PC Tools releases iAntiVirus beta for Mac
updated 02:25 pm EDT, Sat June 28, 2008
IAntiVirus Beta released
Security software developer PC Tools has just released a beta of iAntiVirus, its first security software for the Mac. The company says iAntiVirus uses less memory and system resources than similar security applications because it ignores Windows viruses and only removes malware intended for the Mac. “Let’s face it, malware is (now) a business,” said Michael Greene, PC Tools Vice President of Product Strategy. He says rapid growth in Mac market share has made the platform a profitable target for organized identity theft.
While Mac viruses remain rare, Greene says, there has been a dramatic increase in “socially engineered” threats designed to trick users into allowing infected software onto their machines. Unlike traditional viruses created by amateur hackers, this new malware is more sinister. Invisible to the user, these low-level scripts can log keystrokes, capture screenshots or steal financial information without being detected.
The company, known for its Spyware Doctor application for the PC, admits the threat to Macs remains fairly low. But Greene points out that even Apple is recommending the use of anti-virus software in its Security Configuration Guides. And he says malware developers are well aware that more than half of all Windows users have some kind of anti-virus software, while few Mac users have it.
Greene says iAntiVirus was designed specifically for the Mac, and uses a simple interface with two basic controls: “scan my mac” and “protect my mac.” It removes viruses, spyware, key-loggers, Trojans and “socially-engineered” malware that distributes stolen information through instant messaging and P2P file-sharing networks. Since iAntiVirus doesn’t check for Windows viruses, the possibility remains that Mac users could spread malware to Windows machines. But that trade-off supposedly allows iAntiVirus to run “lighter and quicker” than other security software. No date has have been set for the final release of iAntiVirus, which requires an Intel Mac running OS X Leopard. The beta is free, but the company is selling one-year update subscriptions on its website for $30.
"just released..."
06/28, 04:46pm (1 reply) reply
That's interesting. The download page says, "Release Date: April 30, 2008." Only about 2 months behind here, MacNN.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
re: "just released..."
06/28, 05:13pm reply
Well, if MacNN is late this time, so is MacUpdate, since they posted the download yesterday as well.
64stang06
Mac Elite
Joined: Aug 2007
Anti Virus
06/28, 07:12pm (1 reply) reply
well if your going to install Anti Virus , 1/2 the reason may well be that you have PC's on your network so simply ignoring any PC viruses seems a bit backwards ...
russellb
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Joined: Sep 2001
Half-baked solution
06/29, 04:37am (1 reply) reply
I agree.
The reason that I use an anti-virus program is because I have to prevent passing Windows PC viruses to my PC friends. This solution sounds like a half-baked solution to me.
Maybe they are planning to add PC viruses scanning for additional costs...
Paco01
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2007
Who's making the money
06/29, 11:28am (1 reply) reply
How does one make money making viruses for the Mac. Seems to me, the only people making money are the AntiVirus companies. Spread enough FUD, make some money.
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999
not even worth free
06/29, 12:47pm reply
Until there's an actual threat in the wild you are more likely to lose data to bugs in antivirus software than to catch a virus.
resuna
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Joined: Jan 2005
???
06/29, 12:55pm (1 reply) reply
And this is going to protect me from what?
"While Mac viruses remain rare..."
Hey Bozo, try non-existent.
Mr. Strat
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Joined: Jan 2002
Mac Anti Virus
06/30, 12:00am reply
Mac Anti Virus! What a concept?!?
Tanker10a
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003
Intel Only
06/30, 05:16pm reply
I guess it is a matter of time before folks start spending time writing malicious code for the Mac, rather than doing something productive. PC Tools must perceive there are no threats to PPC Mac OS X users, since it is Intel only. The installer does not verify the target machine until the end of the install. I was curious if the installer checked.
Drew Vinal
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Joined: Jun 2008