Apple Promotes Antvirus Software, Send Users into Tizzy

Whenever Apple suggests a practice that is contra to the Mac user orthodoxy, the press pounces on it.  In this case it's the suggestion that Mac users add antivirus software to their systems.  The reaction was swift from the user base.  Comment after comment decried the idea that Apple's suggestion means the Mac OS is insecure.  Some suggested that Apple's advice is nothing new.  Others hashed out the difference between a virus and a trojan, and though the latter could affect a Mac system, that antivirus software doesn't protect against those.  Then there is the occasional dump 'em both for Linux postings.  The point raised in many of the articles on this suggestion from Apple is that malware has moved to web access and the browser to steal data.  Some of these attacks are platform agnostic and as such a Mac can be susceptible to data loss in some circumstances.  Paraphrasing the first George Bush, guarding against the possibility may be prudent.

I have this conversation with friends of mine who use Macs and sometimes we conclude that the Mac and the PC are pieces of electronic equipment that do things and shouldn't be treated as a religious movement.  I suspect other people disagree.  In reality Mac users should take this suggestion from Apple with a grain of salt.  Use a virus/malware program if your computing practices suggest you should.  Otherwise, don't.  It's really that simple.  No point getting overwrought about this.

Articles describing Apple's suggestion are in the Washington Post, MacWorld, ChannelWeb, PCW Business Center, and for fun, Ars Techinca.  [MG]