Hi Michael, Yes, similar precautions to keep your iPhone & iPad secure and safe.
Always use 'Two-Factor authentication on accounts where possible. Two-factor authentication can keep your account secure even if someone has your password. And since it’s built right in to iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan, it’s easy to use. <https://developer.apple.com/support/two-factor-authentication/> Make sure you keep your iPhone up to date with the latest updates. It may be necessary to install an iOS update to ensure that there was no chance of someone snooping on your activity. Additionally, never jailbreak your phone because – quite simply – it undoes all the good work Apple has done in securing iOS. Never use pirated software (or software that promises to install pirated iOS apps), and keep iOS updated too, so that you keep ahead of the jailbreaking exploits that are used by hackers to infect devices. Apple also approves every third-party application that appears on the iPhone and iPad. As Apple explains: "Unlike other mobile platforms, iOS does not allow users to install potentially malicious unsigned apps from websites, or run untrusted code. At runtime, code signature checks of all executable memory pages are made as they are loaded to ensure that an app has not been modified since it was installed or last updated." Another level of protection comes from the device passcode - which means that an attacker with access to your device cannot get access to your data. You don't need anti-virus software for the iPad and iPhone - not that there is any anti-virus software available for the device. iOS is designed and built to only accept and install software that has been approved by Apple and run through the App Store. As such Apple has pretty much guaranteed that you won't encounter any malicious software on your iOS device. Similarly security companies complain that Apple will not approve any security focused software for the iPad or iPhone, presumably Apple doesn't want to give the impression that such software is necessary. Having said that there are a variety of security-themed apps on the App Store. Security specialist Symantec has a number of apps such as Symantec Mobile Encryption and Symantec Secure Email. These are typically designed to integrate the iPad with an enterprise environment, allowing iOS devices to communicate securely with enterprise servers. But for the home user, the iPad (and iPhone) is one of the safest computing experiences you can imagine. It's combination of locked down hardware and software make it more secure out of the box than a Mac or PC with security software installed. What security do I need for iPad and iPhone Safari web browsing? The Safari web browser in iOS 7 / iOS 8 & iOS 9 is also protected against malicious software, although you can encounter malicious websites and you are vulnerable to so-called "Phishing" scams (where nefarious people send you emails requesting you to enter account and password details. Safari iOS 7 / 8 & 9 has a "Fraud Warning" service built into it. This is activated by default, but it doesn't hurt to go to Settings > Safari and double-check that Fraudulent Website Warning is set to ON Are there any iPad/iPhone security risks at all? The biggest risks with an iPad and iPhone aren't remote attacks, but up close and personal theft. Somebody either stealing your device or using it when your back is turned. To protect somebody from accessing your iPad or iPhone without your knowledge be sure to set either a passcode or password. 1. Open Settings > General and tap Passcode Lock 2. Click Turn Passcode On 3. Enter a four digit PIN 4. Re-enter the four digit PIN 5. Tap"RequirePasscode"and ensure it is set to"Immediately" 6. Tap Passcode Lock to get back to the Passcode Lock settings You can use a password instead of a passcode. This will ensure a higher level of security, but you will need to enter the combination of letters and numbers to unlock your iPad or iPhone, so most people stick with the passcode. 1. Tap Simple Passcode to Off 2. Enter a password (a combination of numbers and letters) Enable Find My iPad/iPhone Find My iPhone is an app and service that you can install to locate an iOS if it has gone missing. It also enables you to remotely wipe an iPhone or iPad, or send a message to it in the hope of retrieving a lost iPhone or iPad. 1. Click on Settings > Privacy > Location service 2. Tap Find My iPad and click it to On 3. Open the App Store and Find My iPhone. Install the app. Open the Find My iPhone app on an iPad or iPhone and log in to see where all your devices are. Note that this service can also be accessed from Apple's iCloud website. Cheers, Ronni > On 28 Sep 2015, at 9:41 am, Michael Hawkins > <michael.hawk...@mjhawkins.com.au> wrote: > > Hi Ronni, > > Does this apply to iPhones on ios8, too? > > Thank you, > > Michael > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On 28 Sep 2015, at 8:40 am, FW <whae...@iinet.net.au >> <mailto:whae...@iinet.net.au>> wrote: >> >> Yes Ronni, I certainly will. It’s already archived. >> Thanks. >> >> Cheers. >> Walter >> >> ***************************************************** >>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 17:37 , Ronda Brown <ro...@mac.com> wrote: >>> >>> Well... No... It's not really anti-virus software. >>> But I do not recommend and have never recommended that Malwarebytes >>> Anti-Malware software be installed on current OS X systems. >>> >>> Please read thoroughly all the documentation I posted in my last reply to >>> the list. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> Ronni >>> Sent from Ronni's iPad4 >>> >>> >>>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 4:46 pm, FW <whae...@iinet.net.au> wrote: >>>> >>>> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is not really anti-virus software, is it Ronni ? >>>> >>>> Cheers >>>> Walter >>>> >>>> *************************************************************************** >>>> >>>>> Begin forwarded message: >>>>> >>>>> From: Ronni Brown <ro...@mac.com> >>>>> Subject: Re: Malwarebytes, anti-malware for Mac >>>>> Date: 27 September 2015 13:18:50 GMT+8 >>>>> To: WAMUG <wamug@wamug.org.au> >>>>> Reply-To: wamug@wamug.org.au >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 11:58 am, Graham Rabe <gra...@rabe.com.au> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> A week or two ago Peter Marks on ABC Breakfast with Fran Kelly advised >>>>>> against installing any Apple virus protection software given that recent >>>>>> security upgrades have made them largely redundant and they seem to >>>>>> cause more problems than they claim to fix. >>>>>> >>>>>> Graham >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my iPad >>>>> >>>>> I agree! In my previous reply I only supplied the information about >>>>> Malwarebytes anti-malware for Mac. >>>>> >>>>> Peter, Daniel & I have posted numerous times re: Do Macs need Anti-Virus >>>>> programs. >>>>> The short answer is NO. >>>>> >>>>> Below I quote from Linc Davis - Level 10 Apple Support Communities >>>>> >>>>> /Begin Quote from Linc Davis: >>>>> Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. >>>>> The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may >>>>> give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely >>>>> called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself >>>>> about it. >>>>> >>>>> 1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect >>>>> yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the >>>>> Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of tYes >>>>> Ronni, I certainly will. It’s already archived. >> Thanks. >> >> Cheers. >> Walter >> >> ***************************************************** >>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 17:37 , Ronda Brown <ro...@mac.com >>> <mailto:ro...@mac.com>> wrote: >>> >>> Well... No... It's not really anti-virus software. >>> But I do not recommend and have never recommended that Malwarebytes >>> Anti-Malware software be installed on current OS X systems. >>> >>> Please read thoroughly all the documentation I posted in my last reply to >>> the list. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> Ronni >>> Sent from Ronni's iPad4 >>> >>> >>>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 4:46 pm, FW <whae...@iinet.net.au >>>> <mailto:whae...@iinet.net.au>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is not really anti-virus software, is it Ronni ? >>>> >>>> Cheers >>>> Walter >>>> >>>> *************************************************************************** >>>> >>>>> Begin forwarded message: >>>>> >>>>> From: Ronni Brown <ro...@mac.com <mailto:ro...@mac.com>> >>>>> Subject: Re: Malwarebytes, anti-malware for Mac >>>>> Date: 27 September 2015 13:18:50 GMT+8 >>>>> To: WAMUG <wamug@wamug.org.au <mailto:wamug@wamug.org.au>> >>>>> Reply-To: wamug@wamug.org.au <mailto:wamug@wamug.org.au> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On 27 Sep 2015, at 11:58 am, Graham Rabe <gra...@rabe.com.au >>>>>> <mailto:gra...@rabe.com.au>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> A week or two ago Peter Marks on ABC Breakfast with Fran Kelly advised >>>>>> against installing any Apple virus protection software given that recent >>>>>> security upgrades have made them largely redundant and they seem to >>>>>> cause more problems than they claim to fix. >>>>>> >>>>>> Graham >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my iPad >>>>> >>>>> I agree! In my previous reply I only supplied the information about >>>>> Malwarebytes anti-malware for Mac. >>>>> >>>>> Peter, Daniel & I have posted numerous times re: Do Macs need Anti-Virus >>>>> programs. >>>>> The short answer is NO. >>>>> >>>>> Below I quote from Linc Davis - Level 10 Apple Support Communities >>>>> >>>>> /Begin Quote from Linc Davis: >>>>> Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. >>>>> The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may >>>>> give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely >>>>> called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself >>>>> about it. >>>>> >>>>> 1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect >>>>> yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the >>>>> Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the >>>>> user's actions. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, >>>>> that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access >>>>> to the computer, or who has been able to log in to it remotely. That >>>>> threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend >>>>> against it. >>>>> >>>>> The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in >>>>> sections 5, 6, and 10. >>>>> >>>>> OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically >>>>> against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute >>>>> disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space >>>>> layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits. >>>>> >>>>> 2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac >>>>> malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This >>>>> feature is transparent to the user. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect." >>>>> >>>>> The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically >>>>> updated; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are >>>>> always at least a day ahead of the defenders. >>>>> >>>>> The following caveats apply to XProtect: >>>>> >>>>> ☞ It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as >>>>> BitTorrent clients and Java applets. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software >>>>> installed from a CD or other media is not checked. >>>>> >>>>> As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will >>>>> indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions >>>>> such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be >>>>> degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop >>>>> being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds >>>>> of attack besides malware. >>>>> >>>>> 3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in >>>>> malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, >>>>> applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only >>>>> run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued >>>>> by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested >>>>> by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by >>>>> anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he >>>>> could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not >>>>> mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system >>>>> (see below.) >>>>> >>>>> Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, >>>>> however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following: >>>>> >>>>> ☞ It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate >>>>> under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of >>>>> distributing codesigned malware. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or >>>>> the oversight could fail due to human error. >>>>> >>>>> Apple has so far failed to revoke the codesigning certificates of some >>>>> known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer >>>>> ID program. These failures don't involve App Store products, however. >>>>> >>>>> For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—other >>>>> applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, >>>>> but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications >>>>> may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for >>>>> access to the network. Think before granting that access. Sandbox >>>>> security is based on user input. Never click through any request for >>>>> authorization without thinking. >>>>> >>>>> 4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: >>>>> a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background >>>>> when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have >>>>> evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also >>>>> runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not >>>>> the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is effective against known >>>>> threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds >>>>> malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT. >>>>> >>>>> 5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware >>>>> attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware >>>>> is foremost a problem of human behaviour, and no technological fix alone >>>>> is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you >>>>> more vulnerable. >>>>> >>>>> The best defense is always going to be your own intelligence. With the >>>>> possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the >>>>> Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later >>>>> takes the form of so-called "Trojan horses," which can only have an >>>>> effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore >>>>> amounts to a battle of wits between you and Internet criminals. If you're >>>>> better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in >>>>> practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing >>>>> practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are >>>>> some warning signs of danger. >>>>> >>>>> Software from an untrustworthy source >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a >>>>> website that also distributes pirated music or movies. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't >>>>> come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from >>>>> any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute >>>>> free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer." >>>>> >>>>> ☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any >>>>> ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be >>>>> ignored. >>>>> >>>>> Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal >>>>> >>>>> ☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or >>>>> "free." >>>>> >>>>> ☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by >>>>> circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving >>>>> streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" >>>>> are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious. >>>>> >>>>> Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers >>>>> >>>>> ☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and >>>>> offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately >>>>> warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That >>>>> exception to this rule no longer applies.) >>>>> >>>>> ☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it >>>>> you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," >>>>> "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an >>>>> unknown one. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but >>>>> only if you download an application of his choosing. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as >>>>> an airport, but is not provided by the management. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free." >>>>> >>>>> Unexpected events >>>>> >>>>> ☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no >>>>> other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an >>>>> application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the >>>>> file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file >>>>> that isn't what you expected it to be. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for >>>>> permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no >>>>> obvious reason. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes >>>>> (or seems to come) from someone you trust. >>>>> >>>>> I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily >>>>> result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses >>>>> against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very >>>>> least, make you uncomfortable. >>>>> >>>>> 6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not >>>>> related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the >>>>> security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for >>>>> running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was >>>>> always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable >>>>> of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. >>>>> Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a >>>>> Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious >>>>> Java content could be harmful. >>>>> >>>>> Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. >>>>> Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of >>>>> extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about >>>>> playing games or other non-essential uses of Java. >>>>> >>>>> Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are >>>>> distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use >>>>> either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, >>>>> disable it—not JavaScript—in your browsers. >>>>> >>>>> Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be >>>>> trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, >>>>> enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public >>>>> website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, >>>>> login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, >>>>> you'll see a lock icon in the left side of the address bar when visiting >>>>> a secure site. >>>>> >>>>> Stay within the safe harbor, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you >>>>> can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not >>>>> do to protect yourself. >>>>> >>>>> 7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" (AV) or "Internet security" >>>>> products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to >>>>> be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free >>>>> security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else. >>>>> >>>>> Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products? >>>>> >>>>> ☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known >>>>> threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a >>>>> proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks >>>>> are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not >>>>> defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to >>>>> the realization that traditional AV software is worthless. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Its design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be >>>>> injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded >>>>> from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere. In order to meet >>>>> that nonexistent threat, commercial AV software modifies or duplicates >>>>> low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of >>>>> resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ By modifying the operating system, the software may also create >>>>> weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers. >>>>> >>>>> ☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous. >>>>> >>>>> 8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same >>>>> drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it >>>>> does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't >>>>> mean it's entirely harmless. It may report email messages that have >>>>> "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as >>>>> infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt >>>>> the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail >>>>> application. >>>>> >>>>> An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection >>>>> against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows >>>>> malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new >>>>> Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware. >>>>> >>>>> Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use >>>>> Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in >>>>> email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example: >>>>> >>>>> London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe >>>>> >>>>> You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may >>>>> be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, >>>>> there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational >>>>> policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should >>>>> assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. >>>>> Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a >>>>> purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says >>>>> you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap >>>>> the system. >>>>> >>>>> The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the >>>>> product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, >>>>> you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of >>>>> their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a >>>>> free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7. >>>>> >>>>> 9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall >>>>> acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It >>>>> does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services >>>>> you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you >>>>> should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or >>>>> office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for >>>>> instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide >>>>> services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference >>>>> pane. All are disabled by default. >>>>> >>>>> 10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may >>>>> be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web >>>>> page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from >>>>> exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like >>>>> walking the streets of a big city. It's as safe or as dangerous as you >>>>> choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is >>>>> precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then >>>>> feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect >>>>> them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices. >>>>> /End Quote from Linc Davis >>>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>>> Now, Apple Support and my added comments below: >>>>> Are you running Mavericks OS X 10.9.5 or Yosemite OS X 10.10.x? >>>>> >>>>> Do Macs really need Anti-virus protection? >>>>> >>>>> OS X - It's built to keep your Mac safe >>>>> <https://www.apple.com/au/osx/what-is/security.html> >>>>> >>>>> OS X Mavericks - Protect your Mac from malware >>>>> <http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14365> >>>>> >>>>> OS X Mavericks - Protect your Mac >>>>> <http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13730> >>>>> >>>>> About File Quarantine in OS X >>>>> <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3662> >>>>> >>>>> About Security of OS X Yosemite >>>>> Tiny URL >>>>> http://tinyurl.com/oueejqa >>>>> >>>>> OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses >>>>> and malware, and it's free. Apple recommends keeping your Mac updated >>>>> with software updates from Apple. Refer to the links above, which apply >>>>> equally to Mavericks as well as its predecessor. >>>>> >>>>> A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac": >>>>> >>>>> • Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", >>>>> "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the >>>>> opposite. >>>>> >>>>> • Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from >>>>> dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained >>>>> software is almost certain to contain malware. >>>>> >>>>> • Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, >>>>> unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required. >>>>> >>>>> • Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not >>>>> recognize, or click links contained in an email: >>>>> • Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that >>>>> attempt to convince you to disclose personal information. >>>>> • Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social >>>>> exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for >>>>> it. >>>>> >>>>> • Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If >>>>> you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be >>>>> closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes >>>>> or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know >>>>> when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are >>>>> unable to. >>>>> >>>>> • Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. >>>>> Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any >>>>> extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the >>>>> Uninstall button and they will be gone. >>>>> >>>>> • Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it: >>>>> • Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you >>>>> are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility. >>>>> • Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security. >>>>> • Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect >>>>> your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled. >>>>> >>>>> • Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check >>>>> "Block popup windows": >>>>> • Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups >>>>> have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising >>>>> that you probably do not want. >>>>> • Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain >>>>> resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing. >>>>> • If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that >>>>> your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is >>>>> 100% fraudulent. Ignore it. >>>>> >>>>> • Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting >>>>> fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as >>>>> "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself >>>>> against them: >>>>> • The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, >>>>> most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but >>>>> that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever. >>>>> >>>>> • OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly >>>>> written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is >>>>> nothing new. >>>>> >>>>> • Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, >>>>> how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more. >>>>> >>>>> • If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarise yourself with >>>>> its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the >>>>> principle immediately preceding this one. >>>>> • Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilise your Mac while >>>>> they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever >>>>> - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should >>>>> actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, >>>>> based on verifiable facts. >>>>> >>>>> • Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows >>>>> more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them. >>>>> >>>>> Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like >>>>> you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic >>>>> talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind." >>>>> /End Quote >>>>> >>>>> Cheers, >>>>> Ronni >>>>> >>>>> 13-inch MacBook Air (April 2014) >>>>> 1.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost to 3.3GHz >>>>> 8GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM >>>>> 512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage >>>>> >>>>> OS X Yosemite 10.10.2
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