Do Macs get viruses?
Question
Do Macs get viruses?
Answer
It is possible for an Apple Macintosh computer to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is Yes. However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users don't even run an antivirus protection program.
Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows.
- Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
- Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more people than the Apple Mac OS. Because more people use Microsoft Windows, it is a much better target than Apple computers.
- Most of the computer virus writers are more familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, which means its easier for them create a virus for that platform.
- Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows.
Note: If you're running a virtual PC on your Apple Macintosh or Windows in Bootcamp, because it's emulating Microsoft Windows, it can become infected with Windows viruses. In addition, an Apple Macintosh can serve as a virus carrier, meaning that a virus could be stored on an Apple Computer but not infect it. However, if that infected Apple computer were then to connect to a network or forward an infected e-mail, it could infect a Windows computer.
Additional security threats
Although a Macintosh computer is less susceptible to viruses because it is a human who's operating the computer you still can be a victim of Trojan horses, phishing, and other online fraud. If you're an Apple computer user, we still recommend keeping informed about how to keep safe while online.