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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Anti-virus/Anti-spyware software for Mac

s_rowberry - Dec 22, 2007 - 11:06 am

Can you advise me as to whether there is any effective (or indeed necessary) anti-virus and anti-spyware software for Macs? I was using MacScan, but it ceased to work after I installed Leopard. I'm loathe to purchase another license if it is actually a dud. Your advice will be gratefully received!

Serenak - Dec 22, 2007 - 11:34 am

Dear Simon

thanks for using macosx.com and I will try to advise you.

There indeed several perfectly good AV programs for the Mac: Intego VirusBarrier, MacScan and ClamXav to name just 3.

Whether or not they are currently "necessary" is probably open to debate - however ClamXav is FREE from here http://www.clamxav.com/ and although it doesn't have realtime protection or scheduled scans or even automatic self updates it does have the "Folder Sentry" that can be set to scan downloads as they come in by setting watched folders (Desktop and Downloads being the essential ones) and new virus definitions issued every day.

MacScan is currently working in demo mode on my Leopard Mac so if you wish to purchase a new licence you can be assured that it is compatible - again whether or not it is really essential is another matter.

Intego VirusBarrier is alleged to be Leopard compatible but the Demo refuses to run on my Leopard Macs... draw your own conclusions, or download it and try it for yourself.

Hope that helps..

BTW as far as I know the only "in the wild" threat to Macs is the trojan you can get by downloading a "new quicktime codec" from dodgy porno sites... (and you have to manually download it, install it, and give your admin password to do so) So really it is not so much a malware threat as a social engineering attack.

Serenak - Dec 22, 2007 - 11:38 am

Oh and yes I rely on ClamXav... I mean once you have scanned the Mac and you know it is clean if you are scanning downloads and inserted disks what can get in?

s_rowberry - Dec 22, 2007 - 1:14 pm

Many, many thanks for your rapid response. I shall get ClamXav immediately, and repurchase MacScan. Many thanks again and compliments of the Season to you!
Simon

Serenak - Dec 22, 2007 - 5:55 pm

Glad to be of service...

And a merry Christmas (or whatever other holiday you may choose to celebrate)

Have a good one...