Virus and Malware Threat to computers running Mac OS X

(15/06/2009)

As Apple has provided more information about Snow Leopard, the next version of Mac OS X (10.6) to be released in September 2009, the company has also publicly recognized the virus and malware threat to its operating system. This highlights the need to use the best antivirus software to protect computers running Mac OS X.

On Apple's web page outlining security features in Snow Leopard the company discusses features that provide "Defense against viruses and malware," such as warnings when users open applications they have downloaded, a feature that has existed since Mac OS X 10.4. This page also states that "Mac OS X offers a multilayered system of defenses against viruses and other dangerous malware," such as "sandboxing," a method of restricting the actions that applications have to an operating system or its files, library randomization, which "prevents malicious commands from finding their targets," and execute disable, which protects memory from attacks.

Beyond recognizing the malware threat to Macs, Apple goes further, admitting that the techniques it includes in Mac OS X aren't enough to fully protect Macs from viruses and malware. The company provides security advice, as Intego has said for many years, saying, "since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, antivirus software may offer additional protection." Apple's attitude toward the malware risk in the past has been careless, especially in its TV commercials, suggesting that malware targeting the Mac does not exist. This change in the company's position shows that Apple has realized that the threat is real.

Apple has flip-flopped on the question of viruses and malware in the past. In December 2008, the company updated a technical document on its web site recommending three antivirus programs (including Intego VirusBarrier X5) for use with Macs. But given the response from the press, regarding Apple’s acknowledgment that Mac users need antivirus software, Apple removed the document. It is clear, however, that talking honestly about the security threats that Mac users face will have no negative effects on the success of Mac OS X. Mac users will be better informed about the risks they face, and will be better protected since they are aware of these risks.

"Apple has finally recognized what Intego has been saying for years: that Macs are not immune to viruses and malware," says Laurent Marteau, CEO Intego. "With the recent increase in Mac malware, it would be logical, as a next step, for Apple actually to integrate anti-malware technology in future releases of Mac OS X. As the only 100% Mac security company, we would be happy to work with Apple to ensure that Mac users get the best protection from viruses and malware."

Intego has long shown that Macs are at risk from malware, and the company's flagship VirusBarrier X5, which Macworld has called "the gold standard", has been the leading bastion against malware on Macs since 2000. Intego has always highlighted the risks to Macintosh computers, and ensured that its software protects Mac users from the latest forms of malware as soon as they appear. VirusBarrier X5 remains the best and most trusted antivirus and malware software for Mac OS X.

Related topics:  Application and software security   Internet and Web security   Virus, Worm, Email security, spyware and malware 

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