Whats a good free virus, malware scanner for Mac OS X?

i think might have virus or malware , i'd scan mac i'm new osx don't know free scanners reliable. appreciated. in advance!

 

srlmj23 said: ↑

i think might have virus or malware , i'd scan mac i'm new osx don't know free scanners reliable. appreciated. in advance!

click expand...

what makes think have malware?

macs not immune malware, no true viruses exist in wild can run on mac os x, , there never have been since released on 10 years ago. malware in wild can affect mac os x handful of trojans, can avoided practicing safe computing (see below). also, mac os x snow leopard , lion have anti-malware protection built in, further reducing need 3rd party antivirus apps.

mac virus/malware faq​

1. make sure built-in mac firewall enabled in system preferences > security > firewall
   
   
2. uncheck "open "safe" files after downloading" in safari > preferences > general
   
   
3. disable java in browser (safari, chrome, firefox). protect malware exploits java in browser, including recent flashback trojan. leave java disabled until visit trusted site requires it, re-enable duration of visit site. (this not confused javascript, should leave enabled.)
   
   
4. change dns servers opendns servers reading this.
   
   
5. be careful install software trusted, reputable sites. never install pirated software. if you're not sure app, ask in forum before installing.
   
   
6. never let else have access install on mac.
   
   
7. don't open files receive unknown or untrusted sources.
   
   
8. for added security, make sure network, email, financial , other important passwords long , complex, including upper , lower case letters, numbers , special characters.
   
   
9. always keep mac , application software updated. use software update mac software. other software, it's safer updates developer's site or menu item "check updates", rather installing notification window pops while you're surfing web.

that's need keep mac free of mac os x malware has ever been released wild. while may elect use it, 3rd party antivirus software not required keep mac malware-free.

if still want run antivirus reason, clamxav (which free) 1 of best choices, since isn't resource hog, detects both mac , windows malware , doesn't run elevated privileges. can run scans when choose, rather leaving running time, slowing system. clamxav has sentry feature which, if enabled, use significant system resources scan. disable sentry feature. don't need it. also, when first install clamxav, many antivirus apps, may perform initial full system scan, consume resources. once initial scan complete, periodic on-demand scans have lower demands on resources.

 

Forums Macs macOS Older OS X Versions Mac OS X Lion (10.7)

• iPhone
• Mac OS & System Software
• iPad
• Apple Watch
• Notebooks
• iTunes
• Apple ID
• iCloud
• Desktop Computers
• Apple Music
• Professional Applications
• iPod
• iWork
• Apple TV
• iLife
• Wireless