Keeping Your Mac Safe

By Jennifer Martinez

Apple has gotten a lot of mileage out of the fact that its OS X operating system has yet to be attacked by a virus. A recent ad campaign for Mac computers featured a flu-ridden individual representing a PC while the Mac guy appeared untouched by illness. Some people see it as smugness, but there is no denying that up until now Mac users have enjoyed a long stretch without any serious threats to their platform. Here are steps you can take to protect your Mac:

No. 1: Know that Macs are vulnerable
This past January an independent security researcher caused a stir in the Apple community by creating a web site that revealed a new Apple bug each day for an entire month. And while some critics dismissed the report as a publicity stunt, Apple recently issued a patch to plug some of the holes listed on the web report.

Historically, the Mac operating system has largely been untouched by threats, but he also warns that there simply is no such thing as an operating system impervious to risks. There are still plenty of viruses that can affect individual programs that people use on the Mac. For example, Microsoft macro viruses, which can be embedded in Excel spreadsheets and other office documents, target specific applications running on the Mac rather than the operating system.

In addition, Apple’s monthly security updates clearly show that software vulnerabilities, such as errors with the code or the logic of the application and how it interacts with the operating system or the Internet, are becoming increasingly common.

No. 2: Know that online threats are universal
Mac users have grown accustomed to operating in an environment where they’re not the primary targets of malicious exploits, but when it comes to web threats, like phishing and ID theft, they’re just as vulnerable as users on any other platform. For example, if you’re using the name of the street you live on as a password, it could be very easy for someone to get access to your system regardless of what operating system you’re running. There's nothing an operating system can do to protect you from social engineering threats.

No. 3: Know how to stay protected
The Mac platform is becoming more and more popular, not just with home users but with government and enterprise users as well. This rise in popularity should encourage the Mac community to have frank, open discussions regarding security and learn how to take basic precautions.

Experts recommend using antivirus software that scans incoming mail and Internet files while providing protection against viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other emerging threats. Also, antiphishing software can help protect you from phishing or can prevent personal information from being provided to phishing web sites.