Well, the sad day finally came, as we knew it would, where there’s been a major malware (or, as more commonly and inaccurately called, virus) outbreak on Macs. It’s called Flashback, and you don’t want it.
Here’s what you need to do: Go to your Apple menu (we suggest right now), choose Software Update, wait for it to finish checking for new software, and click Update. Wait until it’s done (your machine may or may not need to restart). Repeat until there are no more updates available. This should both remove the infection if you have it, and fix the security vulnerability.
If you are using Mac OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, you should instead download and run the F-Secure Flashback removal tool which is free.
Also, disable Java in Safari and/or Firefox, in the Preferences, unless you know you go to web sites which use Java.
Attacks on Macs are increasing, and our time in paradise may be drawing to a close: it may be time to consider anti-malware software. We don’t yet have a specific recommendation to make, but here are some options:
- Intego VirusBarrier X6: Free 30-day trial; after that, $50 for one year after that, $80 for two years, $100 for three years. This is the only company that is a Mac-only specialist, for what that is worth.
- Kapersky Anti-Virus for Mac: Free 30-day trial; after that, $40 per year.
- F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac: Free 30-day trial; after that, $40 per year.
- Norton Anti-Virus for Mac: $50 for one year; after that, $40 per year.
- ESET Cybersecurity for Mac: Free 30-day trial;$40 for one year; $60 for two years.
- Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac: Free.
- ClamXAV: Free.
Last but not least, please don’t open attachments from people you don’t know, or even people you do know if they look remotely suspicious.
Read About Us in the Press
Read about us in USA Today and New York Enterprise Report!
Keep Your Digital House in Order
USA Today recently wrote an article on the growth of the professional organization industry and the critical role organizers play to many individuals. It also talked about the equal importance of digital organization and cited Caroline as an expert on this topic.” ‘What we do is no different than what you do,’ she tells a room of traditional organizers who might be more at home in someone’s garage than wading through their e-mail. ‘We want people’s lives to flow smoothly.’ “
Read Got clutter? There are experts to help dig your way out at USA Today
How Do You Stay On Track while Online?
Digital distraction is a common problem among business owners. Wondering how to fight it? Read our feature in The New York Enterprise Reports with tips for staying on track. These include blocking distracting websites and taking regular breaks.
Read 3 Ways to Prevent a Computer Time Suck at New York Enterprise Report
(April 2012)