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Securing Mac OS X

Posted by pudge on from the unplugging dept.

LogError writes "This paper addresses operating system hardening in terms of patching, administration roles, and setting passwords. It also provides information on Mac OS X network security: namely, basic firewall configuration and hardening of network services such as FTP, SSH, and Apache."

5 of 63 comments (clear)

  1. They score some points with me on a first skim... by mellon · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ...because they mention antivirus software and do not claim that it will be of any value other than possibly satisfying corporate IS requirements.

  2. Securing Mac OS X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Step 1: Turn on the Mac.
    Step 2: There is no step 2!

    Scoff if you want to, but I've never had to spend a couple hours trying to pry any malware out of my Macs-- but most of my billable time lately has been spent doing just that on clients' Windows boxes.

    When Norton Antivirus, Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware and CoolWebShredder together aren't enough to delouse the average PC and keep it clean, IMHO it's just time to give up on Windows.

  3. Re:They score some points with me on a first skim. by Jord · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Do you really think buying a piece of anti-virus software now will protect you from some virus in the future?

    Right now -- Today, anti-virus software for Mac OS X is worthless. There are no viruses to check for on OS X for it to protect against. IF or when a virus or a worm comes out for OS X then anti-virus software will have a use. Until then, you are just wasting money.

    Just like anti-virus software for Linux, it is the modern day snake oil.

    --
    seSales, Point of Sale software for OS X.
  4. Re:They score some points with me on a first skim. by Altus · · Score: 1, Interesting


    what makes you think that anit-virus software written for OS X will even be able to detect a windows virus lying dormant in a file. The code wont even execute on the processor. the anti-virus software is not going to have deffinitions for viruses that dont exist on the platform that the software was designed for.

    --

    "In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women..." -H. Simpson

  5. Re:Missing: Important sshd_config changes by jeffasselin · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Interesting. Mac OS X 10.1 and 10.2 had this disabled by default, it appears Apple have made this change in 10.3. I normally always use the user account and then use su/sudo anyway.

    --
    If he explores all forms and substances Straight homeward to their symbol-essences; He shall not die.