What? Apple recommending anti-virus software?!?
There still isn’t a single virus or worm that targets OS X. Yes, there are a few trojans around to trap the witless and/or gullible. But, compared to the 114,000 pieces of malware known to affect Windows, including the self-replicating kind (ie viruses and worms) that spread unseen from company to computer, Mac users have had it pretty good.
In fact, Apple recognized this fact when it released (Web only) this Get a Mac ad highlighting how carefree life on the fairer platform really is compared to our virus-infected, zombie-net friends using PCs. Further, one of the mainstay replies to the old saw that “Macs are more expensive” has been to say that we don’t we need to buy and update antivirus software, an expense that can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars.
Well, although you could be forgiven for having missed it, Apple has refreshed its take on the issue. Back on Nov. 21, our favorite fruit company updated a Knowledge Base article that offers the following advice:
Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult. Here are some available antivirus utilities:
Intego VirusBarrier X5, available from the Apple Online Store
License: commercialSymantec Norton Anti-Virus 11 for Macintosh, available from the Apple Online Store
License: commercialMcAfee VirusScan for Mac
License: commercial
Further, the first two of these applications are available on the Apple Store—here and here, respectively. Still, why isn’t Apple recommending ClamXav, which is a free, open-source AV solution that the company itself includes with every copy of Mac OS X Server? Not even worth mentioning as a choice?
What’s up with that?
With this new information as a backdrop, inquiring minds wanna know, “What gives? Are we any less safe than we were yesterday or is Apple just covering its bases?”
Also, although Apple isn’t stating antivirus software is necessary, they are “encouraging” its use, which is a pretty creepy thing to say.
So, are you going to (purchase and) install ClamXav or one of the commercial packages listed above? If not, why?
Sound off below…
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December 4th, 2008
No, not just as yet will i rush off and spend money on a anti-virus program that i may not really need. I payed to extra money for this OS and i plan to get what i can out of it.
When i know of cases where macs have been infected and people make noise about it i will reconsider a anti virus program.
Until then i will just be a bit more cautious about the sites i visit and always use a Firefox.
December 15th, 2008
There is a free (for home use) iAntivirus from PC tools that works well.
January 24th, 2009
The free ClamXav that is mentioned…how much of a resource hog is it? Will it slow down a Mac considerably like anti-virus on a PC does?