Do You Need Antivirus On Mac?

Do You Need Antivirus On Mac?

Apple logo icon - AluminumYes!

Even though Apple Macintosh’s are known for being entirely safe from Malware and virus’s and on the whole they are far better protected than other operating systems. Except for: Trojans which come in the form of attachments in emails. They can cause problems for your Mac. Definition Here: All Apple laptops and desktops need an antivirus program.

What can a Trojan virus Do?
What can a Trojan virus Do?

Lately I’ve seen an increase in emails arriving with Trojan attachments that have been caught by my Mac antivirus program from Sophos. This Free Software for Mac can clean up a Trojan easily.

Tips For Securing Your Mac

Make sure your Firewall is switched to ON. Apple Logo-System Preferences-Security & Privacy-Click the lock to make changes-input your password and ensure Firewall is turned on. Also make sure the firewall is enabled on your Router, it may have been turned off at some stage. Follow the instructions that came with your modem, or contact your ISP.

Set Mac Firewall To On
Set Mac Firewall To On

 

Don’t Allow Attachments To Automatically Download

There is a setting that allows all attachments to automatically download in the Mac mail program. This isn’t a good idea for obvious reasons, you can help prevent trojans by simply not downloading attachments, unless you are sure they are safe. I recently received a Trojan in a word document emailed to me with the heading “Here’s My Resume” It didn’t come from anyone I recognised. To turn off automatic downloads follow instructions below and untick Automatically download all attachments. Open Mac Mail-Accounts-Select an email account-advanced-untuck Automatically download all attachments.

How To Turn Off Automatic Downloads of Attachments on Mac
How To Turn Off Automatic Downloads of Attachments on Mac

Install An Anti Virus Software

The Free Mac antivirus software from Sophos updates automatically and will catch any of these Trojan attachments. It also does a bit more. More instructions Here

Sophia Security Anti Virus Software
Sophia Security Anti Virus Software

Use www.opendns.com settings on your home modem or computer. Opendns.com can provide some good parental controls through their dashboard which you have to sign up, (there is a free version) But can also detect any nasty websites before you arrive at them. Follow the instructions to set it up from their website.

If The Trojan Is Discovered In Your Back Up Disc?

Trojan attachments can also get caught up to your backup disc, (Time Capsule/Time Machine) Whilst in Sophos Quarantine Manager. Click the reveal in finder open, and navigate to the folder containing the email, whatever you do, don’t click on the email, and select “Clean Up Threat. Tip: Make sure you check your email very regularly before your P.C backs it up to a back up disc.

For more detailed advice on protecting your Mac, this is a very comprehensive guide to Mac Security blogged on the Apple Support Community Page.

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