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Macbook AntiVirus Software

  • 29-12-2014 3:28pm
    #1
    AnimalChin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 120 ✭✭


    As the proud owner of a MBP (my first Mac in years), I'm wondering if one should use some form of AV on a Mac these days?

    Whilst I understand there are of course viruses for Mac, they're nowhere near as prevalent as they are for Windows, are they more of a threat today even considering OS X's UNIX based OS?

    Do you use some form of security software on your Mac? If so, what do you use?


Comments

  • #2
    evlgmaojr27ypu
    Closed Accounts Posts: 499 ✭✭evlgmaojr27ypu


    I personally don't have any anti-virus running 24x7 on my mac. But I do have clamxav that I tend to run from time-time to make sure that there is no malware on my machine (have had no issues in 8 years :) ). Also if you plan to install software like Flash or Java make sure to keep them up to date as much as possible as they tend to have a lot of vulnerability


  • #3
    AnimalChin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 120 ✭✭AnimalChin


    Cheers I'll do that.


  • #4
    Nonoperational
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭Nonoperational


    No need for antivirus in my opinion.


  • #5
    Dan_Solo
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭✭Dan_Solo


    Nonoperational wrote: »
    No need for antivirus in my opinion.
    Much like Windows, Macs have built in antivirus software these days. Not much need for a third party one likewise.


  • #6
    AnimalChin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 120 ✭✭AnimalChin


    Cheers lads. Just wanted to make sure!


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  • #7
    Type 17
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,731 ✭✭✭Type 17


    Do make sure the firewall is on (System Prefs > Security & Privacy)

    As mentioned, keep Flash & Java up-to-date.

    The biggest issue on Macs is actually the potential complacency of users, caused by feelings of relative immunity, leading them to be taken in by social engineering/phishing etc.


  • #8
    AnimalChin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 120 ✭✭AnimalChin


    Type 17 wrote: »
    Do make sure the firewall is on (System Prefs > Security & Privacy)

    As mentioned, keep Flash & Java up-to-date.

    The biggest issue on Macs is actually the potential complacency of users, caused by feelings of relative immunity, leading them to be taken in by social engineering/phishing etc.

    Thanks. I would've thought that was on by default, but it wasn't! It is now. :)


  • #9
    TBi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,784 ✭✭✭TBi


    Type 17 wrote: »
    As mentioned, keep Flash & Java up-to-date.

    If possible don't install Flash or Java, unless you really really need it. I don't have it on mine and won't let the wife install it on hers. Better battery life and less ads without it.


  • #10
    PaddyFagan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,146 ✭✭✭PaddyFagan


    If you are going to use one at least pick a decent one - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/09/04/mac_anti_virus_test/

    I have Symantec - I use my Mac in work and have to - it doesn't come out well in the above.

    Paddy


  • #11
    AnimalChin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 120 ✭✭AnimalChin


    TBi wrote: »
    If possible don't install Flash or Java, unless you really really need it. I don't have it on mine and won't let the wife install it on hers. Better battery life and less ads without it.

    Yeah I don't really need them... At the moment so I'll leave it for now.


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  • #12
    aceofspades.ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 228 ✭✭aceofspades.ie


    Hi any advice how to check a mac for rouge remote acces running on it?


  • #13
    evlgmaojr27ypu
    Closed Accounts Posts: 499 ✭✭evlgmaojr27ypu


    aceofspades.ie wrote: »
    Hi any advice how to check a mac for rouge remote acces running on it?

    I use a tool called Private eye http://radiosilenceapp.com/private-eye it monitors all your incoming and outgoing connections.. very handy tool Just let it run for 20 -30 minutes without you doing anything on your mac this should give you a good indication if there is anything rouge running on your mac


  • #14
    aceofspades.ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 228 ✭✭aceofspades.ie


    Thanks... Will try that


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