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13 April 2010

Mac Systems Increasingly Vulnerable to Threats; Apple Community Needs to Be Aware of Potential Threats

BitDefender�, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, today announced the release of its first antivirus solution designed specifically for Mac OS X users, BitDefender Antivirus for Mac. Building on BitDefender�s extensive experience fighting computer threats, BitDefender Antivirus for Mac proactively secures Mac computer systems from viruses, while also detecting and removing malware threats.

While Apple systems have traditionally remained sheltered from the majority of e-threats, malware writers are increasingly creating threats to exploit the vulnerabilities in Mac OS X and popular Mac applications. At the moment, there are more than 270 different e-threats specifically targeting Mac OS X operating systems, from JavaScript-based advertisements advising users to purchase fake antivirus software, to DNS changing malware and hijack browsing sessions, not to mention the huge variety of spam and phishing attacks that are platform independent. In addition to platform-specific threats, Mac owners also run the risk of passing on viruses and malware targeted at Windows systems.

BitDefender Antivirus for Mac addresses both sides of this issue � keeping computers safe from Mac viruses, while also protecting against threats targeting other platforms that may pass through the Mac environment.

�Although there are fewer threats targeted towards Mac users, it only takes one threat to lose sensitive information, valuable data or an identity. Mac users should still be taking pre-emptive measures to ensure that their systems remain safe,� said Catalin Cosoi, BitDefender senior researcher. �BitDefender Antivirus for Mac is a crucial addition to our suite of leading antivirus security solutions, and it�s critical for businesses and consumers to recognize the growing vulnerability of their Mac systems and take the necessary steps to protect their data and sensitive information.�

In conjunction with this announcement, BitDefender is launching a new Antivirus Bundle Pack solution for Mac and Windows PC dual-boot users. Because many users run Windows and OS X platforms on the same system, BitDefender Antivirus Bundle Pack offers them the flexibility to protect either operating system with the same award-winning level of protection. Additionally, this solution avoids any potential conflicts of loading two separate antivirus programs onto the same system and is perfect for users of Apple�s Boot Camp utility.

Both BitDefender Antivirus for Mac and Antivirus Bundle Pack are easy to use and feature real-time antivirus protection that quickly checks files and system critical areas. They optimize performance with intelligent scanning and a small memory footprint that leads to a low impact on your computer�s speed. In addition, BitDefender Antivirus for Mac and Antivirus Bundle Pack include scheduled scanning capabilities, a quarantine zone, and free 24/7 technical support.

To stay up-to-date on the latest e-threats, sign-up for BitDefender�s RSS feeds here.

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