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SALT LAKE CITY — The idea that Macs don't get viruses is one that is old and outdated. Macs have many of the same problems that Windows has. Bad people target them trying to steal sensitive information.
For the purposes of this article, "virus" is referring to anything that infects your computer and causes it to do something you don't want it to do, or something that divulges private information to unintended persons. Trojans, malware, worms, phishing attempts and all technical terms that describe unique attacks will be lumped together under "virus" for ease of understanding.
Do Macs get viruses?
Yes, Apple computers get viruses. Historically speaking it has always been Windows computers that have been targeted by virus makers, but that is changing.
Why were they once safe, but now are not?
Looking back a relatively few years ago, Windows was by far the most used operating system. It still is. But Mac use has started to grow, and it has now reached the point that it's in the cross-hairs of virus makers.
There are enough Mac users out there that it is worth their time for hackers to develop attacks against them. More and more companies are using BYOD programs — bring your own device. Macs in workplaces are becoming much more common.
People make viruses to (for the most part) try to steal information from you. The more people that have Macs, and the more valuable information being stored on Macs, the more valuable it is for hackers to target them.
Yeah, but I'm a really safe Internet browser.
Preventing viruses from getting on to your computer is very difficult to do with 100 percent guaranteed effectiveness. Here a few steps you can take:
- Only use Internet connections you trust — be very cautious using free or open Wi-Fi locations.
- Keep all your browser plug-ins up to date.
- Make sure your computer's firewall is on.
- Keep all software and your OS up to date.
- If you see something too good to be true, it probably is. Don't click it.
Following the above steps will do a lot towards keeping your computer clean, but can't guarantee it. Virus makers are incredibly clever and crafty, and sometimes find ways to sneak viruses onto your computer.
This is why you need an anti-virus program. Anti-virus programs scan your computer for known threats and remove them and alert you when they are found.
Anti-virus programs such as Sophos or Avast are free and once downloaded and installed can run quietly in the background and stay out of the way.
Unfortunately, it's not just browsing the Internet that viruses are passed on to your computer. Viruses can spread through email, IM applications, USB drives and networks.
And can someone really browse the Internet securely? There are increasingly sophisticated attacks taking place, making it very difficult to tell if you are browsing the site you think you are. Some sites you know are safe can become infected without knowing, and pass viruses on to you.
Are free anti-virus programs good enough to keep me safe?
First off, be careful when looking for free anti-virus software. Make sure you only get software from reputable companies. This is true for any free software.
One way to make sure you're getting legitimate software (and not a virus hidden as something it isn't) is to pick a few tech blogs and see what software they recommend.
When it comes to anti-virus software, Sophos stands out as being one of the most simple to set up and most hassle-free to maintain. The default settings it installs are perfect for the average user, and once installed you can completely forget about them. It will update and scan all in the background, only notifying you if it finds a virus.
What do I do if I think I have a virus?
The first thing to do is change all your passwords and check your bank and credit card accounts. Do this from a "clean" computer. The most common computer infections try to take your financial accounts' information.
The second step would be to remove the virus. Most problems will be detected and removed, or "quarantined," by antivirus programs. But if your computer is in such a state that your antivirus can't remove the problem, or has been disabled and can't see the problem, it's best to call someone with computer experience.
Sometimes there is nothing to do but salvage as many of your files and documents as possible and erase the hard drive. This will make you start over with the computer — it will be as the day you first bought it. Hopefully you have a backup of your computer from before it got infected, but sometimes viruses can lie dormant on your computer for a long time before letting you know they're there. This level of computer work is best done by someone with experience.
Do you have any advice on how to keep your computer virus free? Let us know on the comment board.
Taylor Wilson is an IT professional at a small Utah company. He has a passion for helping people with technology. Email: taylorwilson@testonetwo.com Online: www.testonetwo.com or twitter.com/twil6
