Any advice on free protection?

0neo8

Has anybody any links for free anti-virus and internet security software that i can install on my new macbook.
I know about AVG but it's seems to be windows only.If Im wrong about this and someone tells me even better.
I've been on line for two weeks now with no protection what so ever.

I should of haggled for free software,when I was buying the laptop :mad:

Sad Professor

You don't need any. Viruses are currently not a problem on the Mac.

Do a search of this forum for more info. This topic comes up quite a lot.

Red Alert

AV on the Mac is not necessary, the architecture of the Mac makes it quite hard for viruses and unwanted programs to get in.

Talisman

OS X isn't a target for viruses and malware yet, this will possibly change if its market share increases. Since OS X 10.4, the system has had ClamAV antivirus software integrated but it's only used in the built in mail system. If you want to scan your file system then install ClamXav. The only viruses you are likely to encounter are Microsoft macro viruses.

Despite some serious exploits of the system being exposed in the past few years there still haven't been any significant malware outbreaks on the platform.

If you don't install pirated software you should reduce your risk to malware exposure to almost zero, but if you want to try to freak yourself out then Intego's press releases are worth a read - 2 security notifications since the beginning of 2010 and selling security software is their business.

0neo8

Thanks for the response's.I'll read up older threads today,but for now can you tell me then that my passwords and personal information is safe and cant fall into the wrong hands?

Talisman

There are no guarantees but you should be quite safe if you're not engaging in dodgy activities, visiting suspicious websites or using an unsecured internet connection.

If your passwords are found in a dictionary then they aren't secure.

If you use an open wireless network or one which only uses basic security then your passwords are not secure.

If you are looking to keep your online passwords secure then I'd recommend 1Password.

If you are worried about some dodgy software dialing home with your passwords / credit card information etc. then install Little Snitch.

J-blk

Talisman wrote: »

If you are looking to keep your online passwords secure then I'd recommend 1Password.

If you are worried about some dodgy software dialing home with your passwords / credit card information etc. then install Little Snitch.

+1 on 1Password - it's a great app and will help you break the bad habit most people have of using 2-3 "easy" passwords for just about everything.

Little Snitch might be overkill though - if you use common sense and know what you are installing (came from a trusted source), then there shouldn't be anything dodgy dialling home anyway... It is kind of free though: it fully works for 3 hours at a time, then you get a nag popup and need to re-enable it manually...

Sad Professor

Passwords stored in OS X's Keychain are pretty secure. Apps can't access it without your permission. However, some Windows-like apps such as Firefox don't use the Keychain. But as Talisman said, don't download dodgy software and don't carelessly enter your admin password when prompted and you'll be fine.

Tbh, though, you've more to fear from bloatware crap that installs memory leaking, misbehaving, cpu-hogging background processes than you do from any so-called security threats. HP, McAfee, Norton, among others, make some notoriously s***ty software for the Mac that is as bad as any virus.

I would also recommend 1Password. Fantastic app, worth every penny. There's an iPhone version as well.

conor.hogan.2

I am not loving 1password - but the idea is amazing if you like multiple impossible to remember nigh-uncrackable passwords for sites.

I cant advertise in threads but http://www.adverts.ie/187748/general/1password/

was.deevey

And initially i thought this thread might be about birth control :P

Suprised no-one has chimed in with filevault for encrypting your information !! :-S

Its VERY easy to reset the password on OSX by booting using CD! and no extra length password will help you if a thief has an OSX disc knocking around.

System preferences > security > Filevault ... it'll take a while (overnight) to encrypt if you've already got lots of docs and music. But well worthwhile doing for your own peace of mind.

As regards the online stuff .. as above, don't carelessly enter your system password whenever you get a prompt .. think about whats prompting.

Also if you are really paranoid, don't log in as root unless you need to, create a "user" account for day to day stuff.

maccored

ClamXav is great

K.O.Kiki

Use Google Chrome for your browsing, and always tick anti-phishing tool for any browser (under Preferences).