Apple advises users to get antivirus

Apple is advising its customers to install multiple antivirus software engines to protect against possible infection.

In a posting on its support site the company recommends three pieces of antivirus software; Intego VirusBarrier, Symantec Norton Antivirus, and McAfee VirusScan.

It is not known why Apple has taken this step but one possibility is that there may be new viruses in circulation that target the Apple operating system.

“We have seen more activity on the Macintosh malware front this year,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

“For instance, in August Troj/RKOSX-A was discovered - a Mac OS X tool to assist hackers create backdoor Trojans, which can give them access and control over your Mac. More recently, and more seriously, we discovered the OSX/Jahlav-A Trojan horse which has been deliberately planted on websites waiting for Mac users to visit.”

“This is not a proof-of-concept threat. It is real, and regular Mac users can get themselves infected.”

Apple’s recommendation is surprising considering the company has made much of the lack of viruses that target its software, to the of Bill Gates.

Although security experts agree that the lack of Apple viruses is down to its small user base rather than an invincible operating system many Apple users do not bother to install antivirus software.