Freelance Article Writing by Contel Bradford

There are several Macintosh computer users who have the misconception that their system is impervious to malware infection.  Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  Malicious software writers have been quite busy and that activity has resulted in numerous programs designed to compromise Macintosh computers.  Although the Mac OS X system is naturally more secure than Microsoft Windows, the sophistication of today’s malware and internet prevalence makes it just as vulnerable. 

The Biggest Threats

Windows remains the most targeted system but the number of malware written for Macs has increased significantly over the last few years.  Some of the biggest threats in 2008 were various Trojan horses and toolkits used to create malware.  Coupled with the flaws found in a wide range of compatible applications, these threats proved that the Mac was not immune to security issues that commonly plague Windows users.  Security experts report that there is currently more new malware targeting the Mac than ever since Apple introduced the Mac OS X system. 

One type of malware that is increasingly threatening Mac users is the macros virus, a threat that has been known to plague Microsoft Excel and Word applications.  These viruses propagate through files, giving them the ability to infect Windows and Mac OS X systems alike.  What makes the macros virus so deadly is that victims can unknowingly spread it to other users.  If one of your contacts doesn’t know their Word file has been infected, they could send it to you via email, possibly leading to deletion of all your files or worse.  Any Mac or Windows user running the Microsoft Office Suite 2004 or earlier are at the risk of contracting a macro virus.  

Who Needs Mac Security Software?      

In general, any Mac user who frequents the internet should install security software on their computer.  This is because most types of malware are threats that can affect anyone who surfs the web.  Security software is a definite must for users in the corporate setting as important files often need to be exchanged on a daily basis.  Without it, there is a possibility of Mac users passing on malicious files to Windows users, a factor that could result in a major problem for all networks involved. 

Mac Malware Will Become a Bigger Problem

With Macintosh computers becoming more common in the home and business setting, there is a great chance that malware writers willing increasing target this growing demographic to make a profit.  The list of malware targeted at the Mac is expanding rapidly, and because of this, all users need to take the proper precautions.  Familiar with all the threats specific to their platform, Windows users tend to be more savvy when it comes to security issues while those who run Macs are generally more carefree.  Malware can be installed and executed on either system with the results being equally catastrophic. 

The best way to protect your Mac computer is to think like a Windows user and install reliable security software.  A good program will not only protect against known threats, but also newly scripted malware through updated definitions. Combine this with a little web-sense and you can enjoy a secure computing experience free of malware infections.