The Official Mac AntiVirus and Firewall FAQ

[cwa107]

Have been having trouble uploading it will try again...my connection kept dropping out yesterday

OK it's not allowing me to upload it again as I've attached it here, 3rd post downhttp://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/154160-trojan-2.html

Jen, I responded in your other thread. You do indeed have a DNS Redirector trojan. I provided a link in that thread to removal tools.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[jenzmac]

Jen, I responded in your other thread. You do indeed have a DNS Redirector trojan. I provided a link in that thread to removal tools.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Cool, thank you, will go have a look

 

[iPod Nano]

I hope it works ok.

 

[jenzmac]

Downloaded MacScan from the Apple downloads now and am scanning using th free 30 day trial version

They have a new freeware application called Who is Connected? 1.0, just listed 10th June which might e worth me downloading also? This might help me tighten my security? Apple - Downloads - Networking & Security - Who Is Connected?

 

[cwa107]

Downloaded MacScan from the Apple downloads now and am scanning using th free 30 day trial version

They have a new freeware application called Who is Connected? 1.0, just listed 10th June which might e worth me downloading also? This might help me tighten my security? Apple - Downloads - Networking & Security - Who Is Connected?

I could only see that being useful if you have SSH and Apple Remote Desktop turned on. If those features are not something you ordinarily use, then it's not of concern.

 

[dtravis7]

Did you try the URL that CWA suggested? I took a Mac G4 and downloaded the Codec with that Trojan and had the same exact issue you do. I did what was said on that url and it was back to normal.

 

[jenzmac]

I've just checked the security on my connection using Airport Assistant and I had it open for anyone to use if i range; I have now restricted it to my own computer only ... now that was 'foolish'

Hopefully all will be safe from now on!

CWA thanks for the help, I used MacScan to detect the 4 Tracker Cookies. Attached a screenshot on the other thread 'Trojan?'

 

[monticello]

What about Windows in Bootcamp?

If I boot to Windows using Bootcamp then I can still get a windows virus, right? Do most people get anti-virus for the Windows side or just not use it for web?

 

[cwa107]

If I boot to Windows using Bootcamp then I can still get a windows virus, right? Do most people get anti-virus for the Windows side or just not use it for web?

Sure, it's still Windows. Check out Avira AntiVirus or AVG AntiVirus, both are available in free versions and do a decent job.

 

[ImmortalBeloved]

Sure, it's still Windows. Check out Avira AntiVirus or AVG AntiVirus, both are available in free versions and do a decent job.

I have been using Avira on my PC for a long time now and it has served me well. I run the free version so I think that is good advice!

 

[berserkermac]

There has never been a virus or spyware released for Mac OSX to date.
umm there are viruses for macs Macintosh Viruses and Mac Virus Resources
srry to say but you are wrong by saying there are no viruses for macs

 

[cwa107]

There has never been a virus or spyware released for Mac OSX to date.
umm there are viruses for macs Macintosh Viruses and Mac Virus Resources
srry to say but you are wrong by saying there are no viruses for macs

There is a difference between a virus and a Trojan. And yes, there are Trojans on every platform that has ever existed. Trojans are merely undesirable programs disguised as desirable ones. They prey on the ignorance of users who blindly install anything without question as to where it came from or why it's needed. They are easily avoided by the slightest bit of common sense.

A virus is strictly defined as a program that infects a machine without willful installation and self-replicates. And no, to date there has never been a virus in the wild for Mac OS X. Although there have been proof of concept viruses, they were created in a lab environment and took advantage of vulnerabilities long since patched.

 

[sassula]

Purchases on line with my Mac

Hey, sorry if I missed a previous answer to this question:

VISA transactions on line with my Mac, no router. Is anti-spyware recommended?

This is assuming that the vendors in question have secure sites.

TIA for advice.

 

[cwa107]

Hey, sorry if I missed a previous answer to this question:

VISA transactions on line with my Mac, no router. Is anti-spyware recommended?

This is assuming that the vendors in question have secure sites.

TIA for advice.

There are no known compromises for SSL encryption for Mac OS X. There is also no known executable spyware for Mac OS X (this excludes tracking cookies, which are germane to any OS).

In other words, there is no need for anti-spyware software for Mac OS X at this time.

 

[Carmine782]

Many many switchers coming from the Windows world are always concerned about whether or not they need a firewall or antivirus software for their Mac. The short answer: maybe, it's a personal choice.

Having a firewall is always a necessity to protect your computer and network from hackers who could steal data or harm your machines. Luckily Mac OSX has it's own built-in firewall that can be activated in the Sharing pref pane in System Preferences.

Now when it comes to antivirus software it gets trickier and there isn't as much agreement. Here are the normal pros and cons...

Pros:

• If you use the machine in a mixed network antivirus software will help stop you from further infecting the network. While your Mac can't be infected by a Windows virus, it can pass it on.
• Even though there is not a virus for Mac OSX that doesn't mean there will never be one. Having antivirus software installed makes you proactive in your protection.
• Most users see no performance decrease or issues when running antivirus software.

Cons:

• There has never been a virus or spyware released for Mac OSX to date.
• It eats up resources on some machines
• In certain situations it could cause stability issues or kernel panics

As you can see there are good reasons on both sides so in the end you need to make up your mind on which your most comfortable with.

If you decide to add an antivirus program to your computer here are some that are available for OSX:

Norton AntiVirus for Mac
McAfee Virex for Mac
ClamXav (free)

Hey Im just wondering is this information still accurate itwas posted in 2005, so im just curious.

 

[cwa107]

Hey Im just wondering is this information still accurate itwas posted in 2005, so im just curious.

Yes, it is.

 

[judderman62]

Can I have 5-10 minutes on the net with your windows pc? I will show you in that time why it's not pointless to have Antivirus on a Windows system. No porn sites either.

thank you - does annoy me when people post such incorrect and dangerous posts. It is because of such misinformation, ignorance and slack approach that viruses (virii ?) spread

 

[Robinthehood]

Here's the anti virus app. I'm happy with...
It's due to the JIC Factor (just in case)
Virusbarrier X5 by Intego

VirusBarrier X5: The acclaimed antivirus program for the Mac

Are there any incidents anybody has had??

 

[NICKST3R]

I use iAntiVirus. Its really light so it uses barely any resources... and its free!

 

[NICKST3R]

Here's the anti virus app. I'm happy with...
It's due to the JIC Factor (just in case)
Virusbarrier X5 by Intego

VirusBarrier X5: The acclaimed antivirus program for the Mac

Are there any incidents anybody has had??

I've tried it and I think it's crap. $80 a year is just way too much for any AV software. The UI is kinda cheesy too. That NetUpdater is really fracking annoying too...