BitDefender adds to Mac anti-malware options

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 20 May 2010 05:54

Business IT - Security

Security software vendor BitDefender has diversified into the Mac market. Like some other suppliers, it is offering the choice of a dual-protection pack for customers using Windows as well as Mac OS X on one system.

Please don't take the BitDefender AntiVirus for Mac name too literally and complain that there aren't any Mac OS X viruses. Company officials point out that there are currently more than 270 different e-threats that specifically target Mac OS X operating systems, ranging from JavaScript-based advertisements to domain name server (DNS) changing malware and hijack browsing sessions.

"Although there are fewer threats targeted towards Mac users, it only takes one infection to lose sensitive information, valuable data or an identity. It's critical that businesses and consumers recognise the growing vulnerability of their Mac systems and take the necessary steps to protect their sensitive information to ensure their system remains safe," said Catalin Cosoi, senior researcher at BitDefender.

According to BitDefender, the use of intelligent scanning and a small memory footprint means the software has a low impact on the computer's speed.

The Mac software detects Windows threats to help avoid passing on infected files.

BitDefender AntiVirus for Mac costs $A45, or $A55 bundled with BitDefender's antivirus software for Windows (useful if Windows has been installed using Boot Camp or one of the virtualisation programs such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. A 30-day free trial is available.