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If we should instal anti-virus software, which ones are best?

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Avoid MacDefender if you are searching for a product online. (vrt-blog.snort.org/2011/05/macdefender-and-its-variants.html) – RobPaller May 20 '11 at 14:12
Probably specific to this point in time. – Brian Carlton May 20 '11 at 22:10
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closed as not constructive by sblair, Mokubai, studiohack♦ May 21 '11 at 0:31

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5 Answers

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I think many of the same common sense things that's true for linux AND windows users is true here - don't download random junk, and if you have a window claiming to be a virus scan, kill the process, not hit the X button. And of course, don't browse the internet with a root/admin account.

So, no, you don't especially need an antivirus as much as you need to shake off the feeling of impenetrability that some mac users seem to have.

The best defense against malware is common sense.

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Bit of a shopping question, But it has been time for a while. Apple is a big target.

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I disagree. For a decade now, malware wasn't a big enough threat on Mac OS X to justify the expense and compatibility hassles of buying and running antivirus software, especially since all the antivirus software packages were completely unproven. I've saved hundreds of dollars and hours of hassle over the last decade by not installing antivirus software on my Macs. – Spiff May 20 '11 at 14:16
Strange that Apple thought differently in 2009. A number of sources report "Apple has added malware protection to the latest version of its OS, OSX 10.6" Can you site your source for the unproven? – Dave M May 20 '11 at 15:51
Symantec repleased products for OS 10.x some time ago. Install was simple, updates automatic and our users reported no issues. However, I'm sure there were less stable products as well and each install environment could be different – Dave M May 20 '11 at 15:58
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It is probably time. Apple has been riding it's "we don't get viruses" campaign for awhile now and haven't been taking security seriously. I don't personally have any recommendations as I haven't installed one yet myself.

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No one knows which one is best because they've never been tested by a real threat before. This MacDefender trojan is the first malware package to ever have a significant impact on Mac OS X.

We don't know which vendors are fastest with updating their virus definitions, which are best at blocking malware-like activity, and which are best at cleaning up after an infection.

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Keep in mind that updating definitions is only a part of the battle. There are more advanced methods that are used with the definitions. Looking at behaviour adds to the success. In addition, the core application should be easily updated without a removal so threats that target the actual AV engine can be prevented. – Dave M May 20 '11 at 16:51
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There seems to be more malware coming out.

I run ClamXav. Free, engine and updated.

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