We've noted before that Macs (and iOS) are not immune from viruses, but they are less afflicted than the Windows computer platforms. It's a question of scale - why write a virus for a small percentage of the computer market.
With the success of the iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) as well as the expansion of the Mac market we're seeing more vulnerabilities being exploited in the Apple world.
Here are some links for Apple anti-virus tools:
Apple suggests Mac users install antivirus software (from 2008!)
The article below is from our June newsletter (Monthly tech news and tips). If you'd like to sign up, send an email to info@on-siteoc.com with the subject "newsletter."
Macs have always had the reputation for being less
susceptible to viruses than are PCs. That doesn't mean, though, that Mac
users can happily scour the web without any protection.
Hackers, cyber criminals, and spammers are clever. They
know how to break into that Mac of yours.
Fortunately, you can boost
the security of your Mac by taking some fairly simple steps.
Install those security updates
First, always install Apple's security updates. Apple
recommends these updates for a reason: They offer the latest protection
for your Mac. Yes, installing these updates may seem like a nuisance.
But if you don't, you run the risk of leaving your Mac vulnerable to the
newest security threats.
The benefits of anti-virus software
It also makes sense to protect your Mac with private
anti-virus software. You might think that your Mac is strong enough to
resist hackers and viruses without spending money on anti-virus
software, but why take the chance? The money you spend on this software —
and you can find high-quality anti-virus software for free, too — will
provide you with peace of mind as you browse the Internet. It's
difficult to put a price tag on that.
Of course, you can protect your Mac, too, by being a
wise Internet user. This means not opening files from users you don't
know or trust. Spammers and hackers often infect computers by tricking
users into opening files that contain malicious programs. Hackers will
do this by making you believe that a file is either useful or, often,
salacious. Don't be fooled.
Be a smart web surfer
You shouldn't download files, either, from websites
that you don't trust. It's easy to infect the computers of gullible web
surfers interested in downloading pirated or adult movies, for instance.
Smart users only download programs from well-known and trusted sites.
Finally, make sure to update your passwords frequently. And use passwords that aren't easy to crack.
The truth is that most security breaches happen when
computer users become overconfident. Failing to install security
updates, running computers without virus protection programs, and
blindly opening email attachments are the easiest ways to run into
security problems, even when you're a Mac user.
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