McAfee Updates Virex for the OS X Enterprise

Virex 7.5 will include on-demand, real-time scanning as well as traditional capabilities for detecting threats in files and within compressed archives.

The security software maker's latest release, announced Monday, builds upon a history of software products for the Macintosh , most recently providing a consumer virus solution for Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) .Mac subscribers.

In a press statement, John Bedrick, group product marketing manager for systems security at McAfee, said, "While Macintosh's are immune to infections from Windows worms like Bagle, Netsky and MyDoom, which exploit security flaws in Windows operating systems and software applications, they are not immune to PC and UNIX threats that can spread to Macintosh systems on the network via e-mail or network sharing."

Pricing has not been set for Virex 7.5, however, McAfee expects the software to begin shipping in August through its store and authorized resellers. The company did not return calls for comment to confirm specific features of the new product, such as a management console for IT staff or automation of virus definition updates.

Changing User Mentality

Paul Steinbrenner, director of sales at Quadstar Digital Guidance, an Apple authorized reseller, said the mentality that the Mac is impervious to viruses was a selling point Apple.

"Frankly, for a long time, resellers were not pushing people to get antivirus protection," Steinbrenner said. "However, if anything, the serious OS X vulnerabilities publicized in May shook up that perception."

Steinbrenner said his company recommends that users invest in an antivirus program, regardless of the risk level.

Evolving Role of Threat Prevention

IDC research manager for security products Brian Burke said the roles of security-related software have shifted over the last few years to a layered infrastructure, with IT managers bringing firewalls to the desktop in addition to the network level and extending antivirus from the desktop to the gateway.

"As security risks have turned into blended threats beyond the basic virus, the desktop, server and router all need protection from intrusion, worms and viruses," Burke said, alluding to Trojan, worm and protocol vulnerabilities. "[This is] especially [important] for mobile users who connect to the corporate network but also utilize personal broadband networks at home where the threat can begin," he said.

Steinbrenner said the general consensus among his customers and peers is that malicious attacks have not been a primary threat for a Macintosh due to Apple's smaller market share.

"In general, it is harder to write something damaging to the Mac in contrast to Windows, however, in certain circles it may become prestigious to be able to take down a Mac system," he added. "My fear is that individual is waiting to make that claim to fame," he said.

Market Saturated but Growing

According to Burke, IDC research shows that the security product market is highly saturated, yet it continues on a track of several years of growth.

"We saw a 20 percent growth rate in 2003, and expect 18 percent growth this year. The increase is almost evenly divided between consumers and corporate customers," Burke said. "Consumers especially are realizing they need to have security software and keep it current on a regular basis."

For his part Burke said what we can expect from security software providers are updated program suites that introduce intrusion detection into the existing firewall and antivirus capabilities.

"Just as IT environments start protecting a network at the edge or perimeter, the desktop now becomes a gateway as users build their own networks," he added. "Users at all levels will have the threat protection corporations have been using for years."