In reply to a post by ian_c:

I imagine updates to whatever engine is used will still come via Software Update.

The support document I linked to suggests that it's just for Safari, iChat, Mail etc, not any of the virus scanners, and the implication is that it's automatic and daily whereas Software Update can be configured. Not that it matters much

I can think of no compelling reason to uncheck it.

Nor can I really, I just don't like computers doing something without asking first

The support document I linked to suggests that it's just for Safari, iChat, Mail etc, not any of the virus scanners

Well, yeah - it's checking for Trojans and that tends to be where they come via. A text file will have the defs and needs routine updating (a tweak of MacDefender would be easy enough to add, say).

Whatever bit of OSX does the processing will need less regular patching, as new *approaches* to malware are discovered.

Bill - you are the same as me - I prefer to see what's there before I actually download/ install it .

Mousing over it shows << checks daily for updates to the safe downloads malware detection signature list and installs new signatures if they are available >>

Looks as if it should be OK - but does anyone have any real knowledge of it ?

You realise this list has been in OSX since Leopard?

The only change is that it gets updated as needed, rather than when Apple gets round to it.

In reply to a post by goldenoldie:

Bill - you are the same as me - I prefer to see what's there before I actually download/ install it .

To be fair it's usually a matter of "when" rather than "what"- I don't think I've ever declined an update, for example¹.

But I've delayed quite a few until a more convenient time, especially those that require a restart!



¹ eta- not for the OS anyway, I've declined a few for 3rd party applications if they weren't useful to me.

Edited by billford (Wed 01-Jun-11 10:42:10)

There's a long way to go before it catches up with Windows.

I believe much of the problem is due to people logging in with an admin account. That's pretty dumb on any OS.

I don't think Apple marketing has ever claimed OSX was impossible to write a virus for, they just listed the amount of viruses known for each platform. On Windows it was in the tens of thousands.

I guess the criminals have realised that Mac owners have more money to steal.

Link.

No I didn't. Your "actual security expert" did.

In reply to a post by AEP:

Link.

Good grief, a malware author modifies his product to evade detection... what is the world coming to

Exactly.

What will be more interesting is to see how quickly Apple respond. That's the game nowadays.