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We’re now conveniently located near the corner of Whitcomb and Westnedge behind the Burger King. We are the upper suite in the rear of the building. If you need driving directions, please don’t hesitate to call!

Geek Easy Computers
435 Whitcomb St. UL 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)548-TECH (8324)

Mac Viruses and Malware

Mac Defender and variants of the latest Mac malware

Normally news of major Internet virus threats is exclusive to Windows, but not anymore. Word of the Mac Defender variants has spread faster than the malware itself, and it’s sparking bits of controversy on the web. From debates about the security of Mac OS as a whole, the need for antivirus software on Macs, and Apple’s response to Mac Defender, there’s probably been more written on the subject in the past few weeks than anyone would care to read.

 

But given that Apple computers are probably the most common manufacturer of PCs we repair, we thought it might be nice to summarize what’s being said on the subject.

 

As for the security of Mac OS, it’s always been a numbers game. The software itself isn’t inherently safer than Windows, but most virus creators want to reach the largest potential audience available. Given Microsoft’s much higher market share, it’s easy to see why Windows is common target. Mac viruses have been written for years, but none have been as prevalent as Mac Defender has been. While most new viruses will still probably be written for Windows, Mac Defender has shown that the reach of Mac viruses and likely the number of them will increase with Apple’s popularity.

 

In response to the threat, manufacturers of antivirus software for Mac have been ramping up their advertising in an “I-told-you-so” kind of way. Apple itself has already released a security update and support page on how to avoid and remove the virus, but reports show that the malware has already been updated to bypass Apple’s fix. So I guess the question is, “Do I need an antivirus program on my Mac now?”

 

Well, it looks like Mac viruses will become more common over the next few years, but it’s important to remember that no antivirus program is going to protect against 100% of threats. The safest thing is to practice good browsing habits and stay away from untrusted sites, links and messages. As long as updates from Apple are maintained and good practices are followed, the need for a third-party antivirus program is minimal for now. For people who do want the extra safety net, feel free to contact us for recommendations.

 

The big news on Mac Defender has largely been reported by Ars Technica, an online technology news site, who uncovered an internal Apple memo describing their official policy as “do not confirm or deny” and “do not attempt to remove or uninstall.” After the news leaked about Apple’s policy, they quickly added the support page acknowledging the malware to their website. It seems as though Apple would have been content to maintain its image as the uncrackable OS, if it wasn’t for those pesky Internet journalists.

 

We suppose the lion is out of the bag now: Apple is doing its best to mend the situation, the average Mac user is pondering AV software for the first time, and the Internet is still a relatively unsafe place. If you happen to need any assistance with Windows or Mac virus removal, give us a call at Geek Easy Computers.

 

Geek Easy Computers
Making Technology Easier

 

Apple’s support article on Mac Defender is available here: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650

Mac OS security updates are available through the built-in Software Update.

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