It’s simply one of the perks that come with Windows no matter if you use it on a Mac with a virtual machine or if you run it directly on a PC (or anywhere else we can think of). That’s basically what happens.Įven though you are still practically working inside an Apple environment you are giving the controls to Windows and the connection between the Windows program and the internet is as open as when you’re on a PC. Let’s break it down in really simple terms!ĭo Viruses Attack Macs That Run Boot Camp & Parallels?Īs soon as you install a virtual machine like Boot Camp or Parallels you open up your machine to all the treats from the “Windows world”. But things are actually quite complicated when we’re talking about virtual machines and antivirus. Remember to take precautions and create regular backups. Although potential attacks will only affect parts of your machine and not your Mac’s operating system. When you run Windows in a virtual Mac environment your computer is vulnerable to viruses. Most Mac users don’t use antivirus software.īut what about when we install programs like Boot Camp and Parallels that lets us run Windows programs? That would open up Pandora’s box, right?ĭo I Need Antivirus for Boot Camp & Parallels?