Let me start off by stating that I own both a Windows XP computer and an OSX computer. To me, they are both tools that perform their functions well. I am not an Apple fanboy who loathes the evil empire that is Microsoft (as I know full well that the real evil empire is the New York Yankees), nor am I a PC user who sees Apple products as over-priced, over-hyped hipster gear.
Recently, in its bi- annual security report, Symantec made statements about OSX security threats. Now, from what I have read, there was nothing ground-shattering mentioned. The basic premise was that OSX is vulnerable to attacks. Well, throw me in a dress and call me Lucy! No kidding. So, why is this causing an uproar in the Apple/Mac community?
I think there are a couple reasons why people are responding so negatively to this latest report. I think the main reason is the perception that Symantec is looking to increase the number of customers by persuading new OSX users (those obtained by the iPod halo-effect and those tempted by the low-cost Mac mini) that they are vulnerable to attack. Symantec points out several security flaws that have been found in OSX recently. However, these security holes have been patched by Apple and I haven’t heard of a single recent malware/virus attack on an OSX system in the wild.
I also think there is a contingent of Apple OSX users who truly believe that, for whatever erason, their operating system is completely invulnerable to attacks. Perhaps this cockiness is due to the fact that their PowerBook or PowerMac has never suffered from an attack. Or, perhaps it is because they have been brainwashed by Mr. Jobs. Who knows.
Again, any Mac user who professes OSX to be immune to attack is living in a fantasy-world. But, one might just believe that Symantec’s statements about OSX vulnerabilities is a marketing strategy aimed at the projected increase in Apple’s market share.
Currently, I don’t have virus protection on my PowerBook. I think the chances, currently, are pretty slim that it will be the subject of an attack (unlike my Window’s PC which is adequately protected with anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software). If it looks as though there are actual attacks taking place on OSX systems, I will be sure to install some protection. But, right now the cost v. benefit doesn’t seem to justify it. And, the statements by Symantec haven’t given me any reason to believe differently.
Since I don’t have access to the report, here are some articles reporting on it:
OSX ‘at risk from attack’
Mac OS X in hackers’ crosshairs, report says
Mac OS X Will Become a Target, Symantec Warns
“Mac Virii!!!!! Bugga bugga!”
I’d like to point out that a good number of the ’security flaws’ found in Windows are patched before they are ever exploited in ‘the wild’ as well.
I’d like to point out that I could care less about Windows (with regards to this article). It is completely irrelevant to whether or not the threats that Symantec spoke of are attempts to market protection to users who don’t really need it.
Now, if you are claiming that you don’t need anti-virus software for your Windows PC, then — although, still not relevant — would make for a very interesting remark.
A remark I would never make. I took from your article that you meant Symantec had pointed out something obvious for the sake of selling more product to alarmists, NOT that the product was not necessarily needed. That came across as a personal afterthought.
A qualified remark I WOULD make, however, is that with a properly configured router, a fully patched system, and safe surfing habits, the chances of contracting a virus on a Windows PC are pretty slim as well. In fact, my PVR and web server currently run absolutely zero AV software. Because I have limited their total open ports to 4 or so, and keep them patched, I have not once had a problem with them. Of course, it helps that I do not actually ever surf the web from them.
One could also argue that an easy way to safeguard your Windows PCs from viruses is to disconnect them from the ‘Net and to not install software on them.
But, yea, the point was that Symantec is trying to sell something, which I believe is unnecessary by using this report to scare people. If you look at my last paragraph, I clearly state that I think it isn’t necessary to have antivirus software on my PowerBook.
And, again… this isn’t a Windows vs. OSX article. I tried to not make it sound that way.
I didn’t think you made it sound like a ‘Doze vs. OSX article. I just wanted to throw an additional comment on to the whole Symantec alarmist stance.