Antivirus, as the name suggests, is simply software with the main purpose of fixing a virus-infected file, or removing that file from your system. If you have worked on a Windows computer before, you might remember how regularly one could be bombarded with viruses. People with PCs have generally accepted this, and most install antivirus software.
Windows vs. Mac
Some of the reasons why virus attacks are common on Windows-based machines might be because PCs are more widely used than Mac devices, leading hackers to be more interested in targeting the Windows community, add to that the security flaws found in the Windows operating system which hackers tend to get advantage from.
The availability of many antivirus tools and the numerous stories about Windows security flaws lead to the misconception in the Mac community that Apple devices are safe and there is no need for antivirus software.
Is Your Mac Safe?
However, the fact is that Mac users are now more prone to virus attacks than ever before. Macs are becoming more popular, and there is no doubt that hackers will be designing viruses for attacking Mac devices.
Just because there are less viruses written for Macs, does not mean that there aren’t any. Your Mac computer could be at risk, and not in a way you might expect.
There are two main sources most of us rely on for getting our data: removable media and the web. And both sources could be a medium for transmitting viruses to your Mac device.
Despite what you may believe, as a Mac user you are actually at risk from virus attacks, and you need to install an antivirus on your Mac as soon as possible. At least install an antivirus for Mac free to get started, and avoid any consequences that might arise from some virus infection.
Flash Drives
For example, let’s assume that hackers are only attacking Windows users. Although you have a Mac, you are still prone to such attacks. Exchanging data in the form of flash drives, for instance, could be a source of a virus attack. Not all flash drives will be from Mac users, would they? You might also be transferring information from your Windows Desktop to your Mac laptop.
Microsoft Office Files
Another overlooked source of viruses is when you exchange files created in Microsoft office, as some viruses use the Office macro feature (macro viruses) and can be a source of infection for your Mac. Those types of viruses are in fact more common amongst Mac users than traditional viruses, since they tend to take advantage of the macro programming language available in Word and Excel in order to affect your Mac.
Emails
What about email? Emails can have the viruses hidden within an attachment, and opening the attachment could infect your computer. Such emails will of course be expected to come from Windows users either intentionally or unintentionally.
Antivirus software will catch this virus and prevent you from sending it to others, apart from affecting your own Mac device. Even if the virus is not written to attack your Mac computer, you could still be a carrier infecting other people when you forward the email to others.
Software and Websites
Someone might also have the habit of downloading new and strange software, which might be infected with viruses. You may be tempted to download an app or game from an unapproved source, and that app may be hiding a virus.
Our ordinary usage of the internet makes us prone to some virus infection. Websites of popular retailers could be hacked and download a virus to your computer when you visit it.
Protect Your Computer From Threats
Having antivirus software installed on your Mac is common sense because our ordinary usage and day-to-day routine is always prone to some virus attack. Some antivirus software can even help you protect your privacy online by monitoring your social media settings and passwords. This kind of extra protection can make sure that you stay safe in all your online interactions.
Having an antivirus will at least give us a peace of mind from any attempted attack, and will save you time from fixing any consequences of some attack.