![]() This test is a measure only of the detection of specific malware samples when performing a manual scan. ScopeĪs with last year, it’s important to understand the scope of this testing. Multiple samples of each of nine new malicious programs, which did not exist at the time of last year’s testing, were included. Some samples were removed, in an attempt to remove any that might have been deemed questionable, while others were added. The malware samples used also went through a change. Four new apps were added, while two were removed from testing (one simply because it was redundant). ![]() This year’s testing sees a change in some of the apps being tested. I was very curious about whether these programs were still as effective (or ineffective) as they had been, and how well they detected new malware that had appeared since the last test was performed.Īfter last year’s testing, I received a number of requests for tests of other apps. Because this is an area of software that is in almost constant flux, I felt it was important to repeat that test this year. ![]() If you are looking for advice about what anti-virus software to use, you would be better served by reading my Mac Malware Guide.Īlmost exactly one year ago, I completed a round of tests of 20 different anti-virus programs on the Mac. Feel free to read on to see the results of the testing, but please read the entire article, and don’t just skip ahead to the results. For this reason, I will not be repeating these tests. Update: Many people have completely ignored some of the cautionary information mentioned in the Scope section, and have erroneously assumed that the anti-virus apps at the top of the test results are the best to use overall. If you must download software from such sites, you simply need to use your judgment.January 27th, 2014 at 8:49 AM EST, modified Malware has been slipped into pirated copies of Adobe Creative Suite in the past, for example. ![]() To expand on #4: illegal file sharing sites are generally not trustworthy. Don't install software from random porn sites. There was a Mac trojan last year that appeared on porn sites, prompting users to install a "codec". Personally I get most of my software from MacUpdate and various open-source projects. If you're a newbie, you will probably be better off sticking with Apple's App Store. It was a bad idea from day 1 and Apple should be ashamed of themselves.ĭon't install software from untrusted sources. This has been exploited more than once before, and honestly, it's only a matter of time until it's exploited again. If you use Safari, for the love of FSM, turn off the "Open 'safe' files after downloading" option in the Preferences. The latest exploit was related to the Java plugins, and previous exploits used the QuickTime Plugin. Install an add-on like ClickToPlugin (for Safari) or NoScript (for Firefox), so that plugins will not run immediately upon loading a web site. Also, stay on top of web browser updates. They need to, because they're being exploited constantly. This is why they have such obnoxious update reminders (at least on Windows). Acrobat, Flash and Java are the most targeted programs, because they are everywhere. ![]() There are a few simple precautions you should take to keep yourself safe: The news of the recent exploit doesn't change my habits much. The pickings are pretty slim on Windows, too, for that matter (most are a pain in the ass). I still don't feel that I can recommend any AV software for Macs. ![]()
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