Panda Security has just released a brand new product to address what it sees as a potentially huge security problem—a global growth of Mac-targeted malware.
"We are approaching a tipping point, where it will soon be financially viable for cybercriminals to target their efforts at Mac users," said Ivan Fermon, Panda's senior vice president of product management. "When Apple reaches 15 percent market share worldwide, which Panda expects will happen very soon, we predict that hackers will begin to aggressively target attacks against this platform."
The new Panda Antivirus for Macintosh product includes on-demand scanning to clean up existing malware infestations and real-time protection to prevent new malware attacks. The product can also scan any attached iPhone, iPad, or iPod to ensure that these devices don't transmit malicious software. It protects against "any and all malware, scareware, Trojans, keyloggers, botnets, etc. that have traditionally been targeted towards Windows users," Fermon said.
Panda Labs has recorded about 5,000 strains of Apple-specific malware, with around 500 new samples per month. That's a small fraction of the 55,000 new threats that reach Panda Labs every day. However, Luis Corrons, technical director for Panda Labs, pointed out that "with Apple's global reach, the numbers are becoming more financially appealing for cybercriminals." In addition, phishing and social networking attacks are platform-neutral, "relying on human trust rather than malicious code to achieve their criminal ends," he said.
Panda Antivirus for Macintosh is available now from Panda Security at $49.95 for one year's protection. The product is initially available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Japanese. Those wishing to evaluate the product before buying can download a free trial version at www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/downloads.