subject: Do Macs Get Viruses? Count Your Blessings [print this page] Do Macs Get Viruses? Count Your Blessings
If you're an Apple Macintosh user, be thankful that you are less susceptible to viruses. The key word here is "less!" It is true that the likelihood of a Mac user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little. In fact, many Mac users don't even run an antivirus protection program.
However, don't be misled! You still need to be vigilant, as Macs are not totally immune to viruses.
Why Macs have less viruses
Microsoft Windows PCs are used by a lot more people than Apple Macintosh computersthus making them a better target.
Newer Mac operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, are built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
Most "virus writers" are familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, and therefore, are only able to create viruses for that platform.
Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows.
BewareMacs still at risk
If you are running a virtual PC on your Mac, it can still become infected with Windows viruses since it is emulating Microsoft Windows. Therefore, you should be running an antivirus protection program on it! In addition, a Mac can serve as a virus "carrier," whereby a virus could be stored on the Mac without appearing to infect it. However, if that infected Mac were then to connect to a network or forward an infected email to a Windows computer, it could easily spread the virus. Additionally, since Mac users are human, they can still be victims of Trojan horses, phishing and other online fraud.
IT Radix strongly recommends virus protection programs for all Mac and PC users. The anti-virus software choices for Mac are not as broad, but do exist. Call ITRadix today for a recommendation!
IT Radix provides fully outsourced IT support for small- to medium-sized businesses. We do everything that an internal IT department would do--only better and for less. We handle all aspects of your IT department including server/desktop administration, networking, end-user support, vendor management, IT strategy, budgeting, and more. Simply put: We run your IT department.
