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Where Is Auto Update for Malware Definitions?

Whatever happened to the automatic process for updating malware definitions in the Security system preferences in OS X? I think it was added to Snow Leopard, but it seems to be gone in Mtn Lion. Did Apple come up with a different way of protecting the OS from malware intrusions?
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Mac Carter

Comments: 4 Responses to “Where Is Auto Update for Malware Definitions?”

    11 years ago

    With Mountain Lion your Mac automatically updates its list of malware definitions. You can find the settings for this by going to System Preferences, Security, then General. You must authenticate (unlock button at bottom left) and then you can click the Advanced button at the bottom right. This leads to a few extra security settings, including "Automatically update safe downloads list."
    The official definition of what this button does is: "Apple keeps an updated list of malware that may try to compromise the security of your computer. Your computer is set, by default, to automatically update this information with the latest available."

    Mac Carter
    11 years ago

    Thanks. I was aware of what the pref does; I was just confused by the shift in location in the Security preferences. Thanks for clearing it up.

    Lori
    11 years ago

    Hello, just wondering if I ever decided to run Windows, would that require me needing virus software? Seems to me that running Windows invites those related risks. Thanks

      11 years ago

      You aren't "required" to have it. But it would seem like a good idea. It would protect the Windows partition.

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