Macintosh Internet Security

Does an alternative operating system keep you safe from malware?

Computers running Macintosh or Linux operating systems are less susceptible to viruses than those running Windows, because most viruses target Windows computers. That's changing as Macs become more mainstream, however; in the summer of 2011, an Apple-specific scareware virus known as MacDefender caused headaches for hordes of Macintosh users. The alternative operating systems are also vulnerable to other types of malware, especially spyware and adware embedded in cookies. Non-Windows computers are also capable of sending viruses to Windows computers via email.

Experts recommend that any Mac user running Windows use one of the top-rated security suites designed for Windows, including Norton Internet Security 2012 (*Est. $70) or Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 (*Est. $80). However, if you don't use the Windows operating system, there is little consensus about the best Macintosh security suites or the need for one. "I advise spending your money not on Mac antivirus software but on a good phishing-protection application; at the very least, consider using a browser that offers built-in phishing protection," says Scott McNulty at Macworld.

Even so, most security experts recommend that Mac users invest in some type of security software, though perhaps not a full security suite -- and the choices among Mac security suites aren't plentiful. Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2012 is the top-rated software for Windows, and the company offers a corresponding Mac version, Norton Internet Security for Mac (*Est. $80). Intego receives high marks for its antivirus software for Macs, Intego VirusBarrier X6 (*Est. $50). The company also offers Internet security software, Intego SecurityBarrier X6 (*Est. $80), but the experts we consulted haven't evaluated it. Sophos offers a popular free antivirus program for Macs, but it doesn't include a firewall, anti-spyware software or parental controls.

Although the Windows version of McAfee's Internet suite fails to impress critics, Macworld's Glenn Fleishmann reports that the company's McAfee Internet Security for Mac 2012 (*Est. $80) protects against every Apple-specific Trojan, virus and exploit he knows of. He also likes the simple firewall and McAfee SiteAdvisor, an add-on for the Firefox Internet browser that lets users know whether a webpage can be trusted or contains malware. McAfee doesn't appear to include anti-spyware capabilities, however.

The issue of virus and malware protection for Linux users is somewhat controversial. The various Linux distributions -- including the popular Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora and Mandriva -- are all based on the highly secure Unix operating system. According to Linux.com editor Joe Brockmeier, Linux-based computers are "more secure" than their Windows counterparts, but there are some areas of vulnerability, including rootkits and worms. However, he says that most Linux users can avoid commercial software and instead run regular updates and keep on top of their permissions so that only allowed users can access a system or network. See the ConsumerSearch report on antivirus software for information on free antivirus software that will run under Linux.