Apple overloaded by users seeking anti-virus help

Apple and Mac OS X have often been seen as better than their windows counterpart. Much of this is owed to the fact hackers, malware and virus developers will choose to infect the masses. The masses use windows. But this is changing as Apple related products are taking off in popularity.

Malware being branded as Mac Defender and Apple security to name but a few is being spread rapidly across the Mac OS X. According to an employer the number of assistance phone calls to the AppleCare centre has gone from 1 every 7-12 minutes to one every minute.

However, according to the AppleCare terms and conditions Apple does not help with Malware removal. And although they are helping currently, many callers are being turned away and told to install appropriate anti virus security. But a brand that sells itself on being more secure than the Windows OS is now falling apart at the seams.

Apple employees are being told they must not comment on the revelations and all they must do if they recieve calls from worried mac owners is direct them to the Apple Online Store/ Mac App store antivirus page. If Apple cannot get this spread under control their reputation and one of their unique selling points could take a massive hit.

For more information on Apple’s internal response see here:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/apple-to-support-reps-do-not-attempt-to-remove-malware/3362