Most people believe that if they own a Mac that they will not get a virus. In fact, many folks are buying Macs for that very reason. In the last year or so, I have seen many die-hard 
PC users turn to the Mac format.
The file system on a Mac is totally different file system then the PC. In addition, the entire method of installing a program is also different on the Mac. Some of your favorite programs such as Microsoft Office and Skype all have versions that can be installed in a Mac. Once you download the program, the installation is just a bit different from that of Windows.
In many ways, the installation process is much faster. The initial installation process is similar to that of a PC, you first simply double click on the downloaded file. This then opens another window that either allows you to click on the program to run it or uninstall it. Once you click on the program it is then shown on the programs bar at the bottom the screen.
With all the differences with the programs and installation procedures, you would think that Macs would be free of virus threats but that simply just is not the case. Apple can no longer boast that their operating system is not able to get infected. This has changed for several reasons but one of the biggest reasons is because more people now own Mac computers.
It has always been a known fact that virus vendors write their nasty wares for operating systems that are used the most. They want to get the best bang for their buck. Since many folks have been changing from the PC format to Mac over the last year, there are now lots of Mac users to write a virus code for. I think we are going to be seeing more and more virus infections aimed at the Mac platform.
The most famous of these infections is the Flashback Virus. It has infected an estimated 600,000 Apple users. Most Mac users do not even bother to use anti-virus software on their computer. This is trend that is going to have to change if we want to put the brakes on these infections.
Computers are typically infected with Flashback when they are re-directed to a malicious site, potentially from a link in an e-mail. It will often present itself as an update to the flash player. This is similar to how infections spread in a PC environment.
Flashback is no virus to take lightly. Its main intention is to capture your passwords as you go into secure sites. Once these passwords are captured, the hijacker can then access your information. Infected computers will often see lots of crashes with their web browsers, similar to what you might expect on a PC.
Similar to a PC, there are some free anti-virus solutions you can download and install to protect yourself. If you have a Mac, you need anti-virus, period. You might want to try Avast free for Mac. It does not slow down your system and it can be very effective in removing and preventing infections such as Flashback. Even if you have an IOS mobile phone, you should still use anti-virus to be sure your phone stays safe. It is a known fact that the I Phone is much safer then the Android counterpart but infections can still sneak in so it is always best to play it safe. If you have an Android phone, you must use an anti-virus, as they are more susceptible to infections.
In short, Mac users can no longer brag about being virus free. If you are a PC user and you are thinking about switching to a Mac simply because you thought they were immune, you might want to think again. Over the years and months, Macs are only going to be targeted more and more by malicious code writers. If you have a PC and you like it, you might just want to keep using it.
If you have a friend with a Mac make sure you share and like this article to keep them safe!
Posted by , Ross Deprey from Computer Geeks Online.net
Written by, Joe Z
Yes Joe I think we just got a call on this virus.. wow.. Macs are getting slammed by this bad virus! I guess your not safe even if you own a Mac!
Wow Joe, great article with some very useful information. I never thought Macs could get a virus! Just goes to show you , no one is safe from those pesky viruses!