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Got a Mac? Get anti-virus.
Important: this post has been updated. See "Update 3/12/8", below.
Apple Mac users have long boasted that, unlike their Windows (sorry, sorry, "PC") counterparts, they don't need to spend time and money protecting against viruses and other online nasties. In fact, Apple even made an advert on the subject:
Well, not anymore. Apple recently posted an update on its website giving advice on installing anti-virus software on OSX - or rather, installing several anti-virus tools, just to be sure:
"Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent"
Once discovered this announcement has, of course, prompted an entirely predictable round of pointing and mocking on the part of Windows users. This will probably pass with time - a year or two should do, I think. And once the dust settles, maybe the announcement should be seen less as a capitulation and more as a sign of Apple's continued success.
More than anything, today's virus writers want to make money, and as such only target platforms worth attacking. Traditionally this has meant Windows: with millions of PCs out there, not all of them properly protected, a Windows virus could spread efficiently and rake in the information wanted by the malware writers. Maybe Apple has finally sold enough computers to enter the elite - if unpleasant - club of target operating systems.
UPDATE 3/12/8 - Since this report it's transpired that Apple's advice was in fact merely reiterating an older support article (available via Google's cache here). The update was erroneously reported in a blog post by Graham Cluley of Sophos (see his correction), and we - and about half a dozen other media outlets - picked it up from there. Apologies for the error.
I am not a tech person and still not too clear about difference between pc and mac computers. On my social site, a few people complained about not able to register smoothly and access the site easily and they use mac. I have no complains from pc users in regards to the difficulty of using my site...I hope pc can be as safe as mac, but for now, pc do have its advantages somehow to me.
posted-by cozycomfy | December 3, 2008 1:37 AM
I guess over the years i've grown complancent about Mac's being virus-safe.
Oh well, all good things must come to an end... shame really.
Thanks,
Dr Andrew Power
posted-by Hypnosis Melbourne | December 3, 2008 3:25 AM
I'm not a big techie myself, but it is only common sense, no matter what system you use, that you would want to have antivirus software installed on your system.
With so many malicious programs flying around, you could never be too over cautious.
Thanks,
Gary Gross
posted-by Relationship & Dating Tips | December 3, 2008 3:59 AM
The Mac was known for its security against viruses.. I wonder if this recent news will decreased its market share as users become more vary of buying Macs?
posted-by Ozzy Robin | December 3, 2008 7:49 AM
Wow. I'm getting a mac for Christmas so this was really useful.
Debs
posted-by Debbie Reynolds | December 3, 2008 11:23 AM
I chose Linux on my servers for the same reason - few virus available and no spyware. But let's be honest, the second something becomes a big enough target with large enough benefits, people will abuse it. Mac is climbing in popularity and therefore those who target it will see more benefit. It is a shame for sure.
posted-by Windows Registry Repair | December 3, 2008 4:59 PM
Wow this is quite a wake up call considering I am a Mac user who doesn't have an anti virus. I just believed that viruses for Mac were scarce and so I haven't invested my money on any form of protection. After seeing that video I am sure to buy an anti virus and check my firewall is up and running nicely.
Thanks :)
posted-by Ben Little | December 3, 2008 9:20 PM
well it doesn't matter what OS you have you should always have anti virus program
posted-by James | December 4, 2008 1:07 AM
I use both mac and pc, although my imac just died, think the hard drive is cactus.
I've always loved the security of being virus free on my mac but I guess all good things must come to an end.
posted-by Best Credit Cards | December 4, 2008 2:35 AM
Although I agree Mac's are better with security, the biggest difference is also the virus creators were targeting the Windows OS. This is not the case anymore and Mac is starting to feel the heat!
posted-by Warning Spyware Detected On Your Computer | December 4, 2008 3:36 AM
James,
I've never seen a virus program for Linux, and I've only heard of one virus over the years for it. But again, all good things must come to an end. Even though my server has no virus software, it is still a target of other types of attacks.
Yep, all good things come to an end I guess. I can just picture a bunch of graphic and audio Mac users who will get to experience the slowdown of us Windows users when they install anti-virus. Sorry guys.
posted-by Steven K | December 4, 2008 11:59 PM
Firstly - why install a virus checker on a mac when there are no viruses on OS X 10.5 to be put in a Virus definitions? I assure you at the moment a virus checker will do more system problems than the insignificant chance of catching a virus. I'll wait until they find viruses for 10.5.5+ before worrying.
posted-by adey | December 5, 2008 12:14 AM
I use Mac all the time and since I don't download anything that is fishy to my Mac, I didn't use any anti-virus software and till now there isn't any problem. But, I read earlier about this update from Apple on wired blog and now again here, I feel its good to have an an anti virus program on my Mac now. Its always better to be 'safe' than 'sorry'.
posted-by Jonny | December 5, 2008 12:06 PM
Most people either overlook or underestimate Anti-Virus Programs before it is too late.
Well it doesn't matter what OS you have you should always have anti virus program. I do know exactly what I'm talking about because I have to pay a high price for it... Beware!
posted-by Turnkey Websites Sales | December 9, 2008 2:30 PM
Only way to get a virus on a mac is to sneeze on it when your ill. Sorry guys.
posted-by Chris | December 12, 2008 3:18 PM
I guess that all good things must come to an end. With the increase of Macs in the mainstream computer user world, this day was sure to come.
posted-by Cal | December 13, 2008 3:32 AM
Has anyone acutally read the statment of amends for this article?!?!?! Stupid!!!
Only way to get a virus on a mac is to sneeze on it when your ill. Sorry guys.
posted-by Chris | December 13, 2008 12:28 PM
If there's any group of people who deserve to be knocked down a peg or two by a virus, it's Mac users.
Snobby bunch.
posted-by Zach | January 2, 2009 2:25 AM
I have already been hearing stories from Mac users about new virus problems.
posted-by Rundll error | January 21, 2009 2:52 AM