Is there Internet security software for Mac from reputable security vendors? Is File Quarantine, the built-in malware protection in Mac OS, enough to protect threats that target the Mac OS X?
Internet Security Software for Mac
Apple Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) has built-in anti-malware protection called File Quarantine. The malware protection is available as well in v10.4 (Tiger) and v10.5 (Leopard) of Mac operating systems. However, the File Quarantine only received enhancements on Snow Leopard. The File Quarantine will pop-up an alert if it finds malware when using Safari, iChat, or Mail. The user is advised to move the detected malware in Trash.
The numbers of malware affecting the Mac OS is not that huge, compared to the numbers of malware that target Windows operating systems, but malware and rogue programs for Macintosh do exist, and is why several security vendors offer Internet security software for Mac users.
Sophos, Symantec and Trend Micro
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X is part of Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection software and runs on Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac computers. Sophos AV for Mac OS X is compatible for Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macintosh servers, desktops and laptops that have Mac OS X versions 10.4 to v 10.6.
The antivirus for Mac by Sophos will guard your Apple Mac system from malware; quarantines detected malware and then run a clean-up to ensure that the malicious files will not affect users’ data or critical system files. The detection by Sophos AV includes behavioral-based detection, also known as heuristic detection technology. Mac users with Sophos AV will find “Scan with Sophos Anti-Virus” command in the Finder’s shortcut menu.
Symantec will not skip offering security software for Mac OS X because they offer two products to protect Mac computers:
- Norton AntiVirus 11 for Mac – Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard users will be able to take advantage of antivirus and Internet worm protection using this program.
- Norton Internet Security For Mac – The program that provides protection against malware, hackers and phishing attacks.
Trend Micro is another securit vendor that provides Internet security protection for Apple customers. Trend Micro Smart Surfing for Mac features protection against malware, phishing, suspicious emails and instant messages in Mail and iChat.
Intego, Panda Security and Eset
Eset, the maker of the popular NOD32 antivirus program recently offers NOD32 Antivirus 4 Business Edition for Mac OS X. The program highlights protection from malware using proactive protection.
Panda Security is also offering protection for Mac OS – Panda Antivirus for Mac will scan iPhone, iPad and iPod in addition to protecting Mac OS versions 10.4 to 10.6. The program includes SafeCD that will scan the computer before Mac will startup and remove detected malware.
Intego is known to provide VirusBarrier, and Internet Security Barrier X6 for Macintosh. The Internet security software provides anti-spam, parental control, backup, and data protection in addition to firewall, anti-phishing and antivirus protections.
McAfee and ClamXav
McAfee VirusScan for Mac is formerly known as Virex for Mac provides protection against viruses and other threats that targets Mac operating system. The program runs on Mac Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard.
All of the above security software for Mac is commercial version. It means it will cost Mac users to take advantage the offered protections. Mac users that is not interested to throw money (because they paid so much money for a Mac computer?), there is an option to scan Mac Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard using free malware or security scanner:
- ClamXav – no real-time protection against viruses or threats for Mac but provides frequent updates and manual scan.
- Symantec Security Scan – free web-based online security scan for Windows. Mac users can use the Security Scan option but you have to access it on this webpage. Select Macintosh as operating system, and then select Safari or Firefox as browser to use to run the online scan.
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