Do you need Antivirus Protection for your Mac?
Update May 2011 – Mac Users are reporting Virus infections of MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity on their computers so I thought it would be a good idea to update this post. No computer is immune to a virus if the user clicks on something that will allow the virus to install.
Many people buy a Mac with OS X are under the impression that they don’t need to run an Anti Virus program on their Mac because of its build in security features. The OS X website says this “Mac OS X doesn’t get PC viruses. And its built-in defenses help keep you safe from other malware without the hassle of constant alerts and sweeps.”
It then goes on to list all the ways OS X protects you. Then at the bottom there’s this little bit of wording:
Security Advice
The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box. However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, antivirus software may offer additional protection.
One of the main reasons Apple Computers don’t have as many Virus issues is because their market share has historically been less than 10% in the United States. The bad guys have spent their time focused on the big slice of pie which is computers with Windows installed on them. Apple’s done such an effective job marketing their products that they now have over 15% of the personal computer market share in the U.S. and the bad guys have taken notice.
So here’s an analogy that might help you decide whether you need Antivirus software on your Mac. Let’s say you just moved into a really nice neighborhood with a gated entry and 24 hour security patrol. You’ll sleep well at night knowing your neighborhood is guarded and protected. The bad guys know this as well so they spend the majority of their time committing crimes in other neighborhoods. But I’m guessing you’d still sleep a little better if your house had locks on the doors right?
The same applies to security software for you Mac. It’s good out of the box but even Apple knows it’s not 100% immune from every threat as they say in their disclaimer. So, protect your Mac with an Antivirus product. There are two Free Antivirus product’s that I recommend for your Mac with OS X (You only need one).
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition
If you are running Windows PC’s be sure to check out my Free PC Protection page.
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