“My Mac doesn’t get viruses”
I never get tired of people telling me that they have a Mac system and they are so confident of never getting any viruses that they don’t even trouble themselves to put any kind of protection on their Mac systems.
Not a victim but a carrier
It is true that Macs are not “as susceptible” as a Windows operating system (O/S); however, a Mac O/S could in fact have a file that carries a virus and yet won’t affect the Mac but it will eventually infect a Windows system once they are either on the same network (at work or at home) or via a “transmitted” action such as an e-mail.
So “Can a Mac get a virus?”
Making a long story short, Yes.
With that in mind, there are several things working with a Mac O/S that help it’s virtual protection.
Mac O/S’, such as the new OS X, are built on a Unix Kernel which is based on the oldest and most secure O/S in use.
Because of the popularity of the IBM/PC (and compatibles) using the Microsoft O/S over the last several decades, there are just more systems running Windows O/S out in the market. This is where bigger isn’t necessarily better because they provide a much bigger target for an attack.
There are more experienced users creating viruses in the Windows O/S vs. the Mac O/S.
Should I get my Mac some protection?
By the mere mention that you have a Mac, that alone is a higher protection than that of a Windows system. However, I would not necessarily not get any protection at all.
Just because my house has never been broken into does not mean that I refuse to check the windows and lock the doors when I leave to go shopping for new "geeky” toys.
So my Mac is safe?
For the most part, but I do recall reading an article recently that spoke of a new Mac Trojan that is posing as a PDF (Portable Document Format) which apparently installs a “backdoor” onto a user’s Mac. It doesn’t seem to do anything at the moment; however, leaving a backdoor open for anyone to enter in the future doesn’t sit well with me.
I hope this helps or answer any questions.
Carlos Soto
Geeks On Call
1 800 905 GEEK
