new to OSX, does Mac need virus protection?

[GGJstudios]

Except there's a beautiful thing called genetic programming.
While the golden days of awesome virus makers have passed, there can exist a breed of rare but potent virus. There are obvious methods for people to circumvent virus definition lists - of which assume a virus always has the same signature. Genetic programming is the solution to this "problem" faced by virus makers - have a well engineered virus that can spread by whatever means on Windows and each one changes their signature in some way and keep on transmitting. It's an uncommon but serious threat that AV developers have to face.

That's nice. But you still haven't demonstrated that any Mac antivirus app can be more effective in detecting Windows malware than a Windows antivirus app.

In the real world, a user can maintain a malware-free Mac.
Just in the same way a user can maintain a malware-free Windows machine... and yet, look at how things are.

Yes, look at how things are. How many Windows PCs are infested with malware and how many Macs are? The evidence is overwhelming for anyone who pays even the slightest attention. You don't need antivirus software to keep a Mac malware-free.

 

[mjsmke]

We still cant be 100% sure a virus will not be developed in the future as Macs are becoming more popular.

Apple currently does a great job with OSX and firewalls but this doesn't guarantee the future to be virus free for OSX.

Just wondering how fast Apple would respond the day a virus is detected for OSX? Would Apple release an update before an antivirus program? Probably Apple. But no one will know until it happens.

 

[GGJstudios]

We still cant be 100% sure a virus will not be developed in the future

Again, from the link in post #6:

Having virus protection software on your Mac is pointless, as far as protecting your Mac from viruses, since current antivirus software cannot detect a Mac virus that doesn't yet exist, because they simply don't know what to look for.

If a virus is introduced in the future, current AV apps won't protect you from it, because they don't know what it will look like or how it will behave.

... as Macs are becoming more popular.

They already are more popular. Read the market share myth discussion in post #22.

 

[mjsmke]

If a virus is introduced in the future, current AV apps won't protect you from it, because they don't know what it will look like or how it will behave.

Thats right. But a Mac wont be able to protect itself either as it wont know what to look for until Apple releases an update. The point I'm making is who will release an update first? Apple or AV software?

They already are more popular.

Thats what i said.... they are getting more and more popular. Especially with the introduction of iPads... (i know thats a different OS).

 

[wpotere]

Thats right. But a Mac wont be able to protect itself either as it wont know what to look for until Apple releases an update. The point I'm making is who will release an update first? Apple or AV software?

My bet is actually on Apple... Once the hole is exploited it can quickly be plugged and a mass release made. This can be done just as fast as an AV company creating a def for it.

Still, there is no current need for AV as it would have no idea what to look for.

 

[munkery]

My bet is actually on Apple... Once the hole is exploited it can quickly be plugged and a mass release made. This can be done just as fast as an AV company creating a def for it.

Still, there is no current need for AV as it would have no idea what to look for.

Also, a fix from the vendor is always more reliable than a definition in AV software. Despite serving a legitimate function in some situations, it is fairly easy for malware to be modified to avoid both detection via definitions and heuristics.

This articles outlines how to defeat AV software. -> http://www.exploit-db.com/download_pdf/17066

 

[IceMacMac]

Don't let someone with an agenda sell you something you don't need.

Anti-virus software wont' help you...And it is more likely to hinder and harass your work.

There are many horror stories about "Protection" causing crashes, stuttering performance, etc.

 

[Kist]

I'm new to OS X too. I just want to thank all the people who replied with useful information. Read them. =)

My boyfriend keeps insisting that I install an anti virus for my MBP.
I'm just gonna have to let him read this thread. haha

Thanks!

 

[upinflames900]

I don't and wouldn't use virus software...

 

[Davf24]

Question

New to Mac? Check out the links in my sig.

Hay Munkery, I copied a couple of your MAC-Apps, I wanted to ask first; have you used them and (no disrespect) but are they good to add to my NEW machine? we just got this MAC for x-mas and love it and I don't want to load it with usless stuff but am interested in a few items you posted.

Thanks for the feed back,

Dave.

 

[munkery]

Hay Munkery, I copied a couple of your MAC-Apps, I wanted to ask first; have you used them and (no disrespect) but are they good to add to my NEW machine? we just got this MAC for x-mas and love it and I don't want to load it with usless stuff but am interested in a few items you posted.

I have used every app in that list at one time or another except Trim Enabler. I added Trim Enabler to the list because it seems to be popular on this forum.

Why would an app be no good for a new machine? Are you asking if they run on 10.6? Every app runs natively on 10.6 except True Combat Elite, which requires Rosetta to function.

Good is subjective. What is good to some may not be good to others. The apps are free so it does not cost you anything to try an app to see if it fits your needs. You may be able to find other free alternatives you like more or commercial apps you like more.