OS X security and online banking

Hello everyone.
I've been using Macs for nearly a year and have never used anti-virus or spyware software. I currently feel secure in this.
There was an article in The Sunday Times this morning about security of online banking.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2770-2426237,00.html
Some British banks have been found to less secure than others regarding phishing and fake websites. All my banking is done online and my bank was one of those listed as potentially being less secure. (The bank now says it's going to fix it.) The newspaper article goes on to say that banks will usually refund fraudulant transactions if you have up-to-date virus and spyware software and a firewall.
I wonder where I would stand with my bank if something dodgy happened to my account and I'm not running anti-virus software. How much longer will I be able to sit back and smuggly say "I've got a Mac" (something I do quite a lot actually!) so I'm safe? Something to think about.
Rachel

Hi Rachel, I can't address the legal part of your question. Some British banks have been found to less secure than others regarding phishing and fake websites.Phishing and fake websites (mirrors) are more a function of user awareness. Never click on a link in an email if you suspect phishing, rather go to the banks website in your normal manner. You can also contact your bank to find out if they sent an email.
I don't use any AV or Spyware software. That said, theorectically any Mac could be cracked/hacked. If you use common sense the odds against it happening are long.
You can protect yourself by using your firewall and/or a hard wired router, downloading only from "trusted" sites, installing all security updates and being careful about what you give administrative power to.
Don't use Limewire or any other P2P service to download your software, get it from reputable sources. In addition, always keep at least your users backed up, preferably a clone of your entire system on a separate disk. And put your sensitive passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers in a "secure note" in a new keychain or in an encrypted folder.
Enjoy your Mac
-mj
[email protected]

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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OS X security and online banking

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