[orthobiz]

I recently ran into a computer guru friend that I had not seen for a year or two. He has Windows, Mac and Linux systems. When I told him my office (Macintosh ONLY) runs about a dozen computers for 19 years without any viruses, he though I was absolutely crazy. I have been through the argument with Windows people about how "no one would write a virus for Mac because there aren't enough of them out there." But being a Mac evangelist, I know the truth is that any 14 year old who can write a single line of code can bring down the Pentagon on the Windows environment, while something, something keeps the Mac safe.

What say you? Has the time for Mac anti-virus arrived?

Paul

[gregoh]

no

[Crimson]

Don't run any on the macs I have at home. This is in spite of the fact that my  ISP provides Norton free of charge. The Windows machines, OTOH, are all running it.

[jmc207]

I'd run a Mac Antivirus package to help prevent the sneaky intrusions that don't make themselves well known unlike most Windows malware that can stop you cold. Things like rootkits, trojan horses, keyloggers, search redirectors, etc. Most of these could run silently and happily in the background. Just found a site you might want to look at:

http://www.securemac.com/

[gregoh]

 Crimson did you say Norton?  Several yrs ago I installed Norton on the kids brand NEW Dell and it made it run like a snail. I had to have it totally removed ---not a simple process. I have been using a group of free anti whatever software for years with no issues. (Knock on wood). 
            MacBook Pro in my lazy boy yea

[doorman]

No "anti-virus used.
Finished a recent Mac specific computer course @ local college.
IIRC, their Mac lab doesn't either. I stand to be corrected on that.
don

[jqp]

I recently ran into a computer guru friend that I had not seen for a year or two. He has Windows, Mac and Linux systems. When I told him my office (Macintosh ONLY) runs about a dozen computers for 19 years without any viruses, he though I was absolutely crazy. I have been through the argument with Windows people about how "no one would write a virus for Mac because there aren't enough of them out there." But being a Mac evangelist, I know the truth is that any 14 year old who can write a single line of code can bring down the Pentagon on the Windows environment, while something, something keeps the Mac safe.

What say you? Has the time for Mac anti-virus arrived?

Paul

something, something = low market share, no Corporate use

in other news

http://www.romow.com/computer-blog/mac-viruses-and-trojans-becoming-more-prevalent/

[groovybassist]

I run Intego VirusBarrier on my iMac.  Not too expensive, runs with no problems, and no nasties to date.

[aragon63]

  I have never used an anti-virus software on my Mac, but here is what Graham Cluley (Sophos Senior technology consultant ) had to say  ---> 7 Facts

[Phil A]

I have a Mac G5 Tower but have never used anti-virus software.  I suspect sometime in the next year I will end up with a new PC and the Mac G5 will see much less use.

[jmc207]

And Sophos offers a FREE version of their business class antivirus software for home Mac users.

More info and interesting videos here:
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2010/11/02/anti-virus-mac-free/
Direct download page here:
http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/

[timind]

No. The Mac mini is used only for music via remote. I hook a monitor up every few weeks to check for updates.

[JohnR]

I do hope that I don't end up having to install anti-virus software on my Macs. A large part of it is just (dare I say it) common sense - don't run anything if you don't know what it is. I've never caught anything on a Windows machine either, although in that case I've run whatever anti-virus was mandated by whomever paid for the machine. I have become a little careless with the Macs though (See "Fact 5" in the article linked above!) - e.g. trying out cheap/free programs - so this thread is a good wakeup call.

[skunark]

Mac OSX - no anti-virus
Mac OSX Server - clamav installed but mostly unused
Linux - clamav - for web host and email
Windows - clamwin at home or brand of the year at work.

I will do a Nessus scan on all computers, nas, printers, routers, etc.,  periodically and security issues dealt with as found.   One key thing is avoid the sketchy websites and emails and don't leave yourself open to threats.   Install ad and JavaScript blockers on your webrowser avoid those that don't offer them.  Vary passwords and email addresses between online activities.  Avoid password apps.   

Most important IMO, keep OS and software updated and have automated incremental backups to minimize data loss.

I can think of only a few times I've had a virus: one the virus came with the product. another was because work was behind on Windows updates and that caused an email to hammer the network, and another was from mcafee itself with it's bad signature oppies.

[JohnR]

Mac OSX - no anti-virus
Mac OSX Server - clamav installed but mostly unused

This is a good reminder - use an email provider that provides virus scanning already before it gets to your client machine.

[Nels Ferre]

And Sophos offers a FREE version of their business class antivirus software for home Mac users.

More info and interesting videos here:
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2010/11/02/anti-virus-mac-free/
Direct download page here:
http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/

Thanks JMC207. 

I ran it on both my MacBook and my Mini, and it found numerous threats on both. (All were attachments in my Junk Mailbox.)

All taken care of now. It runs in the background and I see no performance change on either model.

[orthobiz]

I had one common (at the time) virus in 1988 on my Mac. Looks like the "golden" days are coming to an end. Will check out sophos. Thanks!

Paul

[nathanm]

Using a Mac is kind of like being a highly sheltered child.  You simply have no idea about all the horrible and evil things in the world and live in a state of complete bliss.  On the flip side, I bought an $80 Windows machine on eBay awhile ago and within 3 seconds of thoughtlessly connecting to the internets and doing something so foolish as checking my e-mail it was instantly infected with digital black plague.  Cripes!

I remember years ago thinking the days of milk and honey would soon be over and that the malcontents would turn their indignation towards us with increased Mac marketshare, but it never seemed to happen.  It seems too good to be true somehow.

[pardales]

Using a Mac is kind of like being a highly sheltered child.  You simply have no idea about all the horrible and evil things in the world and live in a state of complete bliss.  On the flip side, I bought an $80 Windows machine on eBay awhile ago and within 3 seconds of thoughtlessly connecting to the internets and doing something so foolish as checking my e-mail it was instantly infected with digital black plague.  Cripes!

I remember years ago thinking the days of milk and honey would soon be over and that the malcontents would turn their indignation towards us with increased Mac marketshare, but it never seemed to happen.  It seems too good to be true somehow.

Yup. Always used Mac's. Never used anti-virus software.

[ratso]

its something i think of every so often. why HASN'T mac been attacked yet? it would seem to be an upscale customer base that would be ripe for the picking? (and the answer is no, i don't btw).

edit: oh, i guess it has.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/208540/mac_users_warned_of_growing_virus_threat.html