Spam News

Do Macs need anti malware software?

Friday, December 19, 2008

Some well-known web security companies are releasing software specific for Mac users in an effort to offer protection to a community that, in the past, has dealt with cyberattacks on a minimal level.

The push to give Mac users anti malware software may stem from a technical warning issued by Apple in late November urging its customers to install anti virus software onto their computers.

By early December, the technical note was taken down, though the debate over whether Macs need more web security than it already possesses has continued. This may be because after the note was taken down, Apple spokesman Bill Evans still urged users to install the software.

"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, running anti virus software may offer additional protection," Evans told Cnet.com.

Part of the reason Macs may be open to more cyberattacks could stem from the failure of Windows Vista to capture the market as previous Microsoft OS systems have, inspiring many to jump to Apple for their home computers.