If you ask a worker at the Apple Store about antivirus software for the Mac, you may hear that you don’t need it at all because, “Macs don’t get viruses.” However, this information may no longer hold true. At least Apple itself doesn’t think so. According to a recently published knowledge base article from Apple, widespread use of more than one antivirus application is recommended now for your machine. Using multiple programs will lessen your chances of being susceptible to an attack. Apple recommends Intego’s VirusBarrier X5, McAfee’s VirusScan for Mac, and Symantec’s Norton Anti-Virus 11.
This is sort of out of nowhere from Apple, especially considering some of the Get a Mac ads they have created that bash the Windows operating system for having so many viruses. That said, you can never be to safe when it comes to your computer’s security. Perhaps Apple is trying to get ahead of the game by making sure that their user base has the correct software installed before a major virus is created for the Mac. In that case, I also recommend you try out some antivirus software to make sure you are secure. You can’t ever do enough when it comes to your personal data (other than numerous encryptions, that is).
Via [Apple Insider]
Viruses in the PC world have progressed to the point that they regularly disable antivirus software, antispyware, firewalls and application removal programs before they get down to business.
They get onto a computer as email attachments or luring the user into clicking on a site where he or she probably shouldn't be.
The only security is maintaining more than one clone on external drives from which the user can restore his Macintosh HD using the Restore feature in Disk Utility.