Let's start with the big picture. Worldwide, about 90 percent of the computer market is comprised of PC users with about 10 percent being Mac users. Cybercriminals are well aware of these statistics and tend to focus their virus efforts on the "bigger slice of the pie." So traditionally, Macs have been known to experience fewer viruses. However, Mac security has been in the news again lately due to the MacDefender malware and its variants. MacDefender masquerades as antivirus software, showing a webpage that looks like a virus detection screen, and then prompting the user to complete the install process. If completed, the malware will ask for credit card information to eliminate nonexistent viruses.
Do Mac users need to worry about viruses? The short answer is yes. No computer is completely immune from threats and Apple recommends that Mac users keep antivirus software updated and take precautions when downloading files, opening email attachments, etc. If you're in the 90 percent with a PC, you should be practicing these security measures as well.
True but, since Panther Apple has adopted native security features. Also unlike windows failed attempt with UAC, Mac actually has a super user account that combined with limited auto run and no active x and not to mention the lack of Internet Explorer (the least secure browser), a virus has no chance of running unless the user actually installs it on themselves. As of current the only Mac viruses found in real world circulation have some form of social engineering that trick the user into putting them on the computer.
ReplyDelete