Microsoft Windows has for year dealt with the security threats of Viruses, Spyware and other Malware. Anything from the security holes in Internet Explorer 6 which allowed applications (or viruses) to be installed without you clicking a single button, to fake antivirus software.

While AntiVirus software has helped in keeping the security threats at bay, they are still billion dollar industry.

However for the Apple Mac users, this issue has been somewhat of a non-event. In the "Switch to Mac" ad campaign, Apple featured the fact that Apple Macs were not affected by Windows viruses. While this is true, they are gathering their own problems.

While Microsoft was working on securing their operating system and plugging holes, Apple were developing iPhones, iPads alike. In the history of Windows development, Windows has come along way in a secure operating system and this was evident through the introduction of Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the introduction of the Windows Firewall, Windows Genuine Advantage and other features that secured the operating system.

Recently, researchers have discovered a Trojan that disguises itself as a PDF document. When executed by the unsuspecting Mac user, the Trojan infects the Apple Mac. 

Apple Mac also have their own fake antivirus infections for example, MAC Defender. When a user browsers to a website they are advised to download and install the fake software to perform a Malware scan, instead just infecting their system.

While Apple Macs are no where near the level of number of infections compared to the Windows PC, this treat is expected to change and increase with the advancing in popularity of the Apple Mac.

Tips for the Mac user in attempting to avoid infection, try these:

• Download and install applications from the App Store
• Only open PDFs from trusted sources (People or Website you know)
• If you think your infected, see a professional (Apple Store or Computer Store)

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