AppleInsider StaffThe recommendation drew widespread attention given that the Mac maker has been critical in its television advertisements of Windows users' need to stock up on virus detection software while its own computers remain immune to viral threats.
It was later revealed that the document was about a year old and only caught the attention of industry watchers after Apple recently updated it to reflect changes in the version numbering of the antivirus software it was recommending.
"Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult," the document said, in part.
Speaking to CNet News.com, Apple spokesperson Bill Evans said the article was removed last night because it was deemed to be "old and inaccurate."
"The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box," he said. "However, since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, running antivirus software may offer additional protection."
TidBITS security editor Rich Mogull speculates that Apple may have never intended to urge Mac users to install antivirus software, and that the support article may have found its way to the company's website without being filtered through the proper channels.
For its part, CNet believes Apple's latest statement "poses more questions than it answers."
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
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Malcolm Owen
59 Comments
Applegate?
Here's a nutty idea. Instead of recommending third party software, how about issuing security updates faster? Or if they can't do that, make their own antivirus software. They can even include the antivirus subscription in MobileMe if they want to make money off it.
Here's a nutty idea. Instead of recommending third party software, how about issuing security updates faster? Or if they can't do that, make their own antivirus software. They can even include the antivirus subscription in MobileMe if they want to make money off it.
All good ideas.
PS: On the MM inclusion, I'd first like MM to include the ability to locate my iPhone via GPS from the MM site and the ability to allow for a remote secure wipe of the handset if it should be lost or stolen. But I doubt either of those will ever arrive so I'm not holding my breath.
Here's a nutty idea. Instead of recommending third party software, how about issuing security updates faster? Or if they can't do that, make their own antivirus software. They can even include the antivirus subscription in MobileMe if they want to make money off it.
Apple is not recommending anything. Apple has removed an old KB page that was recommending installing an anti-virus. This page was several years old.
And I just bought 3 different anti-virus software packages yesterday and intalled them on my Macs.
I'm only kidding.
I've never used, nor do I ever see myself installing anti-virus software on my Macs.