WASHINGTON – Apple users who thought they were immune to common PC viruses should think twice. The attack on a malicious computer virus that left many without an Internet connection on Monday also applies to Macs and iPads, according to one expert.
Only 64,000 computers were affected by the FBI procedure to kill dangerous malware that has plagued the Web. This is a relatively small percentage when compared to the hundreds of millions of computers in the U.S., but a slightly larger number for Steve Jobs disciples who previously thought themselves immune.
“The fact is, if you have a Mac, you are not immune to viruses anymore,” says Kim Komando, host of The Kim Komando Show. “If you have a Mac, whether it’s an iMac or a MacBook, you do need to get some anti-virus software.”
Hackers have been making upward of $700,000 a month on the kinds of computer viruses that the FBI targeted this weekend, says Komando. Those who haven’t lost Internet access already can go to dcwg.org to see if their computer was infected with the malware.
This isn’t the first sign that Apple products have become more vulnerable, Komando says. The company recently changed the language they use in their security settings from “You are safe” to “We’re going to do our best to keep you safe,” she says.
Learn more about the virus and the FBI response in the full audio at right.
WTOP’s Paul D. Shinkman contributed to this report. Follow Paul and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
