EFF  Simply because you've never encountered one, doesn't mean they didn't exist. I caught one back in days of my trusty ole' SE30 while installing a game from a floppy I had purchased at a local book store. Luckily, it was a variant of Code 252 which just displayed a creepy message and then deleted itself.

And if you don't believe the page I linked to above, take it from the horse's mouth:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50569

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=30345 (under "MBDF virus and Mac OS 8")

So yes, you are correct in that there are currently no viruses for any version of OS X, and with very few exceptions OS X users don't need to be concerned about the issue (I don't have AV software installed on any of Macs, btw), aside from exercising common sense when surfing/downloading files.

But that does not mean that a) there never were any viruses on the Mac platform in the past, and b) there may not be poo-ware attacking OS X in the future.

All that being said, I think we can agree on two points: Norton AV, in its current state, is a POS, and the AV developer's money-grabbing schemes are ridiculous.  
(Version 9/24/09)

ILGAZ  If this release included "signature updates for the unpatched java security hole on pre OS X 10.5 systems" as release note, I would run to Symantec store and buy it.

Of course, they are so busy with including Windows virus signatures and proof of concept junk rather than real threats, backdoors.

I don't want to spam this site so consider this comment for every single AV running under OS X, even including "free" ones. If you aren't protecting against an active threat, you don't deserve a single CPU cycle.  
(Version 9/4/09)

CYBORG9  Norton antivirus? The mere mention of that name should give any self respecting Mac user a case of spontaneous, explosive diarrhea.

Truthfully, as has oft been said, there just ain't no active virus threat out there in the wild for Macs at the moment.

One of these days, there likely will be.

So, it might be wise to have some anti virus protection at one's disposal. There is, though,

no reason to pay through the nose for some virus protection such as the dreaded and sickening Norton or the quite overpriced Intego VirusBarrier (they've got a $30 yearly fee for virus definition updates after one's first year of Virusbarrier use).

There's the highly regarded and free ClamX.   
(Version 9/1/09)

FRANKHOGG  I've been using Macs since 1984 and I don't use any "AntiVirus" software, free or paid for simply because THERE ARE NO VIRUSES FOR A MAC! Never have been. I've never had a problem... NEVER!

Do you know why there are two lion statues in front of the NY Public Library? The answer is they keep the elephants away. Hey it works just as well as any anti virus software for the Mac does.  
(Version 8/18/09)

ARINSBLOGCDYT  Just another happy user of ClamAV. I would say that unless you really hate your machine, stay away from the bloated NAV. I have had enough of it. Can you imagine I discarded it even after buying it for a decent amount! That is because I love my computer just too much to torture it with Norton.

Ever since I installed Clam, my machine has become much faster and on top of that, it is yet to get affected with a virus or trojan!

I also have a machine that runs on Windows XP and I use the free Avira on that one!  
(Version 8/07/09)

SHAWNABECKLAR  Been looking for this update. So this makes it easy. thanks guys  
(Version 8/04/09)

SCOTT_E_COLLINS  Norton Antivirus feels somewhat to 'bloated' for me. I personally prefer ClamAVX. Also heard good things about McAfee, but ClamAVX seems to have the most clean, no-nonsense 'feel' to it.  
(Version 7/15/09)

RMENDES  with all the updates this is getting, it must include the h1n1 anti-virus as well...  
(Version 7/14/09)

26CAB40  This udpate is very poor.

It does not improve Norton, an already poor application.

I suggest ClamXAV as a better alternative.  
(Version 7/14/09)

MARK EVERITT  Is all discussion post-2006 simply being deleted? I know it's been heated lately but some good points were made.

These virus definitions can only be used with the non-free Norton AntiVirus. I'd say that this does not fit into any meaningful definition of free.

Secondly, these definitions seem to be supplied separately because the automatic updating in NAV does not function under 10.5.7 (looking at the comments for NAV). Considering that Symantec deals by keeping us scared of our own shadows I'm going to be consistent to that and put it to them that using a separate installer to update definitions is an enormous gap in their protection. If automatic updating does work, then posting the definitions here is shameless (and frankly bewildering) advertising.

This is a shocking state of affairs.

For the record I run ClamAV, not because I fear viruses but because I work with some windows users. If they get a virus then it slows me down too (I've tried to convert them to Mac or Linux to little avail). The main free competitor to Norton on a mac is ClamXav, which has no problem with updating itself.  
(Version 7/14/09)

MICKY1  http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15850  
(Version 5/18/06)

ANONYMOUS  Does anybody comment on NAV that doesn't hate it for whatever reason? As a U.S. Department of Defense member, I have access to the DOD agency licensed (regular corporate) level product, which is free for anyone connected with the DOD, even contractors. I run NAV9 on my three personal Macs at home (OSX 10.4.2 and 10.4.3 until I get them all updated) and have for years. We also run them on all our Macs at work. In all cases, we do it not only because DOD policy madates using AV software (and provides your choice of several products), but because it's only polite to the poor Windows users we all interface with so we aren't virus vectors to them. I've never had a problem with NAV loading, setting up properly, or running as expected--on any of many systems from OSX 10.1x onward. If there's a problem with the personal edition, Norton needs to fix that. But it is NOT a universal problem, and may also be an issue with a misconfiguration on a particular Mac or due to not verifying and repairing permissions often enough, too.  
(Version 11/02/05)

ME  Uh, please Mac users. Acknowledge that Norton 'Anything' is detrimental to the 'X' system.

Yes, in the old days of MacOS9, but no more.

A warning to newbies: Don't even try it!  
(Version 10/19/05)

AVFOLK  NAV itself has resulted in far greater risk and instability of the computers I oversee than any OSX virus.

Their scare tactics issued earlier this week were a sad attempt to sell more software and updates. SHAME ON SYMANTIC for their cheap publicity stunt.

If you want a challenge -- try removing NAV sometime and see what happens. Its UGLY and causes untold hardship.

All good reasons to NUKE NAV. The computer you save may be your own.  
(Version 9/22/05)

SEBRIEL /X\  Completely Useless

I have been using Apple Computers since 1990, all the time downloading , searching in the internet, and i have never had a virus.....  
(Version 9/22/05)

OPNSRC  I think that some people might like to have a look at ClamXav. It is free and quite good.  
(Version 9/22/05)

ANONYMOUS  I mean seriously, there is no point for it. IT takes up space on your hard drive, and is a tough little cookie to uninstall, just like the others have said, completely useless, and protects you from nothing. Norton you'll make more money sticking to windows folk!  
(Version 9/08/05)

SPAM ON TOAST  i've been a mac user for nigh on twenty years and in that time i've had one [count 'em!] virus - which, if memory serves me correctly was under system 7,6.

i don't know how norton have the gall to continue selling this pointless piece of "hard drive filler", but i suppose they'll continue to do so whilst some mac users are naive enough to buy it.  
(Version 09/2005)

ANONYMOUS  Received my Mac "booster shot" in 1984 and have been virtual free of disease and in top fitness…unlike the pouchy bellied Billie Bob…fat on viruses I suppose :-)  
(Version 8/25/05)

ANONYMOUS  useless   
(Version 8/25/05)

SEBRIEL /X\  I don't use neither Antiviruses nor Firewalls

I am using a MAC, i have been using it for more than 15 years, i ve never needed any program like this.........  
(Version 8/16/05)

ANONYMOUS  Slooooooooooow. AntiVirus 10 seems to take all day to scan a decent sized HD. The Updater is slow and clunky.   
(Version 07/28/05)

CHRIS D  I have been ranting about Norton products here for years. They rip people off on their products then they rip people off for their rebates.

They have stolen from me twice (on my last two upgrades). I sent all info in (read the fine fine fine print to make sure I had everything they wanted). I looked over my info before mailing it to them (of course they wanted all the original copies of everything) then waited and waited and never got my rebate. You can NOT contact them concerning this (other than some obscure email address that just sends you back a blunt email stating some bull crap about not submitting the proper documentation) and that is it.. no other recourse.

They have NO customer service. They list NO contact info on their web site other than a link that take you to a redundant "canned" "worthless" FAQ type question and answer link. They have NO support for their products. They just take your money and let you bend over. What is amazing to me is that I NEVER have a problem getting my paperwork straight for other product rebates.. just Norton. They steal your money for a worthless product then STEAL it again on the rebates (and you have NO recourse, nobody to contact, email or talk with and they have all your originals).

I have wiped all Norton programs off my Mac other than Norton AntiVirus and when my subscription is up I am dumping it also. I will have a Norton Free Mac and wil NEVER purchase one of their products again.. ever !!!

After years and years on the Mac with Norton I have had it. I will never purchase any of their products again and will spend twice as much if needed for a product that has some customer service (AND NO REBATES !!).

Why do we continually fall for the "Rebate Trap" people. What a perfect rip off scheme for the software companies and resellers to take your money over and over again.  
(Version 07/28/05)

ANONYMOUS  Tiger rendered Norton dead. That's it.

Save your money and get ClamXav or none until Norton comes up with something that works.

Brickhouse for firewall.  
(Version 07/21/05)

ANONYMOUS  Norton freezes my mac on start up. I would rather have the virus than use this product. Same below, I paid for something that does not work.  
(Version 07/14/05)

ANONYMOUS  Where does one start when it comes to a discussion about any Mac product that even mention's the word

"Norton "..

I've used them off and on for several years, but I've eventually had enough of their couldn't care less attitude towards those of us who use Mac's.

I bought and paid for Norton AntiVirus X 9, only to find it did not work correctly with Tiger when it was released about two months after I bought theiri product.. I'm now expected to part with more cash and move up toNorton AntiVirus v 10.. No way.

When are these big boys of the software world going to give Mac users a fair deal.

Enough said...  
(Version 07/07/05)

ME  Mac folks: listen up. Norton (Symantec) will evidently NEVER be friendly to the OS. I just 'upgraded' both Antivirus and Utilities. Antivirus wouldn't ever set-up correctly and Utilities isn't for Tiger yet.

I requested a total refund with the very nice gentleman on the phone. Waiting!

Try ClamXav for antivirus: open source.

I'll NEVER again buy Symantec (Norton). Sorry to rant, but gee-whiz!  
(Version 07/07/05)

ANONYMOUS  this updater doesn't work. I payed for norton's "liveupdate", but something broke 4 weeks ago. I hate to reinstall norton, cause it spreads uncountable files overall. this is really not a good sotware! shame!  
(Version 06/28/2005)

ANONYMOUS  Anti what ?  
(Version 06/23/2005)

ANONYMOUS  this update caused me and many others to experience virus messages saying that we have been infected with 'Hacktool.Underhand'. It seems that the problem is this update and not a virus/trojan. This caused crashes/freezes and kernal crashes to many users.

I unfortunatly have to say avoid this update. I personally have removed NAV and will wait till I hear that this problem is fixed before re-installing  
(Version 05/02)

JEFFULRI  Does not work with Tiger. Don't let it change your security settings, it'll screw up your libraries.  
(Version 04/27)

ANONYMOUS  I bought the NAV a year ago, and now I have to pay for upgrade.

These people are too greedy.

I quit.   
(Version 03/30)

ANONYMOUS  Why paying for Virus Definitions? Virex is inferior on OSX but at least they provide you with free Virus Definition Updates. Soon you'll have to pay for each update or, to maximize the profit, they will implement a pay-per-application use charge.  
(Version 03/24)

ANONYMOUS  "Contrary to popular belief, the Macintosh operating system has not always been a safe haven from malicious code," said a report, which was issued on Monday from anti-virus software vendor Symantec Corp.

Bravo Symantec. Nice work.

But what a pity that none of Symantec's software is needed any more in Mac OS X. That's why they don't like the idea of people switching to macmini...  
(Version 03/24)

EPC  While viruses on the Mac are not currently a threat, that does NOT mean they are not potentially a problem or that the Mac is immune to viruses, trojans, etc. The fact is that people who develop viruses have done so mainly for the Windows platform, thus a virus is seldom a problem for a Mac user. As a matter of fact, benign Trojans have been developed for the Mac for demonstration purposes, and even Apple is aware of this. Perhaps a few of Apple's security updates have addressed some of OS X's vulnerabilities.

Anyway, I'm happy with NAV. Based on a previous experience I'm terrified of using any of their other utilities such as Speed Disk or Disk Doctor (which I also own), but NAV is pretty good.

By the way, the 11MB file is a stand-alone installer, but if you update through LiveUpdate you'll see that the virus definition's update file is much smaller.  
(Version 03/16)

ANONYMOUS  So basically, Mac "viruses" are just MS Office Macros received from windows counterparts.....

Why not just use Appleworks / iWork / Nissus / Open Office and do away with all this updating this antivirus stuff?  
(Version 03/16)

TECH DAVE  You must DISABLE auto-protect in order for Adobe Acrobat Distiller 6 to complete PDF creation. This is unacceptable. The ability to create PDFs is far more important than protection from non-existent viruses (OS X) and protecting Windows users from themselves. FIX IT, SYMANTEC!  
(Version 03/02)

TOMIS  11MB of updates? Windows must be getting hit hard with viruses recently eh?

I know viruses won't affect my mac and I see no reason to be concerned with scanning files I send to people. Windows is affected by viruses and windows users can deal with it, if they don't want to get a mac, that's their problem, not mine.

If Apple would spend as much money educating people as the anti-virus companies do scaring people, then you can be sure apple's market share would be significantly higher.  
(Version 03/02)

DPG4450GUY  Symantec had a corrupted disk image on their server - they have corrected/replaced the 3/2 with a 3/3 image - appx 7:30 PM EST.

-----------------

Anyone who works in a corporate environment is faced with Office macro viruses that affect both Mac files (but not the application) and WIN files AND the WIN application ... so an anti-viral application is a necessity - lest you feel the wrath of your superiors, eventually.

NAV runs fine, absolutely DOES NOT hog your system, and I wish nonsense about it would stop being posted ... possibly from persons with a competing product interest? Hmmmm?  
(Version 03/02)

JEFF  More "WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION" type of fear...I think there were 3 or 4 viruses on Mac in the last 8 years...  
(Version 02/17)

STILL WORTH IT  I have to admit I was down on Norton in past, but just recently, after checking for hotel reservations at a casino (believe me, if my wife did not want to go I won't be staying at a casino), a popup window uploaded a little nasty gift that Norton quarantined and I then deleted.   
(Version 02/17)

APPELSIN  Avoid it at any cost!!! Norton hogs your system big time, creates all kinds of problems and it's..let's face it...not needed!

Instead of spending your hard earned money on Norton, you should go for the FREE clamXav virus checker for Mac OS X:

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15850

...although you really don't need that app. either....but at least it's free!  
(Version 02/10)

SEBRIEL /X\  I have never had a virus,, have you??????

Is there any potential virus for mac??? maybe symantec is working on them, so then they 'll say that norton is the only solution...

by the way this kinf of soft always makes your system to become dumb and slow... i don't recommend it...  
(Version 02/10)

NICK  What do you know? Norton ripped me off in the same way that they did the guy whom I quoted below. After all my effort to get my rebate, they sent the same little postcard saying I didn't send in everything that was required. Of course, then I no longer had the proofs so I couldn't do anything. These companys who offer rebate factor in customer fatigue to raise their profit margins. Of, I too am finished wiith Symantec.

Caveat Emptor:

-- (earlier quote)--

"Norton (Symantec) WILL rip you off for your rebate. They demand all the originals (CD, receipt, etc) then tell you you didn't send something in. Then they won't take a color copy as proof that you did send it in. They have done it to me twice.. NEVER AGAIN !! "  
(Version 02/10)

ANONYMOUS  wheres the sign up list. if you make a promise to us come through with it.   
(Version 01/20)

BJ  I agree with the other reviewers about Symantec (and I have a friend there too). They told me they sent my rebate...NADA, 2 years later. They have essentially abandoned the Mac platform. The web site is awful. How many more reasons do we need to lose this dog? I too am pulling out after my subscription runs out...  
(Version 01/20)

ALLAN VS. PREDICTOR  Anyone ever had a virus on Mac OS X?

-I didn't. Maybe because I don't use any Microsoft application...  
(Version 11/23)

CHRIS D  Norton (Symantec) WILL rip you off for your rebate. They demand all the originals (CD, receipt, etc) then tell you you didn't send something in. Then they won't take a color copy as proof that you did send it in. They have done it to me twice.. NEVER AGAIN !! And Mac Update you don't have the ganads to leave this on your site telling the truth about these rip off companies. Comments about rip off companies are as important as the products they sell.. wake up !!

I have quit using all of Symantec's software and will quit Norton Utilities as soon as my virus updates expire.

I will continue to warn people about Symantec every chance I get.

The $60.00 (two $30.00 rebates) that they ripped me for will cost them bad comments every chance I get and I am not afraid to put my name and email address on this WARNING !!!

The $60.00 (two $30.00 rebates) that they ripped me for will cost them bad comments every time I can.  
(Version 11/23)

NUMBSKULL NORTON  Everything about Norton has become so incredibility lame. Does anyone know what this latest set of definitions covers? Hell, even going to Norton's site proves a task to hunt down what it is. Norton has lost it altogether.  
(Version 11/23)

ANONYMOUS  I would love to be able to download and install the new virus defs. However, my subscription is expired and no matter how hard I try I have not been able to renew them using Symantec's on-line system.

Numerous emails sent to Symantec customer service, help line, etc. No response from any of them.

So do I pirate or switch to Virex?  
(Version 11/18)

ANONYMOUS  The download link is bad, both from here, and from the page at Norton reached through the More Information link. 22:29pm Pacific Nov 19, 04.  
(Version 11/18)

MAC2ALL  Still it is the one which have found a lot of Netsky PC virus since february, in email attachments. Usually they comes as .pif files. Virex did not find them, at least not automatically, while downloading the mails.

Although these are pc virus, they spread by my mail to pc people, friends and clients, if i do not stop them.

Sad to hear though, that Norton plan on leaving the Mac platform. And Virex not up to the job... Well someone will hopefully show up.  
(Version 11/11)

ANONYMOUS  it would be handy if it detected even half of what clamav detects.

sadly, on OSX, clamav has very questionable "on access" scanning. but a clamav manual scan of directories reported threats that norton did not detect. what kind of threats (you might well ask)?

ms word "concept" macro virus and several clamav "test" viruses.

what did norton detect? nada. zip. nuttin.

weeeeee! I feel confident that i get worthless defs updates. (either direction you come at this reply. is clamav flagging non-threats, or is norton ignoring real threats?) There is an OSX gui clamav, but it is not vigorously updated. There are instruction with ClamXav that allow one to modify clamav to work with the gui, but again, no "on access" support.

please support open source developers. (no, i am not one.)  
(Version 11/11)

ANONYMOUS  The comments about the company are valid as it shows how they have stood behind other products and are likely to stand behind this one.  
(Version 11/01)

ANONYMOUS  OMG how i hate nortons now. Now heres a company that should stop making software for the mac. Firewall has a hole(small but there) in it and they still wont fix it.Saying its a minor issuse and they dont want to announce it.   
(Version 11/01)

ANONYMOUS  works very well in OS10X  
(Version 08/26)

CHRIS D  I agree with the below.. I think Norton (which I have been using for many many years) is the worst.

Their web site tries to be hi-tech but in reality it just keeps you running around in circles (and don't tell me I can't maneuver a web site cause I buld them).

Go into their friggin web site and try and get a tech or customer service email or phone number.. Would you believe that on the weekends they pull the page down and put a message page in the support page that says "they are closed on the weekends and you HAVE to go back to the web site on Mon-Fri to get a phone number or tech email address".

And they are worse than Adobe (and I own every program Adobe makes, so again I get to comment). Everything is pay, pay, pay.. You buy their programs and then if you need help on the phone you have to pay for it.. EXTRA !! Now Symantic gives NO grace period, if you want to talk to someone it is PAY from the get go !!

In this case, my definitions had expired so rather than subscribe again from vs. 8.0 I decided to upgrade to vs. 9.0 (which is supposed to come with another free year). After install, it didn't work (the free year) and won't let me download the def's and keeps telling me I have to pay when the box and manual say no.. so I go to support site (on Saturday) to get an email address to write and ask what I might do.. and their web site says THEY ARE CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND, COME BACK ON MON-FRI FOR PHONE OR EMAIL ADDRESS.. I am not kidding.. I couldn't believe it. They don't even leave their phone numbers or email addresses online over the weekend.. only during the week.. I am NOT Kidding

So now, rather than me being able to send an email and maybe get an answer via email sometime in the next 2-3 weeks (by the time I go back and forth and back and forth trying to explain my problem to some idiot on the other end that could care less) I have to go back on Monday to get the email address and then wait for my reply that will not be anywhere close to the question I wrote in about.

I could, of course, wait until Monday and phone to have my problem solved in probably 5 minutes or less.. BUT, after spending 70 bucks for the upgrade I would have to pay an incident charge of $35 bucks to talk to some dope in India..

I have had problems with Symantic before (like waiting 10 weeks to get my $20.00 rebate back), or refusing one of my rebates because I didn't send my ORIGINAL DISK in with the rebate app.. and another time an absolute refusal to talk to me unless I pay their incident fee.. so I have had it.

No more Norton Firewall.. I dumped it and switched to the one that came on my Mac..

Next time, no more Norton Antivirus.. I will find a something new..

NORTON.. GO POUND SALT !!

My star ratings with this comment are in reference to their tech support and web site that won't even let you near their support page without going through some idiotic database question and answer, wizz bang, doesn't do a thing helper and THEN tells you they are closed.

I have to admit, this is a first.. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLOSED WEB SITE BEFORE !!!!  
(Version 08/26)

CODE NAME JON  we use sophos at work, its multi platform and damn good, its worth a look!  
(Version 08/26)

NONO  Well let's make it short. NORTN SUCKS! He made money on us, now he doesn't care about us! Isn't that the way it go in life?  
(Version 08/26)

GOOD RIDDANCE NORTON  My Norton days--from way back when--have come to an end. The insipid hoop jumping required to even find the bloody price for virus subscription annual renewal is an insult to the human race. Norton has managed to replicate the same stupid delaying tactics that we have all come to know and loathe when we use the telephone for support only now it is through the computer. All I wanted to know was how much were the annual subscription prices--UP FRONT, NOT after I had been jerked around by some stupid computer. Since Norton has bailed on Norton Utilities it makes no sense to stay with them for many reasons. It ain't the same o' Norton any more. Good riddance R.I.P  
(Version 06/24)

ASESORIAMAC  someone of yours need an antivirus software in a MAC computer?

i work with a friend in Apple Tech Support for a lot of years (1994-2004) and just a couple of times i was found some ".doc" or ".xls" files with Macro-viruses...

for PC users antivirus software is a NEED-OF-EACH-DAY... but, for Mac users are a joke! (a lot expensives).  
(Version 06/24)

ANONYMOUS  http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/top_news_item.cfm?NewsID=8664  
(Version 05/04)

PINKMAC  NAV works pretty well finding PC virus.

My Mac gets some .pif files

NAV 9.0.1 found the Pc virus that got famous some weeks ago:

W32Netsky.B@mm

Quote:

Norton AntiVirus Repair Alert

friend.htm.exe was infected with W32Netsky.B@mm.

It has been deleted.

Virex 7.2.1 did not find it, or did not reach to before NAV found it.

- On the other hand, Virex found some of the .pif files, which NAV did not.

Why care, mr Anonymous?

A PC friend was becoming desperate because he could not receive mail from me. Because they contained virus. His AV application rejected and deleted them.  
(Version 04/04)

PINKMAC  So i have heard too.

If the latest version 9.x are made to scan after PC viruses, then it would be coming on, and compete against Virex. We donīt want to pass on these to PC users.

Last week, after the press covering of the newest PC virus, the ...sky.pif, i have received different .pif file attachments daily. Mail subjects cleverly innocent. Mail content text line stressing that the content lies within the .pif file, and please double click it. Happily iīve played a little with PCs, helping friends, and remember these .pif files from Win 3.11 (they are still around in later Wins. (Program Info File, something. Actually small programs:)

And these, for what i know, might possibly infect your Mac, if running Win in VPC (virtual pc).  
(Version 03/04)

ANONYMOUS  Please enlighten me! To my (limited) knowledge there's no viruses for the Mac OS X! Could someone correct me on that?!  
(Version 03/04)