Category Archives: Internet Security
Best Mac antivirus 2017 – Macworld UK
8 of the best antivirus options to protect your Mac Share This Your guide to the best antivirus and security software for Mac 2017, offering good system performance and peace of mind
If you've got a Mac and are wondering whether you need an antivirus, and which Mac antivirus you should choose, you've come to the right place. Here, we reveal the 8 best AVprograms for macOS and Mac OS X in 2017.
You can skip ahead to see our pick of the 8 best Mac antivirus options, or continue reading for more general buying advice, explanation of how we test and answers to all of your Mac security questions.
A hoary old question; for more discussion of this topic, read Do get Macs get viruses?
Plenty of Mac aficionados will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don't require protection. We'd argue that they are wrong - or a bit overconfident, at least.
Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren for two reasons. On the technical side, macOS is a Unix-based operating system. As a Unix-based operating system macOS is 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.
The second reason is that, right now, there are far fewer Macs than there are Windows PCs. Fewer targets, and these are harder to hack. Is it any wonder that cybercriminals focus on the Windows world?
All malware these days exists to make money, and the criminals who create and share itare not doing so because they want to work hard. They pick off the lowest-hanging fruit, and that is unprotected Windows PCs.
However, Macs are not entirely safe either; in fact, reports from early in 2017suggest that Macs are becoming less secure.
Business Insider even argues, rather contentiously, that Macs are now more vulnerable to viruses and attack than Windows PCs, although you'll note that the sitebases this on a chart that groups all versions of Mac OS X together (215 vulnerabilities in 2016) but separatesWindows 10 (172 vulnerabilities) and Windows 8.1 (154). So make of that what you will.
Additionally, threats such asransomwareare on the rise, and have recently hit huge organisations including the NHS. Cyber security is more important than ever, and a good antivirus is the best place to start if you want to stay safe. Read next: How to remove Mac antivirus software
For any security software to be effective and worth the install it has to be able to prevent malware from infecting your computer. Mac antivirus is no different. We look for anti-malware properties that prevent known and unknown threats from having their way with your Mac. We use AV-Test.org's own testing data to ascertain the effectiveness of each antivirus in this respect.
But security is only half the story. In order for an antivirus to work effectively it also needs to be unobtrusive. AV-Test also looks at the impact of these pieces of software on your system: in layman's terms, how much the antivirus slows down your Mac, if at all.
For each of the security solutions we outline over the following slides, we have tested their ability to keep your Mac safe, and balanced that against the impact on your Mac's performance.
You'll see that even though the best free antivirus programs are good at protection, they tend tohurt your Mac's speed much more than paid-for software. So you need to balance cost against performance impact when selecting a product.
This is one of several in-depth Macworld articles dealing with Mac security. General advice can be found in our Mac security tips; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should try How to remove Mac viruses.
Our number-one best antivirus for Mac is Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. In AV-Test's lab, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac blocked 100 percent of the threats thrown at it. Even more impressively, it had a lower than 10 percent system impact, meaning that you won't even know it's protecting you (but believe us, it definitely is). You can read more about Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac here.
Here are Bitdefender's UK prices:
UK Mac owners can buy Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac here. There is also a free 30-day trial if you want to try before you buy.
In the US, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac costs:
US Mac owners can buy Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac here.
Another paid-for Mac antivirus:say hello tothe excellent ESET. This 29 tool offers 100 percent threat detection, and scores reasonably highly in speed tests. You can save up to 25 percent by going for a two-year licence, and there are various cost-saving options for multiple Mac households up to 59 for a four-Mac licence. And there is a 30-day trial.
To find out more about ESET Antivirus for Mac, click here.
In AV Test's most recent research, only four of theantivirus packages tested managed to detect 100percent of the malware thrown at it. AVG is one of those(as are Bitdefender and ESET, numbers one and twoin this chart). AVG has a bigger impact on performance than our two front-runners, though, which is why it's down in third place.
There's a free version available with limited capabilities; the Pro version, which includes full protection, costs 49.99. Confusingly, there is also a free trial of Pro, which is well worth trying.
To find out more about AVG for Mac, click here.
Symantec's Norton Security didn't perform as well in AV Test's recent tests as it did back in December, so we've had to bump it back from its number-two position. It offered 99.17% detection - which is still great - but when there are threealternatives that scored 100% it makes it more difficult to recommend. It's also not the fastest option available.
Norton Security retails for 49.99 for a single Mac. Step up to 59.99 and you can protect up to five devices, which can include Windows PCs and smartphones as well as Macs, which is pretty cool... albeit arguably a little pointless on the smartphone front. You can get further discounts by buying a two-year licence.
To find out more about Norton Security, click here.
Kaspersky will set you back 39 a year for the full internet security suite for Macs. In return you get 99.17% percent threat detection from the antivirus, as well as anti-spyware, safer banking software and the rest. Oh, and there is a 30-day trial.
The catch? Greater impact on system performance than some of the better products we list in this story, although not by much.
To find out more about Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac, click here.
This is our pick of the free Mac antivirus offerings.
Sophos Anti-Virus requires of you only that you cough up some personal details. And even though itcosts you nothing, the software detects 99.17% percent of threats.
It does have a minor impact on performance, however. That may be enough for you to notice the difference, depending on what spec machine you have. The paid products above it in our chartare better, but Sophos is a compelling product.
To find out more about Sophos, click here.
Another free antivirus for Mac, and another that successfully protected its test Mac, Avira Free Antivirus 3.2 is in at number sevenonly because it had more of a system overhead than productsabove.
According to AV-Test's lab Avira will keep your Mac safe, for free, but you may pay for it in terms of system performance.
To find out more about Avira Free Antivirus, click here.
A Mac security freebie, Avast detects 100 percent of threats. But this tool had a significant performance impact during tests. If you can stand that, it is a good free option. But there are better.
To find out more about Avast Mac Security - Free, click here. See also:best Mac antivirus.
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Best Mac antivirus 2017 - Macworld UK
How to beat security threats to ‘internet of things’ – BBC News – BBC News
How to beat security threats to 'internet of things' - BBC News BBC News Click talks to a cyber-security expert about how to protect your connected home appliances from hackers. |
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How to beat security threats to 'internet of things' - BBC News - BBC News
Avira, Kaspersky Top Windows 10 Antivirus Tests – Tom’s Guide
It's "good news, better news" time. The good news is that no matter which antivirus program you use to protect Windows 10, the odds are pretty good that it will keep you safe. The better news is that if you have Avira or Kaspersky antivirus software, they'll protect you with intuitive software that doesn't put undue stress on the rest of your PC.
Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
AV-Test, a Madgeburg, Germany-based security firm, periodically evaluates all sorts of antivirus software, and its latest round of testing zeroed in on Windows 10.
As usual, the company evaluated a variety of programs in three categories: Protection (how well a program stood up to both known and zero-day malware threats), Performance (how it affected a PC's overall performance) and Usability (how easy the program is to operate). Each category was worth six points, for a potential total of 18.
MORE:Best Antivirus Software and Apps
Only Avira Antivirus Pro and Kaspersky Internet Security received perfect scores, but they were not the only programs to earn AV-Test's highest recommendation. Bitdefender Internet Security, Symantec Norton Security and Trend Micro Internet Security received 17.5 points apiece. All five programs received a "Top Product" nod from AV-Test, meaning that they struck an almost perfect balance between protection, performance and usability. (All the Window antivirus products from a given brand should protect a computer equally well.)
Those who follow AV-Test's evaluations every few months will recognize these programs as the usual suspects that almost always earn top marks. Bitdefender and Kaspersky Lab in particular take home top honors again and again, so their accolades here are not surprising.
At the other end of the spectrum were Comodo Internet Security Premium, K7 Computing TotalSecurity and Microsoft Windows Defender, with 15 points apiece. Thats not exactly an ignominious low, though. Even the low-scoring programs blocked at least 95 percent of incoming threats, and AV-Test recommends any program that scores at least a 10 on its three-faceted evaluation score.
AV-Test evaluated 18 programs altogether. The remaining 10 scored between 15.5 and 17 points: AhnLab V3 Internet Security, Avast Free Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, BullGuard Internet Security, ESET Internet Security, F-Secure Safe, G Data InternetSecurity, McAfee Internet Security, Microworld eScan internet security suite and ThreatTrack VIPRE Internet Security Pro. If you have one of these programs, youre probably pretty well-protected, in the grand scheme of things.
On the other hand, fi you don't have any of these programs installed, you should probably get one ASAP. While even the best AV programs have an impact on system resources (and a lot of them are easy to compromise, as AV-Test itself pointed out), theyre often the only thing standing between you and a devious hyperlink or phishing scheme.
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Avira, Kaspersky Top Windows 10 Antivirus Tests - Tom's Guide
Check It Out: No need to unplug after reading books on internet security – The Columbian
A A
Jan Johnston is the Collection Development Coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.
Last weeks worldwide cyberattack by ransomware dubbed WannaCry (and Im sure some people did) left me feeling vulnerable once again. The malware didnt affect me personally, but still, sometimes it feels like bad stuff is creeping in closer and closer, digitally speaking. Something, somewhere is always out to hack its way into our plugged-in lives. But I dont want to give up my computer and smartphone or any other techie device I happen to use. I dont want to unplug because Im too dependent on having online access. And you know what? Thats what the hackers count on.
The question then becomes, what can the average person do to protect his or her online presence? Well, knowledge is power, so a good place to start is to visit your local library, check out some titles on computer security and internet security measures (these are library subject headings you can use to begin your search), and get informed. To help you navigate your way through the bits and bytes of information available on these topics, here is a brief reading list. Youll find it to be a mix of cyber history, practical advice and forewarning. You may not agree with Nicholas G. Carrs assessment of technology in Utopia is Creepy which the publisher describes as a freewheeling, sharp-shooting indictment of our tech-besotted culture, but it definitely is food for thought.
The Art of Invisibility: The Worlds Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data, by Kevin D. Mitnick.
Boundaries in an Overconnected World: Setting Limits to Preserve Your Focus, Privacy, Relationships, and Sanity, by Anne Katherine.
Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World, by Bruce Schneier.
Hacking Exposed: Malware and Rootkits: Security Secrets & Solutions, by Christopher C. Elisan.
Overcomplicated: Technology at the Limits of Comprehension, by Samuel Arbesman.
Rise of the Machines: A Cybernetic History, by Thomas Rid.
Utopia is Creepy: And Other Provocations, by Nicholas G. Carr.
Jan Johnston is the collection development coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.
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Check It Out: No need to unplug after reading books on internet security - The Columbian
Internet security firm calls for law to compel information sharing to … – The Star, Kenya
Internet security firm, ESET East Africa, is lobbying for legislation to compel private and public institutions to share information in case of a cyber security breach.
The firm says that this will help responsible branches of government businesses as well as cyber security firms stay ahead of hackers.
Due to the isolated and secretive manner in which breaches are reported in Kenya, another attack similar to WannaCryptor ransomware could be devastating if directed to critical institutions such as health, government and especially the financial services sector, ESET country manager Teddy Njoroge said.
Ministry of Information and Communications Technology CS Joe Mucheru during a Cyber Security forum on Monday said breach reporting had to be industry driven as the ICT state department has no mandate to force firms to report online crimes.
Even if we put policies and laws in place, if people do not feel confident enough to come out and actually say there has been a crime here on cyber security, by law we cant necessarily force you to report, Mucheru said.
Njoroge said that a standardized and shared reporting system would be a welcome move in developing a unified preventive or counteractive measure to cripple the growth of malware and other forms of cybercrime in the country.
Breach notification eliminates the clandestine attempts by hackers to attack systems and enables synergized efforts towards the prevention of the criminal activity as well as their prosecution, Njoroge said.
ESET recorded eight Wannacryptor attack attempts in Kenya during the period May 14 and 16 2017. In Africa, worst hit was Egypt which recorded 1,592 attempts followed by South Africa at 386 and Nigeria at 42 attempts out of the 15 countries that registered attack attempts.
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Internet security firm calls for law to compel information sharing to ... - The Star, Kenya
Security News This Week: Hoo-Boy, Mar-a-Lago’s Internet Is Insecure – WIRED
Slide: 1 / of 1. Caption: ERIC THAYER/The New York Times/Redux
For anyone growing weary of the constant focus on Russian and President Donald Trumps campaign, good news! A fresh horror took the spotlight late last week in the form of WannaCry, a vicious ransomware whose creators appear not to have been all that smart.
WannaCry, we learned, features a built-in kill switch that security researchers have used to, well, kill it, at least for now. Some people on XP and Windows 7 might even be able to get their files back. Meanwhile unknown hackers are throwing DDOS attacks at the kill-switch domain in order to bring WannaCry back from the dead. Whos behind the whole thing, other than a nasty NSA exploit that went public in March? Who knows! But theres at least a chance it was North Korea. Anyways, therell undoubtedly be another WannaCry at some point, so you should go ahead and start protecting yourself from ransomware now.
There was some brighter news this week, as Chelsea Manning went free after years of imprisonment for leaking government secrets. And former FBI Director Robert Mueller took the reins of the Russia investigation, giving hope that some sort of resolution could be coming someday.
Elsewhere, Sweden dropped its rape accusation against Julian Assange, though hes still stuck in Londons Ecuadorean embassy. Hacking big companies works, until people find out you tried to do it.
And theres more. Each Saturday we round up the news stories that we didnt break or cover in depth but that still deserve your attention. As always, click on the headlines to read the full story in each link posted. And stay safe out there.
Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, introduces a suite of new features this week. You can now send video messages, send payments to bots, and view articles within the app, and without having to pop over to an outside browser. Theres even a built-in video platform now, called Telescope. All handy features, but maybe next time also start encrypting messages end-to-end by default?
ProPublica and Gizmodo recently teamed up to check how secure Mar-a-Lagos internet is, and by goodness, the answer is not very. The team found weak and open Wi-Fi networks, wireless printers without passwords, servers with outdated and vulnerable software, and unencrypted login pages to back-end databases containing sensitive information. Not a great rundown! But as security researcher Will Strafach notes, theres a wide gap between Mar-a-Lago security and national security. The real, and still unanswered question, is whether Trump and others accessing sensitive information are doing so on those insecure networks. Which, in fairness given recent history, certainly remains a possibility.
Senate staffers start using Signal! A delightful tongue twister, but also a new reality of Congressional communications, according to a letter from senator Ron Wyden. The end-to-end encrypted messaging app should help political aides keep their secrets safe, but also raises some significant transparency questions. Congress doesnt have to comply with the records-keeping laws that govern communications in other parts of government. But all of their communiques disappearing into a black hole seems less than ideal. But hey! Security is trade-offs.
The nature of being a digital signing service means that Docusign users entrust it with highly sensitive papers all the time. The good news is, those documents were unaffected by a recent hack! What a twist. The bad news is, hackers used purloined Docusign customer email addresses to send phishing emails that appeared to be from Docusigna great way to trick people into handing over delicate financial info. So, you know, be careful what you put your digital John Hancock on this weekend.
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Security News This Week: Hoo-Boy, Mar-a-Lago's Internet Is Insecure - WIRED
Massive Ransomware Attack Underscores Threats To Internet Security – Benzinga
This month's massive global ransomware attack is a clear sign that cybersecurity is an escalating concern for businesses and private internet users. CEO Francis Dinha of OpenVPN explains why it's essential to develop proactive policies and tools to safeguard our digital information.
Pleasanton, Calif. (PRWEB) May 19, 2017
The startling ransomware attack that began Friday has spread across 150 countries, held internet users' computer files hostage and exposed a dangerous gap in cybersecurity among businesses and individuals. Unfortunately, it is only a sign of things to come, says Francis Dinha, CEO of OpenVPN, creator of Private Tunnel.
"We will definitely see more attacks and possibly more advanced threats that might cause more damage to our society," Dinha cautions. "Society, businesses and policymakers have to be more proactive in developing policies, guidelines and security tools to prevent major attacks from having the kind of negative impact we've seen."
The ransomware assault isn't the first. Six percent of internet users around the world already have experienced ransomware, and another 11 percent know someone who has encountered a malicious program, according to a summary of the Global Survey on Internet Security and Trust.
Problematically, ransomware is just one of many security dangers facing internet users, Dinha says. More awareness of these threats is needed among the public and businesses, and more research is essential to understand the risks computers face when they logo onto public resources on the internet and the tools that can protect them.
Advanced cyber threat management tools, for example, can block communication between infected devices and ransomware command centers.
"VPN alone cannot solve this problem, but the good news is that a VPN, coupled with advanced cyber threat management tools, will definitely shield those devices against many cyber threats," Dinha explains. "VPN is a key component for tunneling all traffic and ensuring that all traffic is routed through advanced cyber threat management before it accesses any public internet resources."
To learn more about how VPNs protect businesses and other internet users from cybercriminals, read Dinha's column for the Forbes Technology Council or visit Private Tunnel.
Francis Dinha is available for interviews. For scheduling, contact nineveh(at)privatetunnel(dot)com.
About Private Tunnel OpenVPN Technologies Inc has integrated a suite of leading-edge networking and software technologies to deliver virtual network software that provides secure, reliable, and scalable communication services, not only fulfilling the requirements of the traditional virtual private network (VPN) market, but also addressing the future demands of SDN Software Defined Network, Remote Access to private Cloud/ networks, tunneling to UTM Unified Threat Management Firewall Clouds/ Gateways, tunneling to DDOS Clouds/ Gateways to protect against malicious attacks. OpenVPN, our award-winning open source VPN protocol, has emerged to establish itself as a de-facto standard in the open source networking space with over 50 million downloads since inception. OpenVPN Technologies is the provider of next-generation secure and scalable communication services.
Following the successful inception of the OpenVPN Project in 2002, Francis Dinha and James Yonan co-founded OpenVPN Technologies, Inc. to secure a solid foundation for OpenVPN and further develop its commercial potential.
About OpenVPN OpenVPN is a private company that enables consumers and businesses to leverage mobility, access, security and privacy to simplify IT. Google, Samsung, Amazon, HP, IBM, Trane, Universities, Public Schools and over 100,000 business are protected on premise, in the cloud, and in the field with OpenVPN software. They join over 3.6 million consumers who rely on our OpenVPN powered Private Tunnel service for increased security, privacy and access over the internet. We are based in Hacienda Business Park, Pleasanton California.
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Massive Ransomware Attack Underscores Threats To Internet Security - Benzinga
Akamai Releases First Quarter 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report – PR Newswire (press release)
Download the latest State of the Internet / Security Report for data, analysis, and graphics at akamai.com/stateoftheinternet-security.
"If our analysis of Q1 tells us anything, it's that risks to the Internet and to targeted industry sectors remain and continue to evolve" said Martin McKeay, senior security advocate and senior editor, State of the Internet / Security Report. "Use cases for botnets like Mirai have continued to advance and change, with attackers increasingly integrating Internet of Things vulnerabilities into the fabric of DDoS botnets and malware. It's short sighted to think of Mirai as the only threat, though. With the release of the source code, any aspect of Mirai could be incorporated into other botnets. Even without adding Mirai's capabilities, there is evidence that botnet families like BillGates, elknot, and XOR have been mutating to take advantage of the changing landscape."
Highlights from Akamai's First Quarter, 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report include:
DDoS Attacks
Web Application Attacks
Top Attack Vectors
A complimentary copy of the Q1 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report is available for download at akamai.com/stateoftheinternet-security. Download individual figures, including associated captions, here.
About Akamai As the world's largest and most trusted cloud delivery platform, Akamai makes it easier for its customers to provide the best and most secure digital experiences on any device, anytime, anywhere. Akamai's massively distributed platform is unparalleled in scale with over 200,000 servers across 130 countries, giving customers superior performance and threat protection. Akamai's portfolio of web and mobile performance, cloud security, enterprise access, and video delivery solutionsare supported by exceptional customer service and 24/7 monitoring. To learn why the top financial institutions, e-commerce leaders, media & entertainment providers, and government organizations trust Akamaiplease visitwww.akamai.com,blogs.akamai.com, or @Akamai on Twitter.
Contacts:
Rob Morton
Tom Barth
Media Relations
Investor Relations
617-444-3641
617-274-7130
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akamai-releases-first-quarter-2017-state-of-the-internet--security-report-300458077.html
SOURCE Akamai Technologies, Inc.
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Akamai Releases First Quarter 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report - PR Newswire (press release)
Do Macs get viruses? – PC Advisor
Do Apple Macs need security software, or is the Mac OS safe to use without antivirus? Do Macs even get viruses? We explore the issues surrounding Macs and security software. Why Macs don't need security software (mostly), but why you should still have antivirus on your Mac
By Matt Egan | 15 May 17
The question of whether Macs need antivirusis not a new one, but the answer is changing. While Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs, they are far from immune.
Head over to the forums on the Apple's 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.
2017 has already seen multiple reports that suggest Macs are less secure than they once were. Business Insider claims that Macs are now more vulnerable to viruses and attack than even Windows PCs. And Fortune has warned of Mac malwarethat can freeze Apple computers.
Here then, are reasons for and against the suggestion that Macs don't require antivirus.
There are no technical reasons whythe Mac OS cannot be targeted by cybercriminals. Indeed, there are exploits in the wild: albeit they are principally Trojans, and require a user to erroneously install them.
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 8and Windows 10arethe most secure Windows ever - and the Mac market share in wealthy western countries is around 20-30 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. So for the price of a cup of coffee each week, it makes sense to install security software and then forget all about it.
Our colleagues over at Macworld UK have the definitive guide to the best antivirus for Mac. It is regularly updated, and is worth checking out as some of the best Mac antivirusproducts are free. Right now the number one recommended product isBitDefender Antivirusand the number two isNorton Antivirus.
What follows is the counter argument as to why Macs don't need antivirus, but we still think it's better to be safe than sorry.
Quite simply, because all the evidence suggests they don't. I've had an unprotected Mac connected to the web for nearly 15years, 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 the Mac OSis 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 are 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 versions of macOS - everything sinceOS X 10.8 Mountain Lion - take this even further. Theyinclude the GateKeeper function that by default prevents Mac users from installing anything other than Apple-approved software.
The existence of the Mac app store means that Apple computer users can install software with total peace of mind.
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.
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. If you do choose to buy Mac antivirus, take a look at the reviews roundup put together by our colleagues on Macworld:Best Mac antivirus software.
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Do Macs get viruses? - PC Advisor
This week’s poll: Priorities for improving internet security – The Engineer
What is the most important target for investment to guard against incidents like last weeks cyberattacks?
The WannaCry ransomware attacks last Friday caught everyone unawares, and institutions around the world not least, our very own National Health Service are still assessing the damage and picking up the pieces. Attacks like these will almost always come without warning, and there seems to be widespread agreement that money needs to be spent to help prevent malware and hacking from damaging valuable and safety-critical systems and putting them out of action. As yet, however, there doesnt seem to be much clear consensus on the most important target for such investment, so were making that the subject of this weeks poll.
Should the main priority be on hardware; that is, replacing vulnerable IT systems? Should it be on updating software, such as the Windows XP operating system which most of the affected computers were running; or dedicated anti-malware programs to detect attacks and deflect them? Or should the priority be skills: training systems administrators in the best ways to handle malware attacks and mitigate their effects if necessary?
Comments are, of course, welcomed and as ever, particularly useful if you chose the None of the Above option. We will post the results of this survey on this page on 23 May.
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This week's poll: Priorities for improving internet security - The Engineer