What Security Software Should I Use For Mac

In a notable shift, Apple is now recommending that Mac users install anti-virus software to help users secure their systems. In a quietly published to its support site on Nov. 21, Apple issued the following advice: 'Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple anti-virus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult.' This is news to me. Just under three months ago, I asked an employee at our local Apple store whether I needed anti-virus for my MacBook, and was told not to bother, that it was not necessary. I wonder if this means Apple will stop running television ads saying Mac users?

Security Fix hears from readers constantly wondering whether they should secure their Macs. I suspect this may be because more people are choosing to purchase Macs over PCs loaded with Vista. I always tell people that the best advice is to enable the built-in firewall, and to keep the machine updated with the latest patches from Cupertino - in addition to fixes for add-ons like Adobe Flash and Reader. But more importantly, Mac users should be more cautious about the programs they choose to install on their systems. After all, the majority of all malicious software designed for Macs doesn't use security flaws to break into systems: It tricks the user into agreeing to download and install it.

If you have a Mac, do you need antivirus protection? If you are one of the many people running OS X who are not sure if you need security software or not read on. If you want a cheaper option take a look at our TotalAV review. Why you should use Malwarebytes to protect your Mac. The security experts at long-time Mac software developer Malwarebytes are often the source of security stories we cover throughout the year. Best document management software.

While anti-virus software is designed to flag programs that are known threats, no security program can protect a system from a file or software the user chooses to install. If you are considering anti-virus for your Mac, Apple recommends a few options (below). I should note that there is also a free anti-virus program available for OS X, called. In addition, SecureMac a free Trojan detection tool. For the record, I've had Symantec anti-virus installed on my MacBook for nearly two years now and it has never so much as made a peep. From the remainder of the Apple support advisory: Here are some available anti-virus utilities: Intego VirusBarrier X5, available from the Apple Online Store License: commercial Symantec Norton Anti-Virus 11 for Macintosh, available from the Apple Online Store License: commercial McAfee VirusScan for Mac License: commercial I'd like to hear from any Mac readers out there: Do you use anti-virus on your Mac?

If so, which security program(s) do you use? If you don't use anti-virus software on your Mac, is Apple's recommendation likely to change your mind? Sound off in the comments below. Update, 2:35 p.m., Dec. 3: As a number of readers have pointed out, Apple has since pulled the advisory that prompted this blog post.

Try to visit the, and you will see the following message: 'We're sorry. We can't find the article you're looking for.'

In a written statement sent security news site, Apple explained their decision to pull the document: 'We have removed the KnowledgeBase article because it was old and inaccurate,' Apple said in a statement sent to SecurityFocus. 'The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box.

However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, running antivirus software may offer additional protection.' By Brian Krebs December 1, 2008; 9:55 AM ET Categories:,,, Save & Share: Previous: Next.

I have been a Mac user since the MacPlus and still use a MDD G4 dual 1.0 and G5 iMac for my home set-up, an Intel macBook for work. I have for nearly all of my 20 plus years using Macs never used virus software, except for that software that was putout by the guys at Northwestern. I atarted to with my first Intel machine. I have no problems to this point that I am aware of, but the MacBook has been alerted a couple of times to delete two files that appeared out of nowhere. Accepting the improvements with the Intel CPUs means we also have to accept that we are more vulnerable than the old Motorola days.