Do Macs get viruses? Answer It is possible for an Apple Macintosh computer to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is Yes. However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users dont even run an antivirus protection program. Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows. 1.Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available. 2.Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more people than the Apple Mac OS. Because more people use Microsoft Windows, it is a much better target and makes it easier for viruses to spread. 3.Most of the computer virus writers are more familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, which means its easier for them create a virus for that platform. 4.Many of the tools, scripts, and code used to create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows. What are some examples of current antivirus programs? Note: If youre running a virtual PC on your Apple Macintosh or Windows in Bootcamp, because its emulating Microsoft Windows, it can become infected with Windows viruses. In addition, an Apple Macintosh can serve as a virus carrier, meaning that a virus could be stored on an Apple Computer but not infect it. However, if that infected Apple computer were then to connect to a network or forward an infected e-mail, it could infect a Windows computer. Software and plug-in threats Although the Apple OS is more secure than many versions of Windows, any software, plug-ins, or other add-ons that are installed onto the computer that connect to the Internet can introduce their own security vulnerabilities. The most common ways to attack a Mac computer is through a third-party browser and browser plugins like Adobe Reader, Flash, and Java. Today, most Mac users will have these plugins installed and enabled on the computer, but in doing so compromise the overall security of the system. Additional security threats Finally, although a Macintosh computer is less susceptible to viruses because it is a human whos operating the computer you still can be a victim of Trojan horses, phishing, and other online fraud. If youre an Apple computer user, we still recommend keeping informed about how to keep safe while online. There is no such thing as a 100% safe computer, a Mac, Windows, and even Linux are all capable of being infected with a virus or other malware.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:20:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015