Joshua Hewitt
So you have a Mac and you hear about all the PC users getting some sort of “virus”, “spyware” or “malware”. You do not have to worry because you have a Mac, right? Wrong! Macs are now becoming the target of viruses, spyware and malware. Back in the day, there was much less worry about any “junkware” infecting your PC. Now that Macs are becoming more popular in homes and offices, they are becoming bigger targets than previously seen. While there is no I 00% fool proof protection, here at M&H, we highly recommend to make sure that your investment in a computer is protected. The Apple system OS began setting up some built in protection since system release 10.6. 7, but as you know, computers and programs evolve by the minute! The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they’re not absolute protection. It’s very important to have not only an antivirus solution (such as Sophos antivirus for example), but to also have a malware/spyware solution as well. So, how can you get said “malware” and/or “spyware”?
- Software from an untrustworthy source
- Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent or Usenet.
- Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn’t come directly from the developer’s website.
- Rogue websites such as Softonic and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous “installer.”
- The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web pop ups.
- Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
- Software that you would otherwise have to pay for is “cracked” or “free.”
- An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission.
- Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
- A web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the “DNSChanger” malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
- A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” ” plug-in,” “player,” “downloader,” “extractor,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
- You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
- Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you install an application of his choosing.
- A “FREE WI-FI!!!” network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
- Unexpected events
- You open what looks like a document and get an alert that it’s “an application downloaded from the Internet.” Click Cancel and delete the file or message.
- An application does something inexplicable, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
- Software is attached to email that you didn’t request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
So here is the bottom line, be careful of what sites you visit, what emails you open and what programs you run. Say if you were walking on the streets of Boston, and someone came up to you and said “Hey, I got a free watch! You want it?” I would be very cautious of that person. The same thing should go for using the internet. You want to make sure you have your information protected, and again, we advise to protect your investment. Macs are great machines, but like a car, they need to be taken care of Remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns, ask our tech experts at M&H during your next tech for a day visit or email us at support@mhconsults.com
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Categorised in: antimalware, antivirus, malware, Security, spam, spyware