News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

April 30, 2006

security

More OS X security FUD

Posted Apr. 30, ’06, 9:34 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Security

Dark alleyWe’ve heard it about a hundred times now: OS X is becoming more and more virus ridden. Various media sources would have you believe the Mac is more worm-infested than your average scoop of topsoil. This time, the attack comes from the Associated Press (who are secure in the knowledge that nobody’s writing viruses for their IBM compatibles). While many of the claims in the article are true (the mention, for example of the exploits Tom Ferris found), others are time-worn patented mongers on fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Take this old chestnut:

The Mac’s vulnerability could also increase as Apple transitions to a product line that uses microprocessors made by Intel Corp., security experts said.

With new Macs running the same processor that powers Windows-based machines, far more people will know how to exploit weaknesses in Apple machines than in the past, when they ran on the PowerPC chips made by IBM Corp. and Motorola Corp. spinoff Freescale Semiconductor Inc.

Every time I hear this supposition, I’m left speechless by the sheer ignorance of the piece’s author. I can see how this might make logical sense to a layperson, but all it takes is talking to someone who knows anything at all about technology to know that this is hogwash. Hogwash, I say.

The bottom line, as always, is this: no, the Mac is not immune to security breaches. There has yet to be a widespread exploited vulnerability, but sooner or later, yes, there probably will be one. But your best protection still remains the same: use your common sense. Don’t open suspicious attachments, or click on iffy-looking links—this is the computer equivalent of not walking through a dangerous neighborhood late at night.

[via MacSurfer]


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