Be Prepared for a Mac Attack

In the ongoing and always intense debate between Mac and PC users, Mac users will invariably bring up the point that Macs don’t require virus protection, virus scans or antivirus software. The security of Apple’s operating system is one of its biggest selling points. But is it accurate? Do you need protection and a virus scanner for your Mac? Well ... maybe.

According to the official definition of what constitutes a virus, the answer, quite simply, is that there are currently very few viruses that affect Macs. As a Mac user, your chances of getting a virus are extremely rare. That’s the short and simple answer. However, there are other forms of malware that can affect Apple computers, namely Trojans. The difference between Trojans and run-of-the-mill viruses is that Trojans require your permission to infect your computer. That doesn’t mean that they’re going to be upfront about it, though. Much like their mythical battle strategy namesake, Trojans can be super sneaky. That being said, in order for a Trojan to work, you have to download it, give your computer permission to install it and type your administrator password to seal the deal. After it’s in, a Trojan can cause just as much damage and be just as deadly to the life of your computer as any malware that affects Windows computers.

As far as virus scanners for Mac computers, you might as well be safe now rather than sorry down the road. After all, most of the world runs on Windows, so for a virus to achieve maximum impact, it would only make sense to design it for a Windows operating system. As Apple’s star rises and its market share increases, however, it’s only a matter of time before more effort is put into developing viruses for Macs. When that does happen, well, fortune favors the prepared.

When you're looking for antivirus software that will work best for your Mac, you should consider Intego VirusBarrier X6. This antivirus software for Mac is the recipient of our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award due to its wide scope of protective features, effectiveness, extra features, user-friendliness and reasonable price. It’s also worth noting that Intego VirusBarrier X6 also has a virus scanner for Mac iPhones and iPads.

Coming in at a close second, Norton Antivirus for Mac 2011 took our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award. While its range of protective features doesn’t quite measure up to those provided by VirusBarrier X6, the lower price and significantly more fleshed-out customer service options could tip the scale in favor of Norton Antivirus for Mac, at least for some consumers. Another option that makes Norton Antivirus so appealing is its ability to pause or interrupt its virus scan for Mac feature, which is unavailable in VirusBarrier X6.

Whichever software you decide to use, having a virus scan for Mac feature is much better than leaving your computer completely unprotected. To make this decision even easier, TopTenREVIEWS has a comprehensive breakdown and side-by-side comparisons of the best eight Mac antivirus software applications.

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