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Do Mac users now need Anti-Virus?

Do Mac users now need Anti-Virus?
Jul 2, 2008
 | 1 Comment 
Tags: Anti-virus
The new iAntivirus is being pitched at Mac users previously thought to be safe from the threat of viruses and Web nasties. The program's creator PC Tools says the idea Macs are safe is a myth.
While PC Tools CEO Cimon Clausen says Macs are "relatively safe", the company is nevertheless using the latest round of Mac specific threats to promote iAntivirus. One of these includes the AppleScript.THT trojan, reportedly affecting Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5.

Mind you, even PC Tools' own data lists just 2% of Mac specific threats as viruses - the rest includes keyloggers, hacking tools, and backdoors. The PC Tools iAntivirus software is a "lightweight" anti-malware tool that only targets Mac specific threats.

Maybe Mac users won't have the last laugh about being virus-free for long.

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Comments: 1
totoaus
Jul 16, 2008 9:34 PM
PC, Mac, Linux or whatever; there are 3 types attidues regarding anti-virus and other security software:
1. Naive - those who do not know they need these tools, or if they have them do not know how to use or maintain them. This is the bulk of users on most IT platforms.
2. Idiots - who know of these tools, but deny a need. These seem to be the most passionate in the Mac community.
3. Cautious - who buy the software, learn it, use it and maintain it. These are the ones who you seldom hear from, so you do not know how many there are.
I have no sympathy for anyone who fails to use and understand tools that keep their computer safe, they deserve the problems they have.
As I recall, some of the first viruses in the wild attacked Macs, and while many more attack other systems, the increasing commonality between Mac & PC versions of Microsoft Office make Macs particularly vulnerable.


Comment made about the PC Authority article:
Do Mac users now need Anti-Virus??
The new iAntivirus is being pitched at Mac users previously thought to be safe from the threat of viruses and Web nasties. The program's creator PC Tools says the idea Macs are safe is a myth.

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