Macs don't need security software. Or do they? Here's our answer to the question: do Macs need antivirus?
Do Macs and Apple laptops need security software, or is OS X safe to use without antivirus? We explore the issues. Here's why Macs don't need security software.
The question of whether Macs require security software is not a new one. I asked it myself when I bought my first Mac 10 years ago, and the empirical evidence suggests that the answer I received then was correct. My PowerBook G4 has been connected to the internet, without protection, for a decade. It hasn't yet fallen prey to malware.
Indeed, head over to the forums on the Apple Store website and you'll find the same answer time and again - 'you don't need security software because I haven't got security software and it's never been a problem'.
The scientists among you will recognise this as a confusion of cause and effect. It's also a simplification of a complex issue. Here then, are reasons for and against the suggestion that Macs don't require antivirus, with what I hope is a definitive verdict.
Why Macs don't need security software
Quite simply, because all the evidence suggests they don't. I've had an unprotected Mac connected to the web for 10 years, and I have never had a problem. Why this is the case is worth investigating, however.
The argument most often put forward is a simple one of market economics: because Apple's global market share is in single figures, criminals go after the bigger shoals of fish in the Windows world. There is something in this - virtually all current malware exists to generate cash for criminals. Crooks are not known for their application or invention, so the biggest, easiest target gets all the attention.
In practice cybercriminal gangs are focused exclusively on Windows because there are more Windows users, yes, but also because Windows is still easier to hack. As a Unix-based operating system OS X is by its very nature sandboxed. It's like having a series of fire doors - even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to the heart of the machine. Macs are not unhackable, but they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs. So just as a burglar could break into a house with an alarm system but will probably choose the unprotected dwelling next door, a Mac makes a less attractive target in a world in which only attractive targets tend to be attacked.
The most recent version of OS X - OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion - takes this even further. It includes the GateKeeper function that by default prevents Mac users from installing anything other than Apple-approved software. And the lack of Java and Flash plugins removes the temptation to install fake versions of both - previously the principal vectors of infection for Macs.
Why Macs need security software
However, there are no technical reasons why OS X cannot be targeted, and there are exploits in the wild: albeit they are principally Trojans, and require a user to erroneously install them.
And yes, criminals target the lowest hanging fruit, it is harder to target Macs, and the numbers of Mac users are relatively small, but that situation could change. Windows is becoming more secure - Windows 8 is the most secure Windows ever - and the Mac market share in wealthy western countries is around 20 percent. When you consider that Macs are expensive, and so their owners tend to be wealthier than the average PC users, they start to look like an attractive target. I'm not scare-mongering - the threat is not there in any significant scale. But someday it could be, and that may make AV a worthwile investment.
It's also worth remembering that the end user is always the weakest link. In many ways security software exists to save you from bad decisions - installing apps that appear to offer something for nothing, but turn out to be spyware or viruses. Even Mac users can fall victim in this way.
Do Macs need antivirus: the verdict
I'd say that if you are using your Mac at home, mostly for non business purposes, you can close this article and continue to operate without security software. Yes, it is a risk. But using the internet is a risk, and in my considered view running a Mac without AV is a worthwhile calculated risk.
There are exceptions, however. If you are running a business with a fleet of Macs, or a network of both Macs and Windows PCs, I'd suggest getting in some protection. It's a belt and braces approach that may not be necessary, but if you have a lot to lose it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
You may also consider using antivirus on your Mac if for some reason you could be targeted individually - if you have access to sensitive or high-value data, for instance.
Comments
quaid oralious said: I have personally seen infected macs working in the IT field they are not immune This article is outdated and a remnant of an older mindset Not only does a security suite protect against viruses it stops unwanted random connections which the mac is by no means immune from and happens often Some people never shut down leaving their mac open to the wild constantly People shut your MAcs when not in use Have you read up on botnets they are rampant even in cupertino there was a recent rash httpwwwextremetechcomcommore homework is needed here i think you should tear the article down imho
Matt Egan said: Change any other passwords that are the same or similar warn anyone who might have received an email from your hacked account and give your PC a good scrub with security software Then cross your fingers
GoodNPlenty333 said: Lol seriously And what makes you think they know if theyd been infected Any half decent trojan keeps itself hidden
Mac-ette said: macs get infected but they also heal themselves as well especially when the user is diligent and on top of things and deletes the problem Ive only had a problem when I opened an antivirus free trial offer and didnt want to continue using itthen and only then did I get something that infected my mac for longer than a day or two
Joe Cho said: If I have a Mac connected to Network but just idle here Is there any OS level bug that let any virus infected through any port if I visit website is there any risk that the web can get or change my system setting without my permissionis there any Mac app when execute have hidden process that keep running in the background without user permission and the process can restart after rebootfrom different point of view If a user download an app from internet if the app ask to get your address book or change your system setting and your press allow can we define this kind of app is a virus
Joe Cho said: So what is the definition of virus My opinion is if a program or app can get into your computer and execute without your permission even without notice you it is running No matter this program is harmful or not or will it infect other computer or not it is a virusDoes Mac have any security bug that allow apps running in background without user permission Another point of view if I have a Mac with Gatekeeper enabled and I NEVER use any app not come of Apple App Store will my Mac infected by virus
Joe Cho said: some people said mac is safe from virus but some others said notwhat is the truthwhat come in my mind is what is the definition of virus and what is the definition of infection by virus different people comes with different definition and thats the reason why different people got different answersin my opinion we need to define what is virus and define what is infection After if a System Mac can protect again these kind of actions then we claim that this system is safe from virusI need to point out that I am not an expert in security so please point out if I got somethings wrong
Joe Cho said: continuesmore I think the 1 risk is mostly come from user knowledgeyes there are thousands mac infected last year but what we need to found out is that those infection come from user usage problem or OS problemI dont know I just point out the direction of thinking
Joe Cho said: think differentlet say 1 Mac is 99 safe from virus due to security UNIX-core2 Windows is 80 safe 3 and a Anti-virus program is 99 safe from virussituation 1running anti-virus program on windows -gt can bring up windows from 80 safe to 99 safesituation 2running anti-virus program on Mac 1 if what is anti-virus app protected is what the mac missing 1 security gt mac safe from 99-gt1002 otherwise the anti-virus is useless because it protect what mac already protected
Joe Cho said: Mac is not 100 safe from viruses and no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat Apple saysSo we need anti-virus app however is it trueI was a PC user for more than 20 years And like other PC user I have installed anti-virus program on my windowsHowever it is the fact that even I have anti-virus running in my PC no anti-virus program can be 100 protect your PC too so many people running anti-virus on their PC still get infected by their careless downloading action can you get my point above
Gyaan GM said: You mean like the virus from book camp partition can access the osx partion and play with
macgig said: Ive used macs for 23 years on the web and Ive never had a virus that im aware of But Ive always used some type of free antivirus I would say that no system is 100 safe ones its connected to the internet not even macs
nathan said: so Microsoft is bigger than apple
Robin said: Same thing like with sex -- if you cant keep yourself away from skanks you run a high risk without protection I have a now really ironically vintage Mac G5 circa 2000 I use it in an environment that has heavy firewall protections in place I dont go to XXX sites Yes I could download a pic with a web bot imbedded but would it then be able to break through the firewall The only sore points for me are the app formerly known as hotmail Outlook Destroyer and WordExcel for Macs Prob is I cant find VS out there for a system as old as mine sigh
Kyle Whittall said: This guy is merely proferring the same advice as Apple and making the anecdotal evidence easier for people to find As most people go for statistics over individual instances it makes sense Calm down
Matt Egan said: Your 2p is very welcome For the record I too think not running AV is a risk Its just that I think it is a risk worth taking - for me
Mac User said: Ahem load of rubbish I use Mac and have been for years Point is there is malware out in wild for Mac and yes you can bury your head in sand and pretend that problem does not exist However you should not write articles and advise others to do the same Particularly as there are lot of users who are not very knowledgeable and rely on site like this for advice Not running AV on Mac is a risk Considering that there are free AV programs out there SOPHOS would be the one I recommend it is risk NOT worth taking It is free low on resources updates automatically and protects you Why not install itMy 2p
Matt Egan said: It does indeed If you run Windows on any system you should run security software
Stefan Graebe said: Does running Windows for Mac on a Mac and using for example a windows software that accesses the internet increase the risk Thanks
Jlen said: Worthwhile calculated risk How soI have to say that this article is written based upon personal experience you really havent shown any depth of research at all Bar that youve had your mac for 10 years with no problemWhen you say theevidencesuggests they dont you dont actually have any apart from your personal experience which is one Mac out of god knows how manySeriously poorjournalism with an edge ofrecklessness