Should I be worried about my Macbook?

Question

I do not have a anti-virus or any other security program on my MAC because supposedly you do not need it unless you run windows or go to risky websites. However, the other day I was on here (yahoo answers) and I clicked on a link (thought it was harmless) and a gruesome picture popped up with a laughing noise. Also, my documents folder was loaded with some files. I erased everything myself and now my mac seems to be working fine, but it left me worried. How long does it take for one to realize that you have a virus, spy-ware, or other malware on your computer?? Since my mac seems to be showing no symptoms, does that mean I have no virus or spyware on it??

Answer 1

That is not true.  Mac OSX is a unix based OS and is prone to virus infections.   You misinterpreted the issue.  There are fewer MACs than Windows PCs so most viruses are created for Windows PC but that doesn't mean there are no Mac Viruses.  This article highlights a very recent one:

http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/a...

  Purchase a Mac virus product today!

Answer 2

You would of been fine either way.. :). Your MacBook is fine. Its just a web spam thingy, it can't harm your computer in any way.

Answer 3

You'll be fine.  I also do not run anti-virus software on my mac.  but it does make me wonder, what kind of files was it in your documents folder.

Answer 4

Nearly all of the antivirus product for mac ONLY look for windoze virus' that can be passed on.  Not Mac virus'  There ARE a few pieces of mal-ware out there for the Mac. You found one.  It takes advantage of a small vulnerability in Safari's download protocol that has now been patched.  The one you found is relatively harmless.  Make sure all your updates are installed and you should be fine.

Answer 5

The main thing to remember about your MacBook is that there are no released MacOs X viruses. There is no malware etc. which your MacBook can get by visiting any website. Despite what some people are saying, there are no MacOs X viruses which have been released in the wild. There are 3 MacOs X malwares. You have to visit a website, agree to download it, agree to install it and put in your password, twice. One masquerades as a Mac Poker game, one as a viewer for p**n, and one as a Mac anti-virus. So unless you install one of those programs on purpose, you are fine. The Mac malware sends your keystrokes etc. to a website in eastern europe. I did computer tech support for 10 years, never had a Mac running MacOs X with a virus or malware. None of my 4 Macs have an anti-virus application on them.

Answer 6

try this program

http://www.clamxav.com/