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Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

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Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

#1

Post by zomlard »

My debit card number was recently stolen and I recently got a couple of times a warning from Google while using the web from home saying that there was "Unusual traffic from your computer network". I checked the router, but I don't see anyone connected other than me (I currently have no way to log the network traffic on the router). It might be just me being paranoid, but I would like to check my computer for malware, etc.

What software do you use to check your computer for malware / keyloggers / virus on OS X? Also, any security best practices that you follow on OS X?

Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

#3

Post by trengrj »

I have a couple of blanket rules for security.

1. Don't install software unless it is open source, or has enough external recommendations for you to trust it.

2. Never, ever, run any pirated software on your computer as it is usually impossible to tell if they are not backdoored.

3. Delete emails with strange links or attachments.

I have tried out Little Snitch before (an OS X firewall). It probably is a good idea if you are getting unusual traffic on your network.

Re: Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

#5

Post by zomlard »

A few more details:

I don't have any cracked software installed. I also keep browser extensions to a minimum: AdBlock, EFF extensions, Mozilla approved extensions and that's pretty much it.

I installed Little Snitch again and I don't see anything unusual in the network activity.

My security settings only allow "Mac App Store and identified developers" applications to run.

My router is an Airport Express. I will reset it, change the username and password, but there's not much I can do with it.

Many years ago when I used Windows I had a few antivirus and other software that I relied on to check my computer for virus, malware etc. I was wondering if there's anything similar that you trust for OS X.

Re: Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

#6

Post by mcmillhj »

suitcase wrote: post #4

Time machine backup then reinstall OSX. Then be wary about what applications and utilities you reinstall. I would wipe the router and reinstall that just in case.

It's possible that the backup could carry over malware depending on the type of malware.

Re: Ask HN: scan Macbook / OS X machine for malware

#10

Post by atmosx »

trengrj wrote: post #3

I have a couple of blanket rules for security. 1. Don't install software unless it is open source, or has enough external recommendations for you to trust it. 2. Never, ever, run any pirated software on your computer as it is usually impossible to tell if they are not backdoored. 3. Delete emails with strange links or attachments. I have tried out Little Snitch before (an OS X firewall). It probably is a good idea if…

Under OSX, following the rules you stated (open source and/or legal software that comes with a license):

    * ClamXav - antivirus
    * Littlesnitch
    * SpamSieve (Mail App spam filter)
    * Use local installation on Unbound on foreign WiFi networks
Enable the default firewall is a good call also :-). I'd say enable 'encryption' but, IMHO it's better to have a something like Prey running if you laptop costs more than the data within. Otherwise, sure go with encryption.
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