Kaspersky Lab announced a free version of the Kaspersky Virus Scanner for Mac, for computers running on OS X.
With Kaspersky Virus Scanner for Mac, users can manually scan their computers for potential threats even if another security solution is already installed on the device. The applications look for traces of malicious programs on the computer (the options available are Full scan, Quick scan or Custom scan), provide users with detailed information on the results and offer an appropriate solution to problems identified.
The paid version, Kaspersky Virus Scanner Pro for Mac can remove various dangerous applications in real time. This version of the scanner can also automatically check every new file downloaded by a user to establish whether it is free of malicious code.
The antivirus databases of both versions of the application are regularly updated to provide protection against even the newest cybercriminal developments, Kaspersky said. Moreover, both products “catch” malware not only for OS X but for Windows and Android OS as well. Although programs targeting other operating systems are not usually dangerous to Mac systems, they can lurk on the computer until they get a chance to infect a compatible device, for example when files are copied to removable media.
In 2014, Kaspersky Lab claims that its products blocked over 3.6 million attempts to infect computers running on OS X. Over the course of the year, the company’s experts found 1,499 new malicious programs for this platform.
“Even if you don’t think you and your data need protection on your Mac, what about your friends and colleagues who might be affected by malware that reaches your machine? For example, they could lose money after clicking on a malicious link sent from your account by malware, or lose valuable files after picking up a Trojan from you via a USB drive or cable. That is why it is important to regularly scan all devices for cyberthreats – whether they run OS X, Windows or Android”, said Vladimir Zapolyansky, Vice-President, Product and Technology Marketing, Kaspersky Lab.
The Kaspersky Virus Scanner for Mac is now available for download in Apple App Store in nine languages.