digital divide network - article database

Mac computers from Apple so far were considered immune to virus and malware attacks but the recent incident of Flashback Trojan challenging the security of Mac PCs has raised the eyebrows of security analysts. However, the issue was later fixed by an update issued by Apple but the notion that Macs can’t be affected from viruses or malware bears no relevance today. Most of the time it is over hyped which is far from the actual scenario. Majority of Mac malware come via third party applications and utilities and containing them is not a difficult task. You can safeguard your Mac by implementing simple tips as discussed in the article below. By using these tips, the user can easily prevent the threats of viruses, Trojans and malware and thus secure the PC.

Below mentioned are the 5 simple tips that protect Mac from viruses, malware and Trojans:

1. Disable Java

Mostly, Mac security is challenged mainly by Java programs. Security experts have found that Flashback Trojan and other malware get installed on the PC by exploiting Java security breaches. To plug these Java breaches responsible for Flashback Trojan attacks, Apple has already released updates which you can install to prevent Trojans from exploiting the Java vulnerabilities on your Mac.

Not every one of us require Java program on the PC so the ideal way to get rid of this problem is to disable the Java program that closes all the entry points of Trojans that travel via Java vulnerabilities. If you don’t require Java much then this option can become a great help for ensuring Mac security.

2. Regular update of apps and OS X software

Like any other OS and software vendor, Apple also releases timely updates to plug the security breaches in the Mac OS X operating system. Updates are also released by third party app developers which are of great help for closing doors for viruses and Trojans. This would be a great practice to update both your operating system as well as OS X apps regularly so that the programs and software remain free from any vulnerability. By implementing this you can easily secure your PC by preventing viruses and malware that wait for an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in the OS and applications.

3. Disable or remove Adobe Acrobat Reader

It has been noticed recently that the Adobe Acrobat Reader software has had many security breaches therefore it is recommended by security experts to remove the program from your browser to ensure the security of Mac. Many of the Mac users don’t require the Adobe reader as it is required just to preview PDF documents so keep it disabled until you actually require it. This will keep many of the threats that travel via Acrobat Reader at bay. You can uninstall the Adobe Acrobat Reader by running the bundled uninstaller app.

4. Install Anti-Virus program for Mac OS X

Need for installing antivirus software on the Mac was not considered so far but after the recent Flashback Trojan attack, it is recommended to safeguard the Mac PCs with an effective antivirus program. You may consider using free Sophos antivirus software on your Mac irrespective of whether you have any immediate virus or Trojan threat or not. Sophos is a free and effective means of keeping viruses away from your Mac.

5. Disable Adobe Flash / Use a Flash Block Plugin

After the Flashback Trojan attack on Mac, questions are now being raised that how helpful it would be to disable Adobe Flash. In the past, Flash has been used as an attack vector and because of this reason Mac has stopped shipping Flash. Doing away with Flash altogether will not be a logical option because many websites use Flash for video and games. The ideal way would be to use the Flash block plugin for your web browser. While using this, all Flash programs will be disabled by default unless you click to allow individual plugins to run the Flash plugin.

By implementing the above discussed tips in practice you can avert most of the virus, malware and Trojan attacks on your Mac.

Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve computer virus removal with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of online technical support and system security,