MAC Question (for techies only please)?

Question

I have read about the current controversy around a DNS patch that Apple has not addressed in a vigilant manner via slashdot. This has caused a stir on techie blogs ;)

Also - I recall a recent Safari security issue that they have not resolved yet either (or did I miss that?)

Now with all the Apple phones out there etc. = more MAC

I am curious.

MAC advertises on their website that their system is so well build - no need for Antivirus or Antispyware programs (hmmm).

Ya think that's a bit bold considering what is going on now?

If a person purchased a MAC now - would it be vigilant to install anyways?

Please advise ;)))

Answer 1

Yes, you should most definitely install anti-virus protection. The whole "macs don't get viruses" thing is silly. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 2

I have a MAC right now, and I have never had a problem with viruses or anything the whole time I have used it.

It might be smart to install a security system anyways, there is always a chance of a virus, but like I said, I have never had a problem with mine and I have never installed one before.

Answer 3

Security through obscurity, don'tcha know. ;-)

So far there have been only a few (3 or 4) working viruses out for Mac OS X. The security holes you talk about are just that. Not viruses though. Different thing. Mainly those are all about hackers taking control of your computer not through a virus, but directly through exploits in the OS. You can't really do much about this except wait for Apple to patch these security holes. And they will if they're willing or vigilant enough.

The viruses for Mac OS X are only as dangerous as your judgment. Meaning, they only are effective if you deliberately launch the trojan software they are distributed in. So far there have been a few proofs of concept and one out-in-the-wild virus. Which still needs action on your part to infect your Mac. Again, this is different than the Firefox, Safari and Mac OS X proper exploits found which are not helped along by a virus.

At this point I wouldn't bother with security software. My parents Macs have yet to experience a virus or a hack though an exploit. And usually the exploits they talk about are exploits done through infected websites. I think Facebook was infected once? I'm not sure, someone will have to verify that. But then again that exploited holes in non-Mac OS X browsers too.

I'd just practice safe surfing skills. Your behavior is your first defense.

Answer 4

OS X has its vulnerabilities like any other system, and it is true that Apple has been somewhat slow to respond to some recent published exploitable holes (compared to who, I don't know).  You are right to draw a conclusion that the iPhone may make OS X a more tempting target for malware, but OS X on the iPhone != OS X on the Mac.  I don't run any anti-virus on my Mac, and in over a decade I have never had any trouble with malware.  Maybe one day that will change, but for now any anti-virus software on the Mac is a placebo for technohypochonriacs.