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New to OSX don't buy all the Security through Obscurity around Mac not getting virus'.

Want to know if people use the built in Firewall in OSX, and if anyone can recommend a very lightweight Virus/malware scan application. Thnx

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The problem is, with that little to no real malware on OS X, I don't think the developers of any anti-virus software for OS X are capable to respond fast enough to a real threat. So I don't bother, since it likely wouldn't help a lot. – Daniel Beck Mar 11 '11 at 5:03
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closed as not constructive by Daniel Beck, studiohack♦ Mar 12 '11 at 16:33

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3 Answers

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I personally use "Little snitch" as a firewall and do not use a virus program, however many are out there for mac. doing a quick google search finds me everything from the opensource clamav ala mac, to heavy duty Norton. I have a feeling if you look around you will find something good.

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I second the use of little snitch 'cause it enables you to look at both side of the communications, not only what is coming in but what is coming out. As for the antivirus, I use Sophos, it's free and works great for all use. Have fun! – deijmaster Mar 11 '11 at 3:02
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up vote 1 down vote

I have the Firewall turned on. It throws up some annoying dialogs every now and then, but nothing bad enough to make me want to turn it off.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac is probably what you're looking for: http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/

If it weren't for the Menu Bar icon I wouldn't know I had it installed.

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I use my MacBook Pro with no firewall enabled, no antivirus, no encryption... no security at all really apart from password authentication and also having to enter my password after 5 seconds of the screensaver starting. Because the Mac operating system is so fast and so secure, there really is no need to run extra software like antivirus or enabling the firewall. It really depends on what you will be doing with the machine.

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