While it claims that Macs don't get PC viruses it fails to mention that Macs do get Mac Viruses. One of the more commonly known reasons that Macs don't get viruses is that there are less of them so it would be less efficient to target them. Also, by the same logic virus writers would have more experience on the Windows OS. But are Macs inherently safer? Some sources say no, the OS has no more security than Windows, while other sources say yes. Lets take a look at some of their arguments. Macs do have security built in such as not allowing files to act in certain ways or access certain parts of their system. They have encryption built in to prevent a hacker from reading your files. Some argue that the UNIX platform upon which Mac OS X is built on is a tried an tested secure system.
So have there been any widespread viruses on Macs? Yes. One such case was the flashback virus. It infected more than 700,000 macs masquerading as a Adobe Flash installer. It would gather usernames and passwords to programs and websites. Apple's own security has been updated to remove this, but the virus developers have been modifying it to bypass this security.
So knowing this, even though Macs are more secure that does not mean that you should be "reckless" with your computer. Just because something is less likely to hurt doesn't mean that you should forgo protection.
Who owns an Apple computer? Did you buy it because of its resistance to viruses? Do you think they are more secure? Is it worth it? Discuss below
References:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000737.htm
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-57410050-248/mac-flashback-malware-what-it-is-and-how-to-get-rid-of-it-faq/
It's interesting to think people do go out and buy Macs for the fact they think they won't get a virus. While it is statistically lower to get a virus on a Mac, there are a lot less users compared to PC just as you noted. One of the reasons I believe Macs do not have as many viruses is because people that program these viruses have the mind set to infect as many computers as possible. With this in mind, it would make more sense to target the bigger market of PC's.
ReplyDeleteMacs have some protection but as far as the flashback malware is concerned, I believe that a mac owner would have to authenticate with a username and password to install it. That would be like giving your car keys to some random guy on the street and then being surprised when they drove off in your car. Regardless of PC or Mac, a computer user should be aware of what they are installing at all times. Knowing that only the Adobe website should offer flash installations would prevent Flashback in the first place.
ReplyDeleteBeing knowledge about the products being used would circumvent quote a lot of malicious software. Also, why spend so much money on something if you have no idea how to use it properly? Seems silly to me.
I don't own a Mac either. I feel just as safe using a Windows computer, because I believe as there are many viruses targeting Windows OS, there are also a lot of antivirus software companies putting in much money and work to prevent viruses. As long as you have a decent antivirus software and follow safety rules, you should be just fine.
DeleteTriet Pham
I love my mac book. One of the best investments I've ever made. I didn't purchase it due to the absence of viruses but the fact that its less likely eases my mind. Of course everyone should use some type of protection for there computer. I can say that I love the fact that before anything downloads I have to authorize it with a password. I feel safer using my mac than when I depended on Windows.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Triet. I don't have a Mac either but I feel like there are a lot of antivirus software for Windows. I have heard that mac books are safer, but when choosing laptops, it wasn't a contributing factor to my decision. I feel that the best to minimize the risk to viruses is to be aware of them and take precautions when online. For example, don't open emails from suspicious and unknown senders.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there are any viruses for I-phones and I-pads. There are so many people with these devices that it might attract the attention of people who write viruses. I know way more people with mobile apple product than with actual Macs.
ReplyDeleteGreat question, John. The answer is yes. There are more malwares than we know targeting mobile devices in general, and Apple products in particular. Android is the most popular OS on mobile; thus, it's the biggest target. Apple comes second, but it is, however, the most vulnerable.
DeleteDue to functioning on a closed system, when hacked, Apple devices will have almost no cure at all. This article elaborates greatly on your question:
http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/why-your-iphone-will-inevitably-be-attacked-by-a-virus/story-fnda1lbo-1226716098868
Triet Pham
Prior to owning a Mac I had a Dell, and somehow I contracted a nasty trojan which made my computer restart after 1 minute. I lost everything because of that, and as a result I kept that in mind when I made the switch. I agree that if you use proper protection and keep everything on your system up to date, you can for the most part avoid infections. However, I do feel more safe using Apple's operating system than Windows OS because of the infection ratio.
ReplyDeleteI personally own a Mac. Although it has definitely been kind to me in the years, I did not get one because of its lack of viruses. I have been told that Mac viruses do exist, however they are much fewer than Windows. The cost of the Mac itself pushes people towards Windows computers, or if they are tech savvy enough, a Linux machine. Macs in general are more user friendly. It does not go through what windows does for installing and uninstalling a program. For Windows you have to make sure its done properly by uninstalling with the attached program command. It has to go through the program files, remove all traces that were installed with the program along with removing it from the registry of the computer. With a Mac you simply drag the file to the trash bin and its gone. No hassle. With the many layers that build Windows machines programs I can see how a virus can be hidden among the many directories within it. A Mac has similar file structures however those directories are seldom explored by the typical Mac user, so the risk of opening and executing a virus is much smaller.
ReplyDeleteI own a Mac and I have not had an issue with getting a virus (knock on wood)! A few years back I would have laptops that crashed frequently due to viruses. This is one of the reasons I invested in a Macbook. I do believe they are more secure, because I have been on "untrusted" websites in the past and did not have any issues.
ReplyDeleteThis blog was interesting though because I have not heard of the Adobe installer virus. I think I remember getting notifications to install, but I did not click it. Hopefully it was not the virus!
Adobe softwares have been the disguise of many viruses and trojans. However, you did not click on it, so you're worry-free. I, being brave as always, clicked on it once and was taken to a free download site. I took no further step and noticed no change in my laptop's performance. Thank goodness. A good tip is to download softwares only from their companies' site. Free download sites are as dangerous as any other way to get a virus.
DeleteTriet Pham
I can honestly say that one of the main reasons that I purchased my Mac, was the idea that they are less susceptible to Viruses than PCs. I've never had any sort of problems with viruses on my Mac, while I did have issues in the past when I had a PC. I wasn't aware of the flashback virus, and I'm constantly getting Adobe Installer updates, so I'm glad to know I may need to be hesitant before I install any new software. Luckily I've grown up in the time where no matter what kind of computer I have, I know to be extremely cautious about viruses.
ReplyDeleteI was always under the impression they were more secure. This was partly because I have never really had an issue with mine. But after reading this blog it seems like I have just been lucky. Although when buying my mac I did not consider the mac vs. PC with viruses as a factor. After reading this article I will definitely look further into some antivirus software when using my mac.
ReplyDelete-Audrey Hyde
I definitely bought my Mac because I thought they couldn't get viruses. Word of mouth is probably the number one reason Macs are so popular. I have actually never heard of a person getting a virus on their Mac. I am sure that it is possible, but I believe more people have PC's so most hackers make their viruses written for PC's to get a more vast amount of people reached. I do believe that the cost was worth the product. I have had mine for four years and have never had a problem with it! I can not name another product that I've had for that long and not had a problem with it. I applaud Apple for their product.
ReplyDelete