subject: Anti-virus/Firewall for Mac OS X [print this page] Anti-virus/Firewall for Mac OS X Computer viruses are a constant threat to the PC data whereas, consequently, is a reliable protection is an important prerequisite for a functioning computer at work. In the past, in the press and news items appeared in some reports, the status of Mac OS X presented as virus-free platform in question and a threat scenario by malware (viruses, worms, Trojan, etc.) built up. As a result, many users of Mac OS X for anti-virus software have inquired.
At McAfee or Symantec one is confronted with an almost pleading recommendations that urge to purchase, installation and regular use of anti-virus software. The alarming statistics like 228 percent increase in malware attacks over the past three years by McAfee here published - although today not a single OS X malware has made it up, causing significant damage or even to spread reliable. But apparently some users have swallowed the bait anyway.
What the producers of anti-virus software to their barrage of press releases and publications on the rising threat, however, in conceal: to this day was by anti-virus software for Mac OS X problems causing more than corrected. Despite this fact the potential benefits of an installed virus protection does not dispute, this should give pause to the purchase of anti-virus software prone users.
No. If any computer connected to the Internet is 100% protected from viruses and spyware, the Mac is based on a solid UNIX foundation and was designed to provide maximum security. Safari, the Mac Web browser, alerts you when you download an application, even if it hides under the guise of an innocent picture or movie file apparently harmless. Furthermore, Apple is continually available to owners of Mac security updates free. You can even make sure they download automatically.
BitDefender also had the Mac platform with viruses and malware protection needs as identified. After F-Secure and Kaspersky with plans and / or software for the Mac already presented in detail, were we dedicate BitDefender two reports: The following presentation of the current AV-Suite for Mac, in the course of the week interview follows one to the malware situation on the Mac platform, other security needs of Mac users and the current state and future plans of BitDefender.
Away from the isolated anti-virus software, to the security - the reasons for the Mac scanners are not necessarily in an acute security risk to the Mac platform itself (for viruses and malware are rare still comparatively), but the goal of a fully integrated into the security infrastructure in which Mac OS X machines as well as immune carriers of malware for other Mac operating systems in appearance do not occur.
Kaspersky said, the importance of a complete security concept, as F-Secure , the recently tested in Mac Security Suite but still no comprehensive detection routines, and Definition Files decorating had their Beta. Unlike now recognize BitDefender, other antivirus keep their daily updated virus definitions that we meant business.
Given the manageable threat situation on Mac OS X but we are interested in particular what the hiring BitDefender scanner with the system. Even before the installation is as well at the competition in the eye, that the Security Suite brings its own uninstaller. Once set up, can the software as a free demo version or (payable to licensed full version unlock). BitDefender recommends no surprise a complete system scan, it will be depending on the quantity and types of file probably will need several hours.
By this time you ought not to be deterred because you must keep BitDefender credit, it gently handle the resources. Double-digit CPU takes the scanner to claim, but can always free enough resources to ensure that the system remains liquid. During operation, the real-time scanners are satisfied even with processor time of the order 0-1%.
In contrast to F-Secure beta of BitDefender virus scanner is also Windows-Malware - some long-forgotten treasures appeared in various mail folders and archives. Was erased by what criteria and / or only moved to quarantine, to understand we could not - both files as mail attachments were found in two groups detected files, which are, however, prevented reliable in any case, the accidental or automatic start. And not just starting. Few people may think this is a disadvantage: the use of malware on your system is complicated in general drastically. Once recognized, for example, a very old-Nukertool ends up in quarantine - from where it can indeed restore to be directly and automatically be pushed back to the quarantine.
BitDefender is similar to before when trying to send malware by email. Without further ado, the SMTP server is disabled, after re-selecting the server for mail delivery is the infected attachment on miraculous manner disappeared from the mail - along with the recipient's address. Who handled from kind whatsoever interest with malware, must disable the tool.
