By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Apple Mac users could be saying goodbye to the hacker and virus-free days of the Naughties and hello to Apple-targeted malware in 2011, according to research released today by McAfee.

The 2011 Threat Predictions report warns that the Mac OS platform is at greater risk of Apple botnets and Trojans due to a lack of user understanding of security for new devices such as the iPad and iPhone, thus causing greater risks of identity exposure.

“Historically, the Mac OS platform has remained relatively unscathed by malicious attackers, but McAfee Labs warns that Mac-targeted malware will continue to increase in sophistication in 2011,” warns the report.

Apple enthusiast, Ian Warren, told Current.com.au that he would look to see if there have been similar reports issued in prior years by McAfee and other security specialists because it is in their business' interest to warn consumers of alleged increasing threats to any operating system.

McAfee also issued warnings in relation to mobile devices, social media and connected TVs.

“New Internet TV platforms were some of the most highly-anticipated devices in 2010.  Due to the growing popularity among users and “rush to market” thinking by developers, McAfee Labs expects an increasing number of suspicious and malicious apps for the most widely deployed media platforms, such as Google TV,” said the report.

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