An End of Immunity for Apple?

A post on Apple’s website this past November suggesting that Mac users install antivirus software has generated much confusion among the Mac community. Many questions were raised as to the security of Mac computers and Apple was forced to face the public. Quickly after the public discovery of the article, Apple pulled the post from its site. In acknowledgement of the pull, Apple spokesman Bill Evans said, “We have removed the KnowledgeBase article because it was old and inaccurate. The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box.”

However, this statement has not eased the fears of many. Though it is known that Apple computers are generally not affected by viruses as PCs are, Apple computers are not immune. With the growing popularity of Apples, hackers are now beginning to develop more viruses targeted at attacking Macs. And accordingly many Mac users feel it necessary to further their protection against the viruses that the internet can bring. Also, with the growing number of Mac users using Windows, it is important for those users to realize that they are making themselves more susceptible to viruses as PC users are. While their personal Macs may not suffer any harm directly from the virus (though they can), it is very possible that the viruses can be passed along to any friends using Windows on PCs through infected files.

So take precautions and protect your Mac and your PC using friends form any future dangers. The costs of purchasing antivirus protection programs are relatively low, in comparison to the potential costs of fixing a computer with a virus. Still not convinced? Well, the absolute costs are also moderately low. Symantec makes great antivirus programs compatible with Macs that can be bought for about $50. Or if you are a Mac user using Windows on their virtual PCs, a reliable antivirus protection such as McAfee can be purchased for under $40.