Mac computers are spreading malware to Windows PC, a recent study conducted by Sophos points out.
Sophos analyzed 100,000 Mac computers running its free anti-virus software, and found that one in five machines carry Windows malware. Additionally, Sophos also found 2.7 percent (one in thirty six) of Macs carrying Mac OS X malware.The Windows malware on Macs, though not causing any symptoms in the computer (unless users also run Windows on their computer)can still be spread to other computers.
“Some Mac users may be relieved that they are seven times more likely to have Windows viruses, spyware and Trojans on their Macs than Mac OS X-specific malware, but Mac malware is surprisingly commonly encountered. Mac users need a wake-up call about the growing malware problem,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. The Mac malware spreads via USB stick, email attachments, website download, sometimes even without signaling the user in any way.
Cluley further adds that cybercriminals target Macs, because their owners don’t typically run anti-virus software. Therefore,Mac users must be extra careful about protecting their computers,otherwise malware can become a major issue.
Sophos analyzed 100,000 Mac computers running its free anti-virus software, and found that one in five machines carry Windows malware. Additionally, Sophos also found 2.7 percent (one in thirty six) of Macs carrying Mac OS X malware.The Windows malware on Macs, though not causing any symptoms in the computer (unless users also run Windows on their computer)can still be spread to other computers.
“Some Mac users may be relieved that they are seven times more likely to have Windows viruses, spyware and Trojans on their Macs than Mac OS X-specific malware, but Mac malware is surprisingly commonly encountered. Mac users need a wake-up call about the growing malware problem,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. The Mac malware spreads via USB stick, email attachments, website download, sometimes even without signaling the user in any way.
Cluley further adds that cybercriminals target Macs, because their owners don’t typically run anti-virus software. Therefore,Mac users must be extra careful about protecting their computers,otherwise malware can become a major issue.
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