Topic: Macintosh Users - It May Be Time for an Antivirus Program

[Chilly Brioschi]

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/296449-flashback-ends-mac-s-no-virus-reputation-experts-say

In short, the days of Mac OS as a small target are long gone.
The US Gov't has already stated that we are loosing the battle against computer malware and that
we (and antivirus makers) are aware of a relatively small percentage of what is in the wild.

If your Mac is on the 'Net, you probably should be thinking about malware protection.

[fleish]

I find it amusing that my first thought was somewhat captured in the opening sentence, "A year ago, in the wake of the MacDefender outbreak, I warned Mac users that it's time to install antivirus protection."

It does seem like every year something manages to top the current signal-to-noise ratio on this topic and the security watchdogs try to get people to take notice and do something about it. I agree with the assessments of the experts in the article though, it'll probably take a much bigger event to really make a difference in how the majority of mac users view the problem.

I recommend ClamXav for those interested in protecting themselves

[willndmb]

If one is using time machine the have backups of everything so it would have to be major for them to care imo

[it-goes-to-eleven]

If one is using time machine the have backups of everything so it would have to be major for them to care imo

You just better hope something doesn't come along that installs Windows over your mac os.  That would leave you unable to access time machine backups.

Are time machine backups immune from being infected or wiped?

Does TM prevent your system from being used to do bad stuff without your knowledge - send spam, infect removable media, launch attacks, record justin beaver concerts?