14 DAY TRIAL // With the recent discovery of a Trojan targeting Mac OS X, security firm Intego based in Austin, Texas is the first to capitalize on this ordeal by offering a discount on its VirusBarrier X6 Mac antivirus program.
The Mac user base has been targeted lately by a piece of malware that portrays itself as a legitimate antivirus program, whereas it actually tricks users into handing over their credit card information.
The malware is distributed via a method called SEO (search engine optimization) poisoning, and the resulted application is either called Mac Defender, or Mac Guar and may come in different versions but its ultimate purpose is the same.
Intego has been the first to report on the existence of this piece of malware, by providing comprehensive security advisories that document its particularities, how to avoid it and / or how to remove it from an infected system.
Apple itself has issued a note on its Support site outlining the standard procedure from ridding an infected computer of Mac Defender and its variants, and has promised to issue a free software update to address the matter.
“With the many recent fake antiviruses targeting Mac users, Intego has decided to offer a special discount on VirusBarrier X6, the company's anti-malware and network protection program, so you can boost your Mac's protection on this Memorial Day weekend,” Intego tells Softpedia.
The security software vendor says only VirusBarrier X6 provides comprehensive protection from malware and network threats on the Mac.
Whether or not that’s the case, VirusBarrier X6 is indeed known to be the only antivirus Mac app that includes full anti-malware protection together with firewall, network protection, anti-phishing, and anti-spyware features.
To benefit from the discount, users must go to Intego's Buy Now page, choose a copy of VirusBarrier X6, and click on Continue Order.
On the next page, users must enter the following coupon code: FAKEAV-20. The offer is valid through Tuesday, May 31, 2011, Intego said.