Why is there anti-malware for sale in the app store

[ghworker2010]

I read this article:

http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/mark-zuckerberg-covers-his-laptop-camera-and-you-should-too-20160623-gppvwy.html

I then searched in the app store for anti-malware.

Theres one for sale $46 'BitMedic anti virus- malware and adware security'

I thought that my new MBpro with retina would not need anti malware etc?

Is it worth the $46 to get this???

[Myran]

Malware on Mac is rare, but not non-existent. With that said, I would definitely not pay $46 for antivirus software for a Mac. Get a free software if you feel like having extra protection.

[gandalf12]

Malware on Mac is rare, but not non-existent. With that said, I would definitely not pay $46 for antivirus software for a Mac. Get a free software if you feel like having extra protection.

Really? What about a couple of years ago when 600,000 Mac computers were infected? I think you are living in days gone by when MAC's were not in extensive use so the writers of Malware didnt bother with them. This has changed and the Malware writers are not looking closely at thm

[gandalf12]

If you are just looking for an Anti Malware program go for Malwarebytes and download the free version. Works great and has a very good reputation for getting malware. There is a paid version that continually checks your computer but I found it does slow the computer down. The free version you have to run it which I do every week

[Chicog]

Most antivirus is ineffective these days.

Concentrate on being careful with attachments, and strictly controlling what your browser can and cannot do if you click on the wrong link.

[DaveBKK]

Don't download and run pirate software. Don't run apps or programs anyone sends you via email. Don't open Excel sheets unless macros are disabled. Disable flash on your browser unless you absolutely need it and only then allow it to run on well know sites. Follow these tips, you won't get malware. Apple runs its own detection for any know malware.... No need for 3rd party crapola.

Edited June 24, 2016 by DaveBKK

[Chicog]

Don't download and run pirate software. Don't run apps or programs anyone sends you via email. Don't open Excel sheets unless macros are disabled. Disable flash on your browser unless you absolutely need it and only then allow it to run on well know sites. Follow these tips, you won't get malware. Apple runs its own detection for any know malware.... No need for 3rd party crapola.

https://www.wired.com/2015/08/researchers-create-first-firmware-worm-attacks-macs/

*cough*

[lostinisaan]

Don't download and run pirate software. Don't run apps or programs anyone sends you via email. Don't open Excel sheets unless macros are disabled. Disable flash on your browser unless you absolutely need it and only then allow it to run on well know sites. Follow these tips, you won't get malware. Apple runs its own detection for any know malware.... No need for 3rd party crapola.

https://www.wired.com/2015/08/researchers-create-first-firmware-worm-attacks-macs/

*cough*

"Holy shit."

[DaveBKK]

This has already been patched. In any case, "remote attacks HIGHLY unlikely"

http://www.macworld.com/article/2930500/should-you-fear-the-latest-mac-firmware-exploit.html

[Chicog]

This has already been patched. In any case, "remote attacks HIGHLY unlikely"

http://www.macworld.com/article/2930500/should-you-fear-the-latest-mac-firmware-exploit.html

Yes, I realise that, but what I'm pointing out is that Apple are no more immune to attacks than any other platform.

It is simply the fact that the OSX represents such a small portion of OS types out there that most hackers can't be ar$ed with it.

[DaveBKK]

This has already been patched. In any case, "remote attacks HIGHLY unlikely"

http://www.macworld.com/article/2930500/should-you-fear-the-latest-mac-firmware-exploit.html

Yes, I realise that, but what I'm pointing out is that Apple are no more immune to attacks than any other platform.

It is simply the fact that the OSX represents such a small portion of OS types out there that most hackers can't be ar$ed with it.

Nah I don't buy this at all. Malware writers write very specific malware all the time. They do malware targeting users in say Vietnam or other geo areas....they target specific programs....they target specific bios makers.

Macs represent 10% market share. I call bullshit that no malware makers want to bother with 10% market share SINCE they target other smaller subgroups.

Mac OS continues to make security improvements making it much more difficult to target than say Android or Windows....things like sandboxing, rootless state, etc.

[DaveBKK]

Just want amend....that all being said....Windows 10 has top notch security too now. M$ has upped their game. Android on the other hand......Android is a total shitshow.

[Chicog]

Mac OS continues to make security improvements making it much more difficult to target than say Android or Windows....things like sandboxing, rootless state, etc.

I have to disagree I'm afraid.

Here is the 2015 list of the top 50 software products in order of total distinct vulnerabilities:

[DaveBKK]

Hahah. Sorry. This is way off. Don't know who your source is, but this is scary how deceptive this is. Chrome more vulnerable than Firefox? Uhm no. iOS more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no. Anything more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no.

[DaveBKK]

Ahh found your source. These are public disclose vulnerabilities. So they tally what vendors disclose in their update change logs. Seriously that's how they compile. It just means Apple discloses more through their updates.

[gandalf12]

Just want amend....that all being said....Windows 10 has top notch security too now. M$ has upped their game. Android on the other hand......Android is a total shitshow.

You must have an old version of Android as now there is built in security. Have you selected the box that says Allow 3rd party software? If so you are asking for trouble but that is not Androids fault that is your fault

[Aussie69]

DaveBKK, I agree with you, ranked lists, or any stats for that matter, can come to any conclusion depending on the objective of the creators.

However the whole tired old go-to claims that Windows is insecure, is unreliable, suffers BSOD is just not true anymore. The nineties are over. If this OS was that unreliable vast majority of the worlds services would suffer, it would be chaos.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Aussie69

[Chicog]

Hahah. Sorry. This is way off. Don't know who your source is, but this is scary how deceptive this is. Chrome more vulnerable than Firefox? Uhm no. iOS more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no. Anything more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no.

More vulnerable is not the same as more exploited.

[DaveBKK]

DaveBKK, I agree with you, ranked lists, or any stats for that matter, can come to any conclusion depending on the objective of the creators.

However the whole tired old go-to claims that Windows is insecure, is unreliable, suffers BSOD is just not true anymore. The nineties are over. If this OS was that unreliable vast majority of the worlds services would suffer, it would be chaos.

Re: comment #12. I said Windows has top-notch security.

[DaveBKK]

Hahah. Sorry. This is way off. Don't know who your source is, but this is scary how deceptive this is. Chrome more vulnerable than Firefox? Uhm no. iOS more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no. Anything more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no.

More vulnerable is not the same as more exploited.

But your list has nothing at all to do with most exploited. It's simply a list of bugs that each vendor discloses that they fixed. The vast majority found by themselves or by researchers before making it out into "the wild".

[Chicog]

Hahah. Sorry. This is way off. Don't know who your source is, but this is scary how deceptive this is. Chrome more vulnerable than Firefox? Uhm no. iOS more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no. Anything more vulnerable than Flash? Uhm no.

More vulnerable is not the same as more exploited.

But your list has nothing at all to do with most exploited. It's simply a list of bugs that each vendor discloses that they fixed. The vast majority found by themselves or by researchers before making it out into "the wild".

But you seem to be trying to divert from the point:

There are plenty of known (and probably unknown) vulnerabilities in OSX, but hackers don't generally bother wasting effort finding or exploiting them, simply because the reward is insignificant compared to doing it on Windows (it's actually <7%, not 10).

Same applies to Linux.

But that does not mean you can sit and assume it's not going to get attacked.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Chicog

[DaveBKK]

I don't know what your deal is. Just trolling?? Please re-read my original response to this thread and tell me *specifically* what I recommended or said that was wrong and that you are arguing with?

[Chicog]

I'll make it simple. Your claim that OSX is more secure is rubbish.

It's simply less exploited.

Clear enough for you?

[DaveBKK]

I'll make it simple. Your claim that OSX is more secure is rubbish.

It's simply less exploited.

Clear enough for you?

Dude stop making up things I supposedly claimed or said. Just stop. Don't be a troll.

[Chicog]

I'll make it simple. Your claim that OSX is more secure is rubbish.

It's simply less exploited.

Clear enough for you?

Dude stop making up things I supposedly claimed or said. Just stop. Don't be a troll.

I'd get tested for Alzheimers if I were you.

Mac OS continues to make security improvements making it much more difficult to target than say Android or Windows....things like sandboxing, rootless state, etc.

[DaveBKK]

Ahh ok. You kinda got me. Kinda. I did amend myself later saying current Windows has great security. I should have said older Windows here...that's why I amended myself. My mistake. I stand by the statement on Android. Because of all the mucking around phone mfgs do for their flavor of Android most versions are very insecure. Android is generally very very bad. Vanilla Android from Google is better than vendor rubbish....but most people buy Samsung or off brand with rubbish Android modifications.

Again though, improvements like "rootless state" go a long way to making Mac OS secure.

[DaveBKK]

“Security researchers such as Trail of Bits say OS X is much harder for hackers to successfully attack than Windows, though Microsoft's Vista and later have done a good job of closing up many holes in Windows XP.”

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2687908/microsoft-windows/deathmatch-review-windows-8-1-vs-os-x-yosemite.html?page=2

[DaveBKK]

Anyone needs to see unbiased truth on OS X security, I invite them to view this Infoworld article, page 2 security section: http://www.infoworld.com/article/2687908/microsoft-windows/deathmatch-review-windows-8-1-vs-os-x-yosemite.html?page=2

[Chicog]

You must really like this guy if you're quoting his posts from 2014.

Here's one from 2016.

RISK ASSESSMENT / SECURITY & HACKTIVISM “Huge” number of Mac apps vulnerable to hijacking, and a fix is elusive Apps that use 3rd-party updater over insecure HTTP channels subject to MiTM attacks.

by Dan Goodin - Feb 9, 2016 9:56pm AST

http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/02/huge-number-of-mac-apps-vulnerable-to-hijacking-and-a-fix-is-elusive/

.... And, in answer to the OP, it's one of the reasons why there is a market for antimalware software for the Mac.

And there will always be people looking to exploit OSX (and finding ways to do it), even if they are significantly outnumbered by those looking for holes in Windows.

Here endeth the lesson.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Chicog

[DaveBKK]

Hahha. You are really reaching now. Apps that use a 3rd party updater.... "Potential mitm". Wow. Reaching dude.