One of the most common questions I get asked is: “Do I need anti-virus software on my Mac?”
This sections attempts to shed some light on this somewhat controversial topic...
The term ‘virus’ is something of a misnomer. These days infections are more complex and come in many forms - viruses, trojans, spyware, rootkit, phishing...so a more general term to use that encompasses them all is ‘malware’.
In the PC world, the anti-malware databases that the various protection software products use are updated daily - because anti-malware protection is only as good as the last update. Each company maintains its own databases, so there is no one definitive source of information. It should also be noted that anti-malware software is reactive in nature: it can only protect against threats it knows about. Malware first has to be detected, reported, analysed and protected against before an update can be released to prevent that particular infection - so someone’s already copped it and possibly spread it before an update has been published!
Because of the comparatively smaller market share Mac-based computers have, plus the inherent security built-in to the Mac OS X operating system, the threat from malware faced by sensible Mac users is minimal - perhaps a dozen or so ‘out in the wild’ examples that are rarely encountered. However, that should not lead to a smug sense of false security, as one day the tide may well turn!
So, in my humble opinion, having anti-malware software is a good idea, if only to detect and remove threats to PC users that you may unintentionally pass on when sharing documents with PC users, as well as to be protected from the odd Mac malware.
If you visit dubious websites and download and install software from dubious sources, then you can expect trouble. For example, one specific Mac malware ‘out there’ is a trojan that hijacks your Mac’s DNS settings. This particular trojan is embedded in installers for Apple iWorks ’09 and various Adobe products that can be downloaded ‘free’ from torrent sites on the internet. If you believe in installing pirated software (or installing ‘missing QuickTime plugins’ to supposedly watch the latest celebrity sex tape) then you should accept the consequences of your actions. Social engineering is rife out there!
#1: Do not install software from untrusted sources, especially if that software comes as an installer package and requests your administrator’s password!
#2: If you visit ‘dubious’ websites, you risk exposure to embedded malware
It is also extremely likely that if you attempt to email an infected document it will be bounced back to you, having been detected by the recipient's mail server as being infected, thus rendering them incapable of receiving the file.
If you want to test the efficacy of your anti-viral installation, go to EICAR and download their series of standard test files and ensure they are detected.
* You should install Apple System and Security Updates as they become available, and be sure to download the latest antivirus definition updates for your product - your protection is only as good as your last update!
There are a number of commercial, shareware and freeware products available to suit your particular requirements. These are the main ones, in no particular order:
• Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition : A 'free for non-commercial use' product from a respected leader in the commercial space.
• Norton AntiVirus for Mac from Symantec : Commercial product, software updates via LiveUpdate only. Annual subscription.
• Intego VirusBarrier : Commercial product, updates through annual subscription.
• iAntiVirus from PC Tools : Free for home and home office use - commercial Pro version adds various support features.
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac : Commercial product, updates through annual subscription.
• ClamXav : A free, open-source virus checker (but does not clean files) application with free daily updates.
• Cocktail : An excellent shareware general system utility also incorporates some anti-malware capabilities.
• Snow Leopard Cache Cleaner : Another very good shareware general system utility that adds ClamAV support.
Call HDMS on 0409726817 if you have any malware concerns, or wish to purchase any of the commercial products mentioned.