antivirus

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on antivirus:

Protect yourself online with this all-in-one security bundle

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Protect yourself from viruses
Safeguard all your devices and data with this discounted security bundle loved by experts.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Who said you needed a ton of different subscriptions to protect your privacy, fight viruses and shield your devices from harm? You can keep things simple and do it with a single account with Surfshark One: VPN, Antivirus, Search, & Alert.

And, for a limited time, a year’s subscription to this security bundle is on sale for just $47.76. That’s a 72% discount off the regular price of $173. You can also drive the savings down even further with a two-year subscription, on sale now for just $89.99 (regularly $346).

Microsoft Defender antivirus is expanding its reach … to iPhone?

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Microsoft Defender
But why?
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft Defender, the built-in antivirus software that you would typically find baked into Windows, is coming to iPhone.

Defender has already started making its way to macOS, where it provides full virus protection and the ability to scan your system for any malicious software. We’re expecting a very different experience on iPhone, however.

’CrescentCore’ malware attacks your Mac, evades antivirus tools

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CrescentCore-Flash-update
Don’t install Flash Player. Not even the real one.
Photo: Intego

Security researches have discovered new malware that targets macOS users and evades popular antivirus tools.

“CrescentCore” is distributed as a DMG package that’s disguised as Adobe Flash Player. It can now be found on multiple websites — one of which is “a high-ranking Google search result,” according to Intego.

Intel speeds up chips by offloading virus scans

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Intel-Kaby-Lake
Intel will task GPUs with antivirus scanning.
Photo: Intel

Intel plans to offload virus scanning to improve the performance of its processors.

It will allow antivirus programs to use its integrated graphics chipsets when scanning for attacks, which will reduce processor and power consumption on some machines. It could mean that you’ll get more use out of your MacBook in between charges.

Stealthy OSX/MaMi malware discovered targeting Macs

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macOS High Sierra
Your antivirus won't save you from OSX/MaMi.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The first nasty bit of undetectable malware of 2018 has been unearthed after it was found targeting Macs this week.

Security researchers revealed info about the new OSX/MaMi malware which is a lot like the popular DNSChanger malware from 2012 that infected millions of machines.

Gatekeeper won’t stop this ‘major scale’ Mac malware

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The OSX/Dok malware forces you to install a bogus OS X update.
The OSX/Dok malware forces you to install a bogus OS X update.
Image: Check Point

OSX/Dok, a new strain of “major scale” malware targeting macOS users, can bypass the Gatekeeper feature that’s designed to block malicious software.

The newly identified trojan, which prevents you from doing anything on your Mac until you install a bogus software update, also goes undetected by many antivirus programs.

Combo Cleaner takes Mac antivirus protection to the next level

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Combo Cleaner includes a powerful antivirus tool backed up by a dedicated team of software specialists.
Combo Cleaner includes a powerful antivirus tool backed up by a dedicated team of software specialists.
Photo: RCS LT

This post is brought to you by RCS LT, maker of Combo Cleaner.

The vast majority of apps offering antivirus protection run on an open-source engine called Clam AV. It offers a convenient module that app developers can plug into their products for free and get passable antivirus protection.

Unfortunately, you often get what you pay for, which in this case is a subpar detection rate for malware and adware. That’s why a staff-maintained antivirus solution is a better idea.

Bitdefender Antivirus: Invaluable Security For Your Mac [Deals]

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Hackers are always hustling to find the next big loophole in computer and internet security. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this Cult of Mac Deals special offer so that you don’t get caught with your virtual pants down.

Bitdefender is premier anti-virus software that will secure your computer so vital information regarding your identity and finances remain tightly encrypted, and Cult of Mac Deals has one year of Bitdefender available for a very limited time for just $19.95 – a savings of 60%!

Protect Your Mac Or PC With Bitdefender Antivirus [Deals]

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CoM - Bitdefender

There are plenty of Mac users out there that need (or want) to have a Windows OS installed on their trusted machine as well. The problem is that with the Windows environment comes a greater risk of infection from spyware, malware, and viruses. The Mac isn’t impervious to these, either, but when you’re trying to protect both sides of your Mac it can be a daunting – or expensive – task.

This Cult of Mac Deals offer makes it that much easier to do because we’ve got Bitdefender up for grabs – and for only $40!

Intego Launches Updated Mac Antivirus and Security Suite for Home

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Everything has a downside. As Macs grab more market share, we’re beginning to see developers take the Mac more seriously (witness AutoCAD returning to the Mac after an 18-year absence, and the resurgence of Mac gaming). Unfortunately, Macs are also beginning to find themselves more often in the crosshairs of hackers and virus developers.

So it’s no surprise that there’s a flurry of activity on the antivirus front. In fact, one of the clearest signs that viruses have become a real danger for Macs is that Intego says they’ve revamped their line in order to make it less expensive and less technical, and more user-friendly for everyday Mac users.

Android And Mac Malware Surged In 2012 As Hackers Looked Beyond Windows [Report]

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Look out for more Android malware in 2013.

One of the biggest reasons I switched from Windows to a Mac all those years ago was OS X’s supposed immunity to malware and viruses. I’ve quickly discovered throughout 2012, however, that my Mac isn’t as safe on the Internet as I’d been led to believe. A new report from antivirus experts Sophos today highlights that.

The company’s Security Threat Report 2013 declares 2012 to be the year of “new platforms and changing threats.” Hackers are switching their focus from Windows to other platforms, including Mac OS X. Today’s biggest target, however, is Google’s Android platform.

New Mac Malware Steals All The Passwords You Enter Into Your Browser & Logs Your Keystrokes

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Mac attacks are on the up!
Here's another piece of Mac malware you'll want to avoid.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Dr Web, a Russian antivirus software specialist, has discovered a new piece of malware that targets computers running Mac OS X and Linux. Named “Wirenet.1,” once installed the software steals all of the passwords you enter into your web browser, mail client, and other apps, and has the ability to log your keystrokes.

These Mac Utilities And Enterprise Tools Are Ready To Roll With Mountain Lion

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Some Mac security and Mac management tools already support Mountain Lion, but there are many that haven't gotten their yet.
Some Mac security and Mac management tools already support Mountain Lion, but there are many that haven't gotten their yet.

Many Mountain Lion apps will function normally under Mountain Lion, but many won’t. Of particuar concern are the various utilities that help keep Mac systems secure, scan for viruses and malware, integrate with enterprise systems in businesses and schools, and dianose and repair problems.

These tools often require much deeper integration with OS X than other apps. That means that developers need to ensure they function as intended and don’t damage any documents, files, OS X system components, or other apps. That can sometimes delay releases of key utilities.

Here’s a list of Mac utilities and enterprise tools that have confirmed Mountain Lion Compatibility

19% Of iOS Apps Access Your Address Book Without Your Permission… Until iOS 6 [Report]

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Do you know which apps are accessing your personal data?
Do you know which apps are accessing your personal data?

Antivirus software specialist Bitdefender has found that nearly 19% of iOS apps access your address book without your knowledge — or your consent — when you’re using them, and 41% track your location. What’s most concerning is over 40% of them don’t encrypt your data once it has been collected.

That’s all going to change when iOS 6 makes its debut later this year, however.

Protect Your Mac With ClamXav For Free [OS X Tips]

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ClamXav

With all the new security warnings about Macs needing virus protection, I thought it a good time to note an antivirus app I’ve used for a few years, now. Let’s start this tip off with a bit of a disclaimer, though. Please don’t sue me (or Cult Of Mac) if you use this free app and get a virus on your Mac, okay? Today’s tip is just that: a quick tip to make you aware of a free antivirus app that runs on your Mac and costs nothing. Your mileage, of course, may vary.

Last Chance To Grab The Mac VirusBarrier Bundle [Deals]

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CoM - Computer Virus

If you don’t think that your Mac is susceptible to a virus, then you couldn’t be more wrong. With the popularity of the Mac growing every day, they are becoming more of a target. If you want to protect your computer — and speed it up at the same time — the latest Cult of Mac Deals offer is just for you! But the time to get it is almost up!

With VirusBarrier X6 you’ll be able to protect your Mac from network threats, viruses, trojan horses and all other malware. Washing Machine 2 enables you to clean up web files that compromise your privacy and slow down your Mac in the process.

“Wake Up, Mac Users!” One In Five Macs Carry Malware

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Kaspersky is helping Apple identify vulnerabilities in Mac OS X.
Mac users are being urged to "wake up" and realize that malware is a growing problem for Mac OS X.

Think your Mac’s safe now that you’ve removed that Flashback infection? Think again. New research conducted by security specialists Sophos has revealed a “disturbingly high level” of Macs are currently carrying malware, though much of it is designed to attack Windows machines.

Of the 100,000 Macs that Sophos analyzed, one in five was found to be carrying Windows malware, while one in 36 was carrying malware designed for and dangerous to Mac OS X.

Protect And Speed Up Your Mac With The Mac VirusBarrier Bundle [Deals]

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CoM - Computer Virus

If you don’t think that your Mac is susceptible to a virus, then you couldn’t be more wrong. With the popularity of the Mac growing every day, they are becoming more of a target. If you want to protect your computer – and speed it up at the same time, the latest Cult of Mac Deals offer is just for you!

With this killer bundle you’ll get 1 year of ultimate protection against all known malware and viruses, like the one that recently made the news: Flashback. With VirusBarrier X6 you’ll be able to protect your Mac from network threats, viruses, trojan horses and all other malware. Washing Machine 2 enables you to clean up web files that compromise your privacy and slow down your Mac in the process.

And this deal is only $36 for a limited time. When you think about it, the only thing you have to lose by not taking advantage of this Cult of Mac Deals bundle is your Mac. Don’t let that happen.

Flashback Trojan – A Big Wake Up Call For Mac IT Pros

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Macs in business that don't include centrally managed antivirus protection maybe time bombs waiting to go off
Business Macs that don't include centrally managed antivirus protection may be ticking time bombs

The after effects of the Flashback Trojan are going to be felt for a long time to come. Although there’s been the occasional Mac malware announcement over the past few years, none was ever found to be rampant in the wilds of the Internet. Most were easily avoided by Apple’s basic security elements or by simple user actions like telling Safari not to immediately open so-called “safe” files after downloading them.

As a result, the Flashback Trojan caught a lot of people off guard – including individual Mac owners and some IT professionals who ought to have known better. It also highlighted deficiencies on the part of Apple when it comes to security.

Apple Issues Second Java Update In Two Days Following Infection Of 600,000 Macs

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Keep Java updated on your Mac to eliminate threats from the Flashback trojan.
Keep Java updated on your Mac to eliminate threats from the Flashback trojan.

Apple has issued a second update to Java in just two days this week as the company works to patch vulnerabilities that have led to the infection of over 600,000 Macs. The Java for OS 2012-002 update is now available to download via Software Update, and it’s recommended that you update.

Is Your Mac Infected By The Flashback Trojan Affecting 600,000 Macs?

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This Apple's software is free from vulnerabilities? You couldn't be more wrong.
Your Mac could be one of the 600,000 infected by malware. Here's how to check.

A Mac infected by a virus used to be something of a rarity, and it was the best argument you could bring to a Mac versus PC debate. But with Mac adoption surging in recent years, it was inevitable that Apple’s operating system would become a target for hackers.

Variations of one Flashback trojan, which first surfaced back in 2007, are now affecting more than 600,000 Macs around the world. Here’s how to find out whether your machine’s affected and kill the malware.

Must-Have Apps For Any New Mac [OS X Tips]

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Little Snitch is one of the most useful apps your Mac doesn't feature out of the box
Little Snitch is one of the most useful apps your Mac doesn't feature out of the box

Got a new Mac? You’ve probably realised that OS X provides an excellent out-of-the-box experience. Unlike with Windows, few add-ons are required. There’s a great browser, for example, and full PDF support. But there’s still some tools that most experienced Mac users download the minute they boot-up a new Mac. Here they are, listed for possibly the first time…