Apple posts, then removes, suggestion for use of anti-virus software

"Shortly after updating a security bulletin recommending widespread use of antivirus software on Macs, Apple took it down." (wired.com)

Apple's initial recommendation was surprising to many Mac enthusiasts, who, for years had been told their systems were not threatened by malicious software. The advice was given in Apple's "Knowledge Base" collection of articles. The original post advocated the use of "multiple antivirus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent." (Although the article was removed, you can still read excerpts).

Clearly the author of the article was advocating defense in depth; however, it seems that the PR machine at Apple was concerned about the implication that encouraging the use of anti-virus software on Macs was an admission of system vulnerability.

One observer states, "The benefit of Apple's tight control over its operating system and hardware is the ability it gives the company to implementing effective, reliable security measures." And until Apple's market share increases significantly, it is unlikely that hackers will target the Mac platform.

While this may well be the case, I certainly wouldn't want to play guinea pig for the security team.