Popularity Has a Price

[Jeff Campbell]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.macworld.com/article/156738/2010/12/apple_bigger_security_target_in_2011.html?lsrc=rss_products_mac' target='_blank'>http://www.macworld.com/article/156...ss_products_mac</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"McAfee has compiled the wisdom and insight of its security researchers and produced the 2011 Threat Predictions Report. The report contains a variety of forecasts, prophecies, and educated guesses on what to expect for computer and information security next year, but one of the most notable is that Apple has achieved some level of critical mass that makes it a prime target."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1293720028.usr105634.jpg" style="margin-left: 120px; margin-right: 120px;" /></p><p>It's always been implied Macs were safer than a Windows machine since malware usually went after the more popular machines, but it appears those days may be coming to an end. Of course you have always had to be vigilant against the schemes out there on the Internet, such as the bank phishing frauds, but as far as "attacks" go, the Windows machines were usually the target. Now, according to McAfee, the trend will be changing in 2011 to include Apple in the mix of targets. To be honest, the impression that Apple is immune to attacks is the biggest weakness of the system, as that tends to make people less vigilant. So this is a good warning to be extra careful. Since we are on the topic, what are your thoughts about virus protection on a Mac, do you use one? If so, which one?&nbsp;</p>

[Joe Johaneman]

I've tried several and I'm really happy with Sophos. It doesn't get in my way, and it works just fine (it caught a windows virus attached to an email, for example). I mostly use it to prevent me from inadvertently becoming a "carrier" for windows viruses, but I'm glad I have it just in case.

Still, some basic precautions can prevent just about any Mac infection. For example, don't run as administrator. Seriously, that'll solve just about all of the problems that people have. Yes, it can be a pain in the neck to not always have Administrative powers, but it's worth it. You gain a lot of protection that way.

Also, don't just type your admin password whenever you're asked to. Really think about it. Did I just ask to install something? Why is it asking for my password?

Don't download files illegally from torrents or p2p networks. Just don't do it. You're almost guaranteed an infection if you engage in that practice. Don't run software that doesn't come from a trusted source. Don't have your browsers and email programs set to automatically open attachments. Don't open PDFs or flash files from untrusted sources. (In fact, I block flash entirely. It won't run unless I click on it. Flashblock for Chrome FTW).

:-D

[encece]

I've tried a couple in the past but the NEVER found ANYTHING (Except for Windows exe files I have in a folder...that most times are NOT corrupt)! What's the point?!

I end up deleting the AV software installed at the time, during my application purges.

[encece]

Tho I agree...falsely believing Mac's are immune is the biggest weakness of the system.

McAfee should be releasing their own mac-viruses to sell software any day now!

[Jeff Campbell]

Tho I agree...falsely believing Mac's are immune is the biggest weakness of the system.

McAfee should be releasing their own mac-viruses to sell software any day now!

Don't give them any ideas!! :p

[Jeff Campbell]

Still, some basic precautions can prevent just about any Mac infection. For example, don't run as administrator. Seriously, that'll solve just about all of the problems that people have. Yes, it can be a pain in the neck to not always have Administrative powers, but it's worth it. You gain a lot of protection that way.

:-D

Very good point!