MAC OS X and Security

Im aware that you dont really need any antivirus etc for the MAC (for now anyway!), but how secure is the internet connection? Im new to the MAC and have always used PCs before.

I currently have a Netgear Rangemax router, which has been perfect from day 1. The router is set up with WPA-PSK security, with NAT etc enabled. Its always been fine with my PC.

Nevertheless, I regularly use Internet banking etc - will I still be safe to continue (with the same router etc) when I get my MacBook?

 

The security of your internet connection is independent of the OS that devices connected to it are running.

You however can be phished/compromised from a computer running OS X or Windows ... You just have to be vigilant.

Oh and just a heads up ... Windows 7 (thanks to UAC) is just as, if not more, secure as OS X.

 

As Akin_t has said the security of your internet connection is independent of the Mac OS. It is my understanding (and the principle I used while on the Windows systems) that if my router is hard-lined into my computer and/or my code and password to access the wifi system was strong enough, the chances dropped considerably that my system could be compromised.
The Mac OS has long enjoyed the benefits of not having to struggle with viruses, etc that are in the wild; certainly not to the extent that Windows has had to endure. Probably for a couple of reasons, 1)smaller market share therefore the benefits to a hacker or cyber-thief just aren't worth it, and 2) the fact that the Mac OS is based (as I understand) on the UNIX system which supposedly is harder to infiltrate.
Coming from the Windows OS to the Mac OS, I can tell you that the paranoia that you feel of not having an anti-virus program installed is normal and, in time, will ease up a bit. If you feel better, there are av programs out there that can be placed on your Mac and will be there just in case. I, for one, don't totally buy into the thought that Mac users can kick back and not worry about viruses. I don't have an av program on, but it's prudent to be vigilante of what's going on. We're safe for the moment, but safe Web practices still don't hurt.
I would urge you to take all normal precautions, i.e. strong passwords, safe surfing,etc., as no matter what system you use it's never totally safe in cyber-land. I can tell you that I've been using the Mac for several years now, doing my on-line banking and bill pay, and until now (knock on wood) have not had the security problems I had while on Windows. That could change tomorrow, but as long as I take proper precautions I should be reasonably safe.
Congrats on the new Mac and welcome.

 

Mac os x has a built in firewall/internet security thing I just turned it on and called it a day...

 

Thanks guys - deffo puts my mind at ease.
Still waiting for it to turn up - Im like an excited child at the moment!

 

I had a great PDF on making OS X more secure my editing the default settings. I'll see if I can find it. I still believe that for now obscurity is OS X's best security feature.

 

Mac OS X is a secure operating system in that it’s multi-user and has limits on what some user accounts can do.This security update addresses ATS handling of embedded fonts.The responsible Mac OS X user needs to be aware of security risks that might plague the new operating system.This history provides Mac OS X with excellent power and stability, as well as a great deal more flexibility than earlier versions of Mac OS.