Anti-Spyware for Mac

Anti-spyware for alternative operating systems

Experts disagree about the need for anti-spyware software on Macintosh and Linux systems. The vast majority of spyware and adware is written to exploit Windows, but that doesn't mean that Mac computers are immune. In June 2010, a spyware application called OSX/OpinionSpy attracted a lot of attention for infecting Mac-based computers. The application was hidden in legitimate downloads (including screen savers and an MP3 converter) and scanned files and drives for data that was then transmitted back to the developer's servers. According to Intego, an antivirus software company that detected OSX/OpinionSpy, "It is not clear what data it copies and sends to its servers, but it scans files on both local and network volumes, potentially opening up large numbers of confidential files on a network to intrusion." The spyware also scanned for personal data entered on applications like Safari and iChat. This is just one example of spyware that targets a Mac computer. As Mary Landesman at About.com says, "Spyware is a Web threat and as such Mac users are vulnerable."

Even so, Mac and Linux operating systems aren't targeted as often as Windows PCs, so there are few reviews available for anti-spyware software compatible with these systems. One option is an Internet security suite, which will protect against various types of malware, including spyware. Internet security suites also include firewalls, identity theft protections, parental controls and antivirus software. There are a few Mac-based Internet security suites, but few attract many reviews. The top-rated security suite for Windows, Norton, is available in a Mac version called Norton Internet Security for Mac (*Est. $80). Reviewers say the Windows version does an excellent job of detecting malware and blocking intrusions with its firewall, but experts have a few complaints about the spam filter. 

MacScan 2.7 (*Est. $30) is a stand-alone Macintosh anti-spyware program. Cheryl England reviews MacScan for Macworld, saying that the software is easy to use and has enough customization so you can set it up as you like. However, she finds scanning slow, and doubts the necessity of anti-spyware scanning for Mac users in general. "The risk of running into spyware on a Mac is pretty low -- a virus is more likely to crop up and MacScan does not protect against them," she writes.

Linux users can find free programs through Linux support vendors, user groups and bulletin boards. The University of Virginia offers helpful information in the article "UNIX/Linux Security Best Practices."