14 DAY TRIAL // Mac users continue to reap the benefits of their computers without fear that they’ll get infected with malware. Yes, believe it or not, the general misconception that Macs are somewhat immune to security threats is still alive and kicking.
That’s what prompted Graham Cluley, a veteran of the anti-virus industry, to advise Mac users yet again to consider installing anti-malware software on their systems.
17,000+ Macs get infected with new malware
Cluley recently reported on Dr Web’s discovery of a new piece of malware that had infected roughly 17,000 Macs: 4,610 (26.1%) in the United States, 1,235 (7%) in Canada, and 1,227 (6.9%) in the United Kingdom.
Dr Web reported that “in order to acquire a control server address list, the bot uses the search service at reddit.com.”
It is unclear if Apple is working on a fix to patch this threat, but Cluley recommends an anti-virus.
“This isn’t, of course, the first time that we have seen Mac computers infected by malware and hijacked into a criminal botnet, and it isn’t anything like as big so far as the notorious Flashback worm which hit more than 600,000 Mac computers in early 2012,” he writes.
“But it is another timely warning that Mac users shouldn’t be fooled into thinking they are somehow immune from computer security threats. An anti-virus product should be part of your arsenal, if you value your privacy and the data you store on your Apple computer.”
Considering Dr. Web’s findings, it’s pretty clear that these matters shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Make your pick
There’s no shortage of malware-fighting apps for the Mac. In fact, companies like Intego go to great lengths to convince customers that they do need protection, just like Windows customers. Of course, the threat level is still much lower in the Apple camp.
BitDefender Antivirus for Mac is roughly $40 (€31) and includes daily virus checks and updates, web protection tools that will monitor your activity inside web browsers, and more.
ESET Cyber Security is another solution. You can get the software for free to see how it handles and if you like it, a single license sells for 60 bucks (€47).
Intego’s VirusBarrier is probably the most Mac-centric malware fighting tool you’ll find. We warmly recommend trying before buying.
Finally, there’s always the free-to-download ClamXav, a free virus checking solution for OS X users that employs the popular ClamAv antivirus engine. Unlike other security apps, this one’s also available in the Mac App Store.