:
I agree it is not helpful to just scream "there are no viruses for Mac!". It is helpful to inform newbies (or those unaware) that this is the case, but it is also important to further elaborate and attempt to address the actual issue the OP is having.

The problem is that the "THERE IS NO VIRUSES LOLSLSLAZLS!@@#" crowd doesn't ever go much further than that. They leave a completely false impression that there are no security threats on the Mac which is untrue.

Educating is done by being honest, not by obfuscating or leaving out information when the intent of the question is clear. That's my point.

You also need to understand most people that visit this site and ask questions are not technical people in general, so you need to give them the benefit of the doubt rather than soapboxing.

BrianLachoreVPI · Apr 18, 2011

schweb said:
... obfuscating ...

Nice - one of my favorite words too - especially since I work with folks who seem to have mastered that art.

MYmacROX · Apr 18, 2011

Don't get me wrong - I understand the point you're making. And I fully agree with you.

As I said, the solution is to "further elaborate and attempt to address the actual issue the OP is having".