Good news for Mac users!

As Mac usage grows and becomes a more popular platform, the threat of viruses increases right with it. This week, Panda Security released a new version of its antivirus suite geared specifically for Mac computers. This is in compliment to their line of Windows based antivirus solutions.

The majority of Mac users are as interested in anti-virus software as they are in running Internet Explorer. This is mostly because people like to think that by not running Windows, they are impervious to viruses, malware, spyware, and those other nasty things you find while surfing the internet. This is unfortunately not the case. Various viruses and worms have been found to affect Macs as easily as any other operating system. It is for this reason that Panda Security has released its new antivirus software for Mac computers. This is by no means the first program of its type on this platform, with companies such as Symantec and Kaspersky (known for their Windows solutions) also offering mac versions of their security software.

From the Panda Security website, "Malware is not just designed for PCs any more. The more popular Mac computers and devices become, the bigger and more enticing targets they are for hackers and cybercriminals. And universal web connectivity just makes it easier for them to reach their targets. Panda Antivirus for Mac is comprehensive, powerful protection against viruses, spyware, and other malware intended for the Mac OS." They claim that this security suite will protect files from "viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, bots, and other malware" designed for Mac systems, but also for Windows and *nix systems to prevent you from spreading things to your friends and coworkers. On top of this, there are a bevy of additional protections, such as email and instant messenger scanners, an anti-phishing filter, and what looks like a firewall even thought they don't come right out and say it. You are also able to scan your iOS devices by attaching them via USB tether.

I am not saying that mac users should or shouldn't run antivirus software on their computers, but there is no denying that Mac is vulnerable to security risks just as any OS is. It is good to see that more companies are investing the resources required to make such security software for what is generally seen as a "virus-proof" platform.