Internet security stalwart Kaspersky Labs has introduced Anti-Virus for Mac and is pitching it especially towards mixed-platform environments. The idea is to keep Macs from becoming unwitting malware hosts and infecting the PCs of their colleagues.Kaspersky acknowledges that more malware targeting Macs is showing up as the minority platform becomes more popular. And the Anti-Virus for Mac product protects Macs against their own threats. But perhaps even more useful is that it catches PC malware as well. According to the announcement, cybercriminals are increasingly using Macs as "safe harbors" for PC malware -- in other words, using Macs as carriers that won't be infected themselves but can transmit infections to vulnerable PCs. This could be a significant threat in businesses with PCs and Macs on the same network.

Anti-Virus for Mac scans files, downloads, and e-mail attachments in real time and can not only identify malware but disinfect compromised files. It can catch viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits, bots, and more, the company claims. Kaspersky supposedly only uses one percent of the CPU and will get small, frequent downloads of updated threat profiles. The company claims the product has an intuitive, Maclike interface.

The new product joins security features built into Snow Leopard and an existing roster of Mac antimalware packages. And McAfee recently announced a suite of security features aimed at protecting an entire network.

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Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac requires an Intel Mac and OS X 10.4.11 (up-to-date Tiger) or later. Using it on one Mac for one year costs $40; three Macs costs $60. The product includes free support via phone, e-mail or chat. The download from here is a 30-day free trial that gets upgraded with payment.