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Security software developer Intego has picked through OS X 10.6's malware defenses. The company was among the first to alert Mac users of its existence prior to shipping. Essentially the malware protection, dubbed XProtect, isn't a full featured defense. The blog post on the company's site essentially breaks down the security implementation and how it falls short. Intego has a vested interest in marketing its own security products for the Mac, but never the less, seems to be informative and factual. The bullets are as follows: - Apple has added an anti-malware function to Mac OS X 10.6, Snow Leopard - This function only scans for malware in files downloaded with certain applications - Apple’s anti-malware function doesn’t scan for malware when files are copied in the Finder, from CDs, DVDs, USB thumb drives or network volumes - Apple’s anti-malware function currently only scans for two Trojan horses - Apple does not detect all variants of the most common Trojan horse - Apple’s anti-malware function doesn’t scan meta-package (.mpkg) installer packages - Apple’s anti-malware function does not repair infected files or infected Macs - Apple’s anti-malware function in Snow Leopard does not offer Mac users serious protection from viruses and malware Clearly, XProtect doesn't seem to provide comprehensive protection against malware, but Apple hasn't exactly marketed it as such. At the very least, XProtect is better than nothing, which most users have, however, worst case may be a false sense of security. Likely, however, Apple will be building its short list of barred code in future security updates. How the Anti-Malware Function in Apple’s Snow Leopard Works
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