Most Mac-users and Apple-fanboys we run into, are of the opinion that Apple Macs "cannot get viruses".
That is what their friends told them. And, more often than not, that is what the sales-rep confirmed when they bought it.
"For years, Mac users have been told that not only are they cooler than their PC counterparts, they are safer too. Apple has always held that computer viruses and malware dogged only its competitors... Mac users have been led to believe they’re safe and turned off their paranoia filter." [2]
Unfortunately, that is NOT TRUE, or at least "no longer the case" [2].
The reality is that Apple Macs are as susceptible to Scareware, Spyware and Viruses as Windows-powered Desktop and Laptop Computers.
But don't take our word for it, consider the evidence:
Antivirus Solutions for Macintosh Computers
The existence of Mac-viruses are evidenced by the proliferation of Antivirus and Antispyware Solutions, developed specifically for Macs, namely ESET Cybersecurity for Mac, F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac [2], iAntivirus [1], Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac, MacScan, Sophos Antivirus for Mac and Trend Micro Smart Surfing for Mac.
Thousands of Macintosh Computers Infected
In April 2012 between 600 000 [3] and 620 000 [2] Macs were infected with the "Fakeflash" [2] or "Flashback" [2|3|5|6] trojan, that not only gave it's creators "a back door that gives them unauthorized access to the victim’s computer" [2], but also allowed them to utilize it for the purpose of "click fraud" [2].
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are lucky enough to own a Mac, we highly recommend you obtain some Antivirus solution.
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Bibliography
1. Mark Wilson. Symantec releases free iAntivirus for the Mac (BetaNews; 24 May 2012)
2. Nicole Perlroth. Widespread Virus Proves Macs Are No Longer Safe From Hackers (The New York Times; 6 April 2012)
3. Steven Musil. More than 600,000 Macs infected with Flashback botnet (CNET; 4 April 2012)
4. Do Macs get viruses? (Computer Hope; 26 May 2012)
5. Courteney Palis. Mac Flashback Trojan Affecting Thousands: Apple Issues Fix (UPDATE) (Huffington Post Tech; 4 May 2012)
6. Hayley Tsukayama. Flashback trojan shows Macs do get viruses (The Washington Post)
7. Sara Yin. The Ten Most Dangerous Mac Viruses (Security Watch; 10 March 2012)
Revisions
26.05.2012
