Kaspersky Labs introduces Mac security package

By Jake Widman
Saturday, 07 November 2009 03:25

Security

Internet security stalwart Kaspersky Labs has introduced Anti-Virus for Mac. The company is recommending it especially for mixed-platform environments, where it can keep Macs from hosting malware that might infect PCs.

According to Kaspersky, more malware targeting Macs is showing up as the minority platform becomes more popular.

The new Anti-Virus for Mac protects Macs against their own threats, but perhaps even more useful is that it catches PC malware as well. According to the announcement, cybercriminals are increasingly using Macs as "safe harbors" for PC malware -- in other words, using Macs as carriers that won't be infected themselves but can transmit infections to vulnerable PCs.

Anti-Virus for Mac scans files, downloads, and e-mail attachments in real time and can not only identify viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malware, the company claims, it can also disinfect files.

The software supposedly only uses one percent of the CPU and will get small, frequent downloads of updated threat profiles.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac requires an Intel Mac and OS X 10.4.11 (up-to-date Tiger) or later. Using it on one Mac for one year costs US$40; three Macs costs $60.

The product includes free support via phone, e-mail or chat. The download from here is a 30-day free trial that gets upgraded with payment.