what I find strange is that there are now almost as many Virus and other attacks on apple platforms as on PC's
Yet most Apple user do not use any form of protection against any form of attack.
Does this mean they are unaware that successful attacks have taken place, or perhaps data stolen.
There are of course many PC users who do not have any form of protection either.... which encourages attackers to do what they do.
Technically, that's possible and nasty things may exists. We do however have to realise that MAC and Linux systems face very different level of threats to Windows devices.
It all depends on the setup, but basically, macs are mostly really open to user space threats, whereas win will be hijacked at the system level. And due to simple proportion of devices most parasites will target Win machines and android phones.
I think before you get AV for unix-like systems (mac to android), you have to first of all consider good working practices:
1. Enable firewall. Mac has one built in.
2. Do not ever use admin level account for any day-to -day work. Also applies to windows, just as anything.
3. Think before opening and trusting anything you don't know.
4. Keep system and web browser always up to date.
5. Run regular backups.
6. Always use dual verification for all important web services.
That will save you 98% of all troubles.
If you don't, here is what will happen:
1. You will get hacked quite quickly, get a rootkit installed on any system, etc. Even AV won't help you if serious professionals are on it.
2. You are just asking for crapware to be installed system wide at every opportunity.
3. Most security breaches happen due to user mistakes. Some even disable AV to let crap take over (i.e. installing pirated software), and / or hand out bank acc access to friendly guy over the phone.
4. Leave a known hole and you have it coming.
5. Apart from HDD failures and incidental deletions, system could be encrypted by criminals with all sorts of demands (mostly win systems)
6. Fancy someone in your main email, paypal and bank account?
On a mac realistically you are facing mostly browser level exploits depending on sites you visit. Go to dodgy porn sites and you will be loaded with them instantly. If you still must, you can use different browser, different user account, harden system policies and block known problem ips at hosts file. Use linux on virtual box for the worst of them
Let's hope you all know not to open email attachments from strangers (how would you like a virus or a child porn on your machine to set you up?)
If you are prone to getting into deep sheet maybe do get AV, but for most risk level is much lower on a mc.