Kaspersky defends the Mac

With the increasing number of threats aimed at the Mac OS, Kaspersky Lab has released the Kaspersky Security for Mac solution, designed to protect user’s personal data as well as offering parental control with a simplified user interface.

Kaspersky Lab announces Kaspersky Security for Mac, the all-new security solution designed to protect users of Apple computers from emerging threats. Kaspersky Security protects the Mac OS X environment from all kinds of threats, combining traditional security technologies with cloud-based methods and offering a rapid response to the latest dangers. Besides protecting computers from Mac-specific threats, the new solution also prevents Windows and Linux malware from spreading to other computers and, for the first time, provides an effective Parental Control feature set, protecting your kids from viewing inappropriate content online.

Mac Threat Landscape: Stable Growth with Significant Outbreaks:

Why should Apple computers be protected with a proper solution, offering the best-in-class protection against all types of threats? We at Kaspersky Lab think that the value of your personal data is the most significant reason. As the market share of Apple computers grows, cybercriminals are paying much more attention to it. The result is a steady growth in the number of malicious programmes for Macs, and a number of highly dangerous incidents that are emerging more often.

The most recent example is the Flashfake Trojan, which has turned at least 700,000 Mac computers into zombie machines – meaning they could be controlled fully by the attacker. Considering the market share of 6 to 10% (depending on the source) for Mac computers, such a high number of infected computers from just one malicious program is a truly alarming fact. The rise of Flashfake started from a large number of hacked online blogs that criminals seeded with the malicious component. When visiting these blogs, users were prompted to update Adobe Flash Player – a seemingly legitimate request. However the downloaded package exploited vulnerabilities in the installed software, resulting in a massive epidemic.

Apple’s reaction to similar threats in the past has been to release patches closing the software vulnerabilities – however up to two months after the breach is discovered. Until that happens, a computer operating without a third-party security solution remains vulnerable.

New Protection Technologies:

Kaspersky Security for Mac utilises the latest protection technologies to better fight all types of threats, including Trojans, worms, spyware, adware and keyloggers. The file scanning module is activated during start-up and checks new and updated files automatically, minimising impact on system resources. The ability to detect and block Mac-, Windows- or Linux-specific malware also prevents the spread of malicious objects to other computers at home, or those belonging to friends and colleagues. The antivirus database is updated hourly to ensure protection against the latest threats, while cloud-based security technology reacts to the most recent malicious objects within minutes.

To provide even better protection, Kaspersky Security for Mac now provides Web Protection features that detect and block malicious, fraudulent and phishing websites and alert users about each online threat detected.

Anti-phishing technology makes your Mac more secure, especially when you are using online banking or payment services. To protect confidential data such as credit card numbers or passwords, Kaspersky Security introduces the Virtual Keyboard. It comes as an extension to the standard Safari browser and also works with Google Chrome and Firefox. Using this keyboard to enter sensitive information makes it impossible for criminals to intercept sensitive data using keyloggers. The keyboard pops up on screen at your request, and is accessible from all relevant password forms on web pages.

Feature-rich Parental Controls:

Parental Control is the latest addition to Kaspersky Lab’s new Mac product, providing a safe and regulated online experience for your children. Parents are able to set a time limit on their kids’ Internet activities, or specify the exact times each day when children are allowed to go online. Kaspersky Security for Mac will ensure that SafeSearch in search engines like Google will always be enabled, ensuring that only appropriate content will be displayed in search results.

Specific file types can be restricted for downloading when your child uses the computer. Of course, certain undesired websites may be blocked as well: either manually or by category. Moreover, Kaspersky Security monitors kids’ activity in social networks like Facebook. This feature allows parents to monitor who the child communicates with, and to restrict certain contacts or whole social networks. The extensive reporting functionality ensures that parents always know when and how their children use the World Wide Web.

Better performance and simplified user interface:

Overall, the new Kaspersky Security for Mac provides better performance and usability. Kaspersky Lab’s own set of iSwift technologies offers intelligent file scanning, checking only items which have been created or modified since the previous run. The revised user interface, with easy-to-understand settings and all necessary information in the main windows, makes it as user-friendly as possible.

Availability:

Kaspersky Security for Mac is currently available online at a Recommended Retail Price of approximately R509.58.

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