Q: I have a MacBook Pro. I do not have any security software on it and have been told by many people, including the folks at the Apple store that I don’t need any. When I cancelled by Norton 360 software for my old PC recently, the Norton person tried to sell me Norton software for the Mac, insisting I needed it. Do I?
— Mary Clark
A: The Mac operating system is generally more stable and less vulnerable to malicious attacks and viruses than Windows. There are far more Windows users than Mac users, making it more worthwhile for cybercriminals to target the former. The latest Mac OS also has embedded safeguards, such as preventing you from opening or installing a program that comes from an unidentified developer unless you take an extra step to override the rejection. So if you are using your MacBook Pro at home for typical web browsing and word processing, you probably don’t need third-party antivirus software.
