WOBURN, MA -- 11/05/09 --
The debate around malware that targets Macs is
evolving from simple theory and random sightings into a growing concern.
While the amount of malware that infects Mac computers still pales in
comparison to PC malware, there's no question that Macs can and do get
infected by viruses and Trojans circulating around the Web today. No
doubt, malware that targets Macs will be a rising concern for the future,
but a very real Mac security concern needs to be addressed today: Macs
that are used as carriers for PC malware. These Macs, operating without
proper protection to block PC-targeting malware, continue to be unknowing
hosts that spread infections to PCs through shared networks, Web
connections and USB transfers.
To address the Mac security concerns of today and tomorrow, Kaspersky Lab, a global leader in
Internet safety and security, today announced Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac
to prevent the inadvertent spread of PC malware to the friends and
colleagues of Mac users, and to also protect Macs from being preyed upon.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac offers the premium protection of Kaspersky
Lab's malware analyst team, which protects users from more than 30,000 new
threats each day -- including current and future malware tailored
specifically for Macs.
To date, the Mac user community has been relatively unscathed by the
security concerns of PC users. But as Macs enjoy increased share of the
consumer marketplace, they in turn are becoming more attractive targets for
Mac-infecting malware that can steal identities and financial information,
corrupt irreplaceable documents, music and photos, and slow a Mac's overall
performance.
In an acknowledgement of the present and future risks of Mac malware, Apple
has recently begun adding more security technology in its computers to help
limit the spread of Mac-based malware. Particularly as more Macs are used
at home and in the workplace alongside PCs, Kaspersky Lab believes Mac
users will benefit from an additional layer of proven protection to guard
against sophisticated cybercriminals that are increasingly targeting Mac
machines for infection, and using Macs as safe harbors for their PC
malware.
Helping Macs Stay Secure in an Unsecure "PC World"
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac is Kaspersky Lab's first product designed
specifically for Macs and can be used on machines equipped with Mac OS
10.4.11 or higher, including Snow Leopard, and Intel processors. The
software automatically scans files, downloads from the Web, and email
attachments in real-time, and can disinfect files that have been
compromised. After installation, Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac uses only
one-percent of the idle CPU's resources while standing guard, ensuring fast
performance while enjoying superior protection from all types of malware
threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans and bots.
Users of Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac will immediately notice a familiar,
customizable Mac-style interface, which will be instantly recognizable for
Mac owners. Behind the scenes, Mac users will benefit from small, frequent
updates for newly-identified threats, driven by Kaspersky Lab's global team
of virus analysts who monitor breaking threats 24-hours a day for immediate
protection. Additionally, all Kaspersky Lab customers in the U.S. and
Canada have direct access to Kaspersky's quality U.S.-based support team,
available via toll-free phone, email and chat. Kaspersky Lab live support
is always free, never for an additional cost, and our online knowledgebase
is always accessible to answer common questions.
QUOTE:
Justin Priestley, Senior Vice President of Consumer Sales
Kaspersky Lab Americas
"Kaspersky Lab firmly believes that Mac owners can see the value in
additional protection against malware trends that nobody can predict.
Logic tells us that there's the potential for a watershed moment in
security which can have a widespread effect on the Mac community. It's
important to be aware and prepared. And if Macs live and work among PCs
there is always the very real threat of passing malicious infections on to
other machines."
WHERE TO BUY
Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac is available for download from the Kaspersky e-store as a 30-day free trial version, which can be
upgraded to a full 1-year license. A 1-year license to protect a single
Mac is $39.95, or a 1-year license to protect up to three different Macs is
$59.95.
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab is the world's largest privately-held Internet Security
company, providing comprehensive protection against all forms of IT threats
such as viruses, spyware, hackers and spam. The company's products provide
in-depth defense at work, at home and on the road for home and mobile
users, small and medium sized businesses and large enterprises, protecting
more than 250 million systems around the globe. Kaspersky technology is
also incorporated inside the products and services of approximately 100 of
the industry's leading IT, networking, communications and applications
solution vendors. For further information about the company, please visit
www.kaspersky.com. For the latest in-depth information on security threat
issues and trends, please visit www.viruslist.com. For the most up-to-date
world security news, visit www.threatpost.com.
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Media Contact
Greg Sabey
Kaspersky Lab Americas
P: + 1 781 503 2654
E: greg.sabey@kaspersky.com
