14 DAY TRIAL // iAntiVirus, PC Tools' anti-virus and anti-spyware application specifically crafted for the Mac, has reached its second beta stage. Available as a free download, the software comes in the light of various reports of exploit security holes and poor security practices with Mac software. The paid version offers full support and updates.
"The Mac has a solid reputation for remaining relatively threat free. However, we are witnessing the use of low level malware scripts to identify whether there is the potential to infect the Mac OS, as well as the opportunity for malware producers to obtain a significant return on investment," said PC Tools CEO Simon Clausen.
PC Tools even points out to Apple's own claims that Mac OS X users should confidently download and install anti-virus software to comply with its Security Configuration Guide for Leopard. However, Apple warns that the security guide is aimed at experienced users only.
Even though iAntiVirus is free to download, only $34 a year nets users full support and updates. As most of you should know, updates are critical for an anti-virus program.
PC Tools also claims that the iAntiVirus database has been designed to detect and remove only Mac-specific threats, meaning that its database will not be cluttered with signatures for Windows-specific threats - as a Mac user, you are immune to those. As a result, you get a high level of protection whilst keeping memory footprint and resource usage at a minimum. iAntiVirus works in the background, blocking and removing threats "without any system impact," PC Tools says. A small alert window is displayed when your Mac is protected against an attack, displaying an alert below the system menu bar. When it detects infections, iAntiVirus automatically places them in quarantine. Users are able to view and restore items at their will or configure different scans, depending on their needs.
iAntiVirus is available HERE.