After years of jabbing Microsoft for the seeming need to run antivirus software on Windows, Apple has quietly posted its own recommendation for similar security with its own operating system. The knowledge base article, posted roughly a week and a half ago, doesn’t go so far as to say the software is necessary but still advocates “widespread use” of more than one antivirus package to minimize security risks.
By using more than one piece of security software, virus writers can’t assume that there will be a particular security suite to bypass, Apple says. In Windows, more advanced viruses already know to look for certain defense suites and will mask themselves or even disable the protection to make their tasks easier. Apple currently recommends Intego’s VirusBarrier X5, McAfee’s VirusScan for Mac, and Symantec’s Norton Anti-Virus 11.
The posting isn’t necessarily a reversal of opinions for Apple, though it does reflect an overall softening of its opinions. While one of the first “Get a Mac” TV spots in 2006 made fun of Windows’ susceptibility to viruses and portrayed the Mac as near-immune, the current campaign doesn’t mention this point. The company’s current FAQ for curious switchers also simply says that Mac OS X “resists most viruses” and doesn’t make any blanket statements.
I am surprised to see a FUD based article from Apple Insider. I think this information has been on Apples support site for a long time and just recently updated. The fact that there have been very few computers affected makes it one of their biggest selling points and it would seem like a bad idea to promote this now. Still, I have to chuckle when I hear Apple sales people say it will “never happen”. I think that’s just irresponsible. Even so, if there has been a change, I hope Apple will offer better options than either Symantec or McAffee which are notorious resource hogs. Maybe AVG will get on board.
Thanks to Mr. Justin
UPDATE:
Apple has removed a widely publicized support document from its website that encouraged Mac OS X users to install antivirus software, explaining that its operating system was designed with safeguards to protect against malicious attacks on its own.
The short answer is “no”.
If the fanboys don’t wise up they’re gong to be “ripe for the picking”.
#18 Glenn “wildly imaginative, but poorly informed, pro-PC extremists”
Dude, you make me laugh…
That’s a view of wildly imaginative, but poorly informed, Apple Fanboy. I work repairing Macs and PCs all day long, there just tools, nothing more. Trust me when I say this, Apple’s day will come.
#21,
Ostriches everywhere applaud the decision.
It was just a matter of time before the net nasties will cripple apple.
Soon the apple fan boys will be talking about how cool the glass and transparency effects look on their Macs running Anti-viruses.
They will have a cool effect whenever a viruses is detected…
#25,
When OSX Defender ships, I suspect it will be an animation of Finder x-raying the desktop, and showing the user simulated zeros and ones. All done in 3D of course;)
So the mac is now open for terrorist attacks? It is a zionist OS, after all.
#27 pedro,
no need to tell me ur a jew and a gay also. I already no that. Lets stay on the topic of Apple here.
#28 What, no mac jihad here? A shame!
Apple’s move of taking the posting down will set the expected tone for it’s faithful, that this is not an issue, while communicating to the increasing Mac presence in the business community that something needs to be done.
Smart move.
#17 – With regard to ClamXAV I disagree, in comparison to other AV products for the Mac platform. Quite frankly, none of the existing AV products are worth a damn for OS X.
As for your assessment of things, you’re completely wrong. The only message Apple is getting out there is that the business world needs to be cognizant of the threat. This makes sense, since any negative press in the area could hurt Apple’s ability to further increase its market share.
I’ve already outlined the primary use case for AV on the Mac platform, and it has nothing to do with Mac-specific viruses. Further, the notion that there aren’t Mac viruses because of market share is wrong. There are all sorts of Mac viruses… for OS 9. OS X is locked down well enough that viruses have an incredibly difficult time spreading, regardless of environment topology.
Will Apple’s “day come”, as #23 suggests? Only through a virus that is clever enough to get the end user to give permission and a key moment. That’s certainly not impossible, given Apple’s core user base.
#20 – LOL! This just happens to be an area that overlaps my job, so I’m paid to take it seriously.
# 30 James Hill said, “Further, the notion that there aren’t Mac viruses because of market share is wrong. There are all sorts of Mac viruses…”
No, actually, that’s incorrect. There aren’t all kinds of Mac viruses out there. Check the ITW list. Malware today is written for profit making reasons. The malware must be spread to unknown PCs on the internet. There aren’t, as a %, enough Mac machines to make the creation of such malware profitable.