Anti-virus/Firewall for Mac OS X

[kattman]

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.



Do I need antivirus software for a Mac OS X?

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.

[kattman]

BEFORE ADDING THE ANTIVIRUS YOU MUST TAKE OUT THE FOLLOWING STEPS :

1. Using the Software Update :



Mac OS X is not as accurate (and safe) and according to how many users take several years Apple provides updates for Mac OS X from each . Most of the updates affect (also) the security of Mac OS X and should therefore be recorded as quickly as possible, always - it is the software update. The software update may be System Preferences / Software Update call in, by default they should already be activated. The usefulness of the software update can be improved by updates on set every day and search for updates automatically load are enabled.

2. Use of password queries :



Mac OS X offers many possibilities of protection by password queries whose activation is recommended for most users. The main password queries in System / Security / Pre-General, particularly Automatically sign off, too. Also useful password are required the beginning of the resting state or screen saver - with me after a waiting time of one minute to configure - for the release of any protected system settings and secure virtual memory use password prompt.

The password prompt after starting the screen saver, of course, require that even a screen saver is enabled (in System Preferences / Desktop & Screen Saver / Screen saver activate for ... minutes). If we define an active desktop corner for the screen saver, the Mac can be an appropriate mouse or touchpad movement lock comfortable (under System Preferences / Exposé & Spaces / Expose / Active corners configurable).

When queried password is both a user password. It is accordingly relevant password for all the user to choose a safe (under System Preferences / Users), the Password Assistant in Mac OS X with password-proposals and a display of the password-quality help. The Password Assistant can define new passwords each time by clicking the key icon next to the password field in the call.

Mac OS X is recommended when you define passwords, adding a hint. This recommendation should not be accepted, instead you should choose a password that complex, but is memorable nonetheless, or the password in a safe place a note if necessary. Another option is a password prompt when Mac-Start - this must be a Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) - or Open Firmware password set. For all Mac-passwords is important to note that they alone offer no comprehensive protection against access to data stored on a Mac.

3. Activating the Firewall :



The firewall in Mac OS X protects against unwanted incoming connections from the Internet and other networks. It should therefore be enabled all of the users (under System Preferences / Firewall / Start). The Mac OS X firewall can also be configured via Other option, so you can block all incoming connections for example. For beginners, this setting can be useful, all other users are not using them, for Mac OS X asks if necessary, whether a single application can accept incoming connections and allows you to make individual settings - I have, for example, incoming connections for iStat and Microsoft Excel blocked.

Not recommended for the firewall configuration is automatically Signed [] to allow software to receive incoming connections to the mode or [to] enable camouflage it. The former requires trust in the impossible using signatures, the latter may in many types of network connections can cause problems.

3. Implementation of regular data backup :



With Mac OS pX time is the regular backup thanks to the included machine application , despite some flaws and relatively comfortable standard Mac OS X makes the connection of external hard drives or availability of a Time Capsule to backup option carefully. For safety should be examined whether Time Machine is turned on (under System Preferences / Time Machine). The options for Time Machine are usually configured correctly. It is recommended only, not to secure the following objects use certain large files that change constantly add to.

An example of this are virtual disks, such as virtualization applications Ã* la Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion - Creating these virtual disks are stored as large files and you use it last, making it fully backed by Time Machine constantly. As a result, the backup with Time Machine instead of a few minutes an hour last much longer and may disable the backup. At the same time means the exclusion of such files, but that no backup files using Time Machine takes place such.

Data backup with Time Machine is carried out locally on site. For this reason, it is recommended to back up important data to protect against theft and fire externally. Example I was reflected on the one hand, my entire system weekly with super duper to external hard drives and encamped outside the home and save these other very important files several times per day with Jungle Disk with Amazon S3 . The super duper application is in a basic version available for free (useful) addition unique functions must be paid for; of Jungle Disk are monthly fees for the application, and (depending on the Jungle Disk subscription) storage fees additional.

4. Deactivation of shares :



Mac OS X knows countless others the opportunity to access your Mac to enable. If you do not need approvals should be ensured that no such are enabled (in System / shares). Shares that are actually needed should be configured in terms of access as restrictive as possible by only a few selected users are allowed. In addition to Mac OS X itself, there are many other Mac applications, the release options include, for example, Dropbox , iChat , iTunes and Skype . In these applications should be activated only shares that are actually used, in doubt, always a restrictive configuration is useful when needed, it is always possible to grant required permissions.

[kattman]

5. Using the key ring with its own password :

In Mac OS X keychain, and many Mac applications, the various passwords of a user, for example, to retrieve e-mail or Facebook access using Apple Safari. The key ring with all its "keys" (saved passwords) is again a separate password protected, with the password of the user is identical to the default. For this reason, it is advisable to use a different password, not the user's password for the keyring. Thus, although one has to enter two passwords frequently - on one hand the password for your user account, the other for their own keyring that - but the saved passwords in the Keychain have a much better protection.

The keyring is configured on the application Keychain Administration (Spotlight to find, for example, via). In the list of keychains in the left sidebar choose the keychain login and password which can then / password for keychain login change and adapt under Edit. By clicking on the key icon next to the password field X supports the Password Assistant in Mac OS when creating a complex but memorable password. The keychain-protection can be under Edit / Settings for Keychain login to change further improve by after minutes of inactivity, as well as changes in sleep mode to protect the active protection.

6. Surf only with wireless encryption :



Meanwhile, most people know that wireless connections should be used only with encryption - encryption with safer, which in wireless networks (Wireless LAN, WLAN) to a minimum of WPA, WPA2 even better with AES-256 equivalent. Press the Option (Alt)-key and click on the Airport icon in the Mac OS X menu bar, you can check whether the currently used wireless connection has strong encryption. The type of safety should include WPA (WPA Enterprise / WPA Personal, WPA2 even better company-/ WPA2 Personal). In any case, WEP is used, WEP can now be decrypted within a very short time.

With WPA and WPA2 security encryption depends largely on the complexity of the chosen password. One should choose according to a long and complex password as possible, especially as this in the local WLAN must usually only once per device type. In public WLANs, such as airports, cafes or at conferences, you share its Internet connection with other users and therefore needs to ensure the encryption itself. The easiest way to do this is to use a Virtual Private Networks (VPN) , who most users do not have their own VPN features.

7. Use of data encryption :



On the Mac there is, as in all other common systems, only a reasonably secure way to protect data stored on your computer from unwanted access: As full data encryption. Mac OS X includes FileVault to encrypt the user data by default, which means all data in each user directory. For this purpose, all user data in an encrypted Sparse Bundle (Art Disk Image) moved one and the user as the user directory shown this. FileVault may be System Preferences / Security / FileVault / FileVault activate in a few steps up in , with the encryption some time claim takes.

FileVault has several disadvantages , among others, are not all the data on the encrypted system and data backup with Time Machine works only with great limitations. I use therefore PGP Whole Disk Encryption (PGP WDE) for full system encryption - unfortunately use this charge , has a negative performance of the system on and for Mac OS 10.6 "Snow Leopard" so far as a beta version available before , but does the best I know the alternative to FileVault.

Another possibility is to use encrypted disk images for selected data - instead of FileVault and / or PGP WDE and on its completion. The disk utility in Mac OS X disk images (or Sparse Bundles) create such (via Disk Utility / File / New / Blank Image / ), another possibility is the use of free (but controversial) TrueCrypt software .

Regardless of the type of encryption is the password used by the greatest importance - the security of the encryption is the linchpin of the chosen password. In addition, one is an encrypted computer only reliably protected when it is switched off , for maximum security must be a MacBook, for example, be waived in other words, it is the transport from A to B to sleep while in standby mode to let.

8. Working as a user instead of administrator :

In 10 × Mac OS X Leopard security for beginners like I recommended in the first place, work on the Mac with a user without administrator rights to do a daily administration and an appropriate user to be compiled for. This recommendation is still basically correct but prevail on the Mac for most users the disadvantages of the benefits.

The software update, for example, shows new updates are available at no more and you have to do frequent user of the user to enter the Administration. At the same time, many administrative functions to users with administrative rights secured by password queries

[kattman]

Here is the list of antivirus which you can use for Mac OS X. There is both license and free copy available for the same :

1. PC Tools iAntivirus
2. Intego VirusBarrier
3. BitDefender Antivirus
4. McAfee VirusScan
5. MacScan v2.6

1. PC Tools iAntivirus :

Do you need a virus scanner on the Mac? Then there is - thankfully - still no clear answer. Also, we do not know if tomorrow will give viruses and Trojan for the Mac, but prevention is better than cure. The tasks of security software are mostly preventive and is always a risk - even for Mac users. iAntiVirus is free for home users. The application will scan in the background as well as entire disks manually and specializes in Mac pests. Since iAntiVirus detects no Windows and removes malicious software, scanning is quick of hand and requires very little resources. Discover the software in its automatic search in the background, an infection, so it isolates infected files in quarantine pests and draw.



With PC Tools iAntiVirus you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your Mac and personal information. Once your computer has been infected, a virus or worm will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your Mac, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email.

How to be hosted by iAntiVirus Mac users. This is the question that may arise. If publishers of security solutions for several years promise a deluge of threats targeting the Apple platform as its growing popularity, proven cases are not yet truly legion. It now remains to convince PC Tools promises with a friendly interface, real-time protection designed exclusively for Mac OS X. No question then burdening the system with a database containing information on threats Windows



iAntivirus scans your Mac in search of potential threats and offers protection in real time. The virus database is automatically and regularly updated. The program offers a filter in the background, for all types of infections from your downloads, sites visited, etc.. Once a suspicious item is detected, the application allows you to quarantine or delete it permanently. Free for home users is the new security software, iAntiVirus, which has presented the Munich manufacturer PC Tools just a beta version. She is preparing for the worst-case scenario against viruses, trojans and other pests, but also against spyware.

Currently available free in beta, iAntiVirus only works on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Once finalized, the software will be sold $ 30 with free support for one year. Important to know is that the scanner looks just iAntiVirus for malicious software that is written for the Mac. Therefore, the search process is completed relatively quickly. If you use its Mac Business, e-mail traffic and operate with PC users. Is it recommended a virus scanner to install the Windows also detects viruses. A Windows virus can infect the OS X of course not , but cannot stop the same PC may, and thus infect the recipient with hostile viruses.

Features :

• Malware protection
• Protection against viruses, worms and Trojans
• Scans for spyware, adware and dialers
• Mac Complete Scan or directories and files
• Free update service
• Real-Time Protection
• Community Support

A commercial use license costs $ 29.95 and includes the following additional enhancements:

• Business / Commercial use of the software
• A 24 / 7 Support
• Telephone support

2. Intego VirusBarrier

Virus Barrier X6 is the latest version of Intego antivirus. Combining the simplicity and efficiency specific to the X6 range, it protects your Mac against all known viruses and malware. Virus Barrier knows how to be discreet and run in the background without making the operation of the Mac it protects. The updates are done automatically through the service NetUpdate. Finally, the built-in firewall blocks hackers before they can infiltrate your system.



Intego Announces VirusBarrier antivirus market its X6. This new version comes as a complete solution for protecting your computer. Less expensive than its predecessor, the standard version now includes a two-way firewall and a module to fight against phishing, incorporates new mechanisms to detect new types of malware such as scareware (software trying to trick you to believe that your Mac is infected) and has a monitoring system dynamic code (particularly to detect suspicious actions). The software has been rewritten in 64 bit, includes a system enabling the user to decide how much CPU time to allocate for VirusBarrier X6 in the analysis of different disks in the background, and includes a new license to protect two Macs.



The company also revised its continued Internet Security Barrier X6, X6 VirusBarrier which also includes Content Barrier 10.6, Personal Backup 10.6, 10.6 and Personal Antispam FileGuard 10. X6 version is optimized for Snow Leopard and so much faster than the previous version. An even greater protection, thanks to its rich database of malware and viruses identified in the Apple system. You work in standalone or networked, this tool will be your ally to protect you and protect the transfer of files from system to other, possible threats. For my part, I created a home network with computers running Windows and Mac, Intego Virus Barrier is my favorite tool to scan for potential infections on my various partitions between computers connect to the home network and thanks to its power analysis and speed of execution, especially as I use the Mac, as file server for my various backups.

More Versions :

• VirusBarrier X6: the acclaimed antivirus for the Mac that offers an analysis of real-time virus and demand, new proactive and behavioral analysis or a quarantine zone to isolate infected files.
• VirusBarrier X6 not only protect Mac users against the malware. A powerful personal firewall and its function Vandal proof provide complete protection against all types of intrusions and Web threats. VirusBarrier X6 stop hackers before they infiltrated your Mac.
• Network Monitoring Features: Submission of the activity of network traffic using twelve indicators of control, application and widget autonomous traffic monitoring, detection and AirPort wireless networks available, Trace route and Whois tools.

[kattman]

3. BitDefender Antivirus

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 is a solution to virus protection, antispyware, rootkit and anti-phishing whose double streamlined interface / Advanced is suitable for users of all levels. The new B-HAVE technology running in a virtual machine, potentially dangerous files to identify threats effectively, thanks to a behavioral analysis. It works in real time and ensures optimum protection for your most important information by filtering all potential entry points for viruses, including exchanges Peer To Peer, POP3 accounts and instant messaging. In addition, a specific mode, less use of resources, allows players to enjoy a free flow of play and optimal safety.



Based on several proprietary technologies, BitDefender is a 'pro-active protection solution that is to say capable of protecting users against new threats not yet referenced, so no need to await the availability of an update maintained by the publisher. BitDefender Antivirus also includes protection against scams, identity theft (phishing) and the 2009 version now has a module for centralized management of network protection staff, allowing for example to analyze a position remote from the update, to solve problems or to centralize security updates for all network stations. Finally, for frequent users chat with MSN or Yahoo Messenger, BitDefender 2009 provides encryption via these exchanges to be tampered IM conversations.

BitDefender Free Edition works without a license request and without registration compulsory. She is also in the application not limited to personal use. The On-Demand Scanner checks disks for viruses and removes them, if technically possible. There are also Internet updates of virus definitions. The Free Edition does not have a resident light switch, this must be had to the fee programs BitDefender BitDefender Standard Edition or Professional Edition (with built-in firewall).

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 is a security-type software that ensures protection of the computer so that the user is not infected by a malicious file. It can detect over 70,000 viruses alone. BitDefender has a powerful analytical tool for the detection and removal of all viruses and functions of planning, to program analysis system periodically, without any further intervention. The user can also perform immediate analysis by a simple right click on a file or folder. We also find the quarantined files, which can isolate the infected files to reduce the risk of infection.

4. McAfee VirusScan

McAfee VirusScan Plus is a virus scanner that scans your system for malware such as viruses and trojans, and protects your PC against new invaders. A filter for threats that might be sent to you via e-mail is also included. "McAfee VirusScan Plus also protects you from hackers by blocking possible attacks. McAfee VirusScan is a powerful antivirus that protects your PC from various types of threats that can be found surfing the web, as spyware, trojans, phishing and more. McAfee VirusScan helps the user without disturbing it, keep your PC always protected.

As one can easily guess from the name, McAfee VirusScan is a virus, now essential tool on any computer connected to the internet or not. More and more often, you hear of viruses that have spread over thousands of PCs and have caused great economic damage. With McAfee VirusScan, you can prevent your PC is among the thousands. This software, in fact, offers a very high protection against viruses, spyware, trojans and other malware and potentially harmful. McAfee VirusScan remains active in the background, to obtain the dual result of not disturbing the user experience by putting But safe from risks which might arise even in everyday web browsing.



To provide protection up to date, if you are connected to the Internet, McAfee VirusScan automatically detects the presence of updates and updates itself so absolutely silent that causes you problems, because the transaction occurs in the background and the user can continue its operations without annoying interruptions. Now the program allows, also, avoiding unsafe websites by SiteAdvisor.

It has a server version also. Before you can download McAfee VirusScan Enterprise from our server, you must accept the license agreement, undertake to respect yourself. A usage is for computers that property of the University of Ulm (for no clinic), and for research and teaching are exploited legally. A private session in the Campus License is expressly excluded. McAfee reserves the right to download updates outside of the range of IP addresses to check 134.60.xxx.yyy and in the case of license breach initiate appropriate action.

5. MacScan v2.6

MacScan detects, isolates and removes spyware, trojans and other sneaky software, able to save passwords when typing them (known as key logger in English). If so, it tells you the presence on your Mac software making remote control. Finally, monitors MacScan cookies and temporary files from your browsers (Firefox, Netscape, Internet Explorer and Safari) to make sure none of them contains such critters. The software "MacScan" examines your PC for malware such as viruses or so-called Trojan. Has the application such pests are found, they are clearly listed. You decide what data found to be permanently deleted. In the demo version, it is not possible to scan folders to CDs, DVDs or external storage media.

he Mac system continuously collects and stores information, but much of this information end up as garbage that are never needed again. As an example of this is on the developers. The Mac saves the last used applications, documents, folders and URLs. It also stores cache, temporary files, cookies and page histories. Most of these data remains easy on the disk, are piling up and take away valuable space. Over time, these files can degrade the performance of Macs. Mac Scan & Sweep away, according to manufacturer these unwanted files, which fill the hard disk is full, without the user while taking a risk. The button on the site of Ascentive LLC run a free scan results "from any direct access to the Mac, but invites first download a demo version of the tool that is installed in the usual way. Mac Scan & Sweep runs Mac OS X 10.4 on an Intel Mac Core with 1.6 GHz and supports all popular browsers on the Mac.



Unlike anti-virus software, MacScan can detect, isolate and remove trojan horses, spyware, malicious cookies, keyloggers, together with an extensive software suite that endanger our Mac and especially the personal and confidential it preserved. The new program version 2.6.1 of MacScan can detect and block even the latest generation of malicious software circulating online, the developers have also improved the user interface, even easier to use. Finally, remember that there is also a MacScan Family pack that allows you to install the software on three systems at a price of $ 50.The update to version 2.6.1 is free for users who already own the program, while those who purchase the single license and want to go to the Family package can pay the price difference.

Ready to work with Snow Leopard and can protect the Mac thanks to the updated definitions and integrated blacklist malicious cookies next generation. SecureMac has announced the availability of new version of MacScan 2.7, the security program complete Mac can act as anti-spyware, privacy protection and overall security of software systems Apple. In addition to bug fixes, the new version of MacScan 2.7 offers a revised and improved user interface.

The software can detect:

• Spyware
• Cookies (using a blacklist of 8,000 cookies)
• Keyloggers
• Three horses (also known trojans or trojans)
• Administration applications

[kattman]

Tips to increase system security :

AUTOMATIC LOGIN DISABLE :

• First, you should disable the System Preferences / Users under "Login Options" automatic login.

SAFE USE PASSWORD :

• Use a strong password for the application. You can find this many instructions in the Internet, as they avoid unsafe name (the wife or the dog ;-) and increase security through a combination of numbers and special characters. Remember, that are missing for years (as the insurance industry) 10% of notebooks over the years due to theft or burglary. Make it the new owners of your PowerBook so not too easy.

PASSWORD TO STOP THE MODIFICATION :

• This is already one of the less comfortable action. Enable the System Settings / Security option Require password when exiting Sleep or Screen Saver. And you ignore the comments of friends who call this as with security.

FileVault ACTIVE :

• Use FileVault (System / Security) to encrypt your private folders.

SOFTWARE UPDATES MAKE :

• Run them regularly, all security updates through the program "Software Update" for the operating system finds it. Play for your installed software is also available security patches one.

NOT PERMANENT WORKING AS ADMIN :

• Use in their daily work only one account with all admin rights when the user is aware of all vulnerabilities decision and the installation of any program can safely confide in him.

NOT USED SHARING SERVICES OFF :

• Turn in System Preferences / Sharing from all non-essential protocols to minimize the number of possible access from the outside entrance doors to provide the unauthorized.

DISABLE BLUETOOTH :

• Meanwhile, the ZDF reported already about the opportunities to gain access to computers via Bluetooth or spread viruses. Disable - if possible - all unnecessary Bluetooth services (System Preferences / Bluetooth / Sharing) and set your computer (under System Preferences / Bluetooth / Settings) to invisible.

Unsolicited sent FILES :

• It may be unrealistic, each attachment for potential security risks to keep an eye out. But you should always a healthy degree of mistrust of "gifts" from the Internet have.

DOUBTFUL SOFTWARES :

• Do not install software from dubious sources, especially not when it comes along as a software installer package (. Pkg) to install and requires the administrator password.

FIRST READ THEN CLICK :

• The biggest threat to your computer starts from what is happening BEFORE the keyboard. Be aware that YOU represent the biggest security risk, because you accidentally press the wrong button sometimes. Therefore, you should consider the above rule - and never have your say Ontrack, there was just something like a message that I then clicked away.

Protection against viruses, worms, trojans and malware :

CURRENT VIRUS PROTECTION SOFTWARE USE :

• For Mac OS X available until today (April 2009), no real viruses. But although Mac OS X is considered safe, is not always immune to malware. Therefore, use to protect your files (and to protect Windows users you send files ;-) a current virus software with regular updates of virus definitions. I recommend you install the program fine and free ClamXav . But please keep in mind that anti-virus programs may cause more problems than they solve .

SAFARI: SAFE FILES AFTER SHOP OPEN MANUAL OFF :

• In each passed or downloaded file of unknown origin can hide a virus. When you download files from the Internet or receive attachments, they should show extra care. Unsolicited attachments should be deleted immediately.

Privacy and Spam Prevention :

• Do not publish your e-mail address on the Internet. Avoid mailto: links on your web pages! Spammers often use programs that search the Internet automatically to mailto: entries (harvesting by so-called spambots). Some even search mail addresses, just after the scheme wer@was.wo.
  
• Remedy: Do not use it to display email addresses as a link, or generate the address dynamically with javascript commands in part Strings. Show your e-mail address, if necessary, as an image file. The best solution is of course a web form for email, from which the target address is not at all obvious.
  
• Also in PDF files, which are published on the net, then your e-mail address will not be mentioned. Google indexes PDF files and lists your email address in the search results - and makes the PDF file on request as an HTML version.

CHANGE YOUR MAIL ADDRESS

• Once you get so much SPAM unbearable, you should change your email address. Here is a sensible course of action to bring about the change. Obtain a new email address . Turn on a redirection of the old mail to new mail address . Change your e-mail program, so that only the new address to send and receive is used .
  
• Notify all the main beneficiary of your new address - for example, by a supplemental notice in the signature. Stop the redirection of the old mail address to the New after a transition period of approximately two months

NEVER ANSWERS SPAM MAILS

• Even if you - as in unsolicited e-mails often offered - by answering with "Remove" in the subject or on a web page trying to unsubscribe from the mailing list, which rarely has the desired effect. Either correct the return address at all, so that later you will receive only a return mail from a mailer daemon. Or the sender of your (futile) Remove-mail only used to confirm the accuracy to get your mail address, and you will receive even more unwanted mail.

Autoresponder and delivery confirmation AUTOMATIC OFF

• Both autoresponder-responses and automatic Delivery Confirmation to the sender to prove the correctness of your email address. This increases your address for spammers in value, and you will receive in the future more advertising messages.

[kattman]

Conclusion :

The security of operating systems is a large and complex depending on many factors. Each publisher has its own methodology for dealing with discoveries of flaws and their fixes. But what would happen if we combined the statistics of several systems side by side for the single year 2007. The antivirus software has detected some 37 vulnerabilities in 2004. He also recalls that in April there was the malware Opener, which targeted computers running Mac OS X. According to Symantec, the growth of market share of Apple's OS draws attention to its vulnerabilities and their exploitation.

Contrary to popular belief, the operating system for Macintosh computers is immune to malicious code. This belief fails to some extent. See the below statistics :



Highly critical vulnerabilities:

• Window XP : 19
• Windows Vista : 12
• Windows XP + Windows Vista : 23
• Mac OS X : 234

The risk of macro viruses and security holes in Microsoft programs is well known. Since March 2004, also by a detailed review of the c't 7 / 2004 become official, so far as a call ahead of what MS Word: "graphics and documents to incorporate footnotes in a long time, like in Word 2003 a thriller without a happy ending. With Entourage as a mail client, you will be able to sleep also reassured - no other program does similar trouble due to falls (in which other mail client SPAM clogging their mail?) or corrupt mail databases. I should add that this opinion is based on my own experiences with my clients. Avoid stress and loss of data if you use other programs than the MS Office family.

The operating system Mac OS X is regarded as relatively safe. Since early 2006, however, clear that in principle also for Mac OS X Malware is possible. Since then, known worms / trojans OSX.Leap.A and OSX / Inqtana.A Although many experts are only as "toothless Exploit" means of, which go out a little danger. But since then should be clear that it is also for Mac OS X is a real threat.

They should improve the security of Mac OS X by following some basic rules to increase your safety. The following tips relate to the most popular security risks in using Mac OS X.

[alenshowbrizz]

Hey its very awesome article for security software. I just want to know bout that which on is best security for my PC anti virus or Fire wall?

[Amol21]

Hey its very awesome article for security software. I just want to know bout that which on is best security for my PC anti virus or Fire wall?

Well, there are many antivirus and firewall available for the pc. I usually use the Symantec Endpoint Antivirus on my Windows XP system and on Windows 7 I use the Microsoft Security Essentials, as I have a dual boot system. Both are awesome and work fine without hogging up the system and utilizing too much resources.

[dinadana]

Hmm.
Waht a long rewiew.
I'm using ProteMac NetMine for firewall for my MAC)