Slashdot Mirror
Mac Users Blast Symantec ... Again
An anonymous reader writes "Once again Symantec has spouted FUD about Mac OS X ... perhaps in an attempt to make more money as Microsoft pushes its own security products? A commentary on the issue entitled "Symantec 'scare tactics' don't rattle Mac users" says Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report continues to voice concern for the security and stability of the Mac operating system, Mac OS X in particular. However, there isn't proper evidence to back this claim. Also from the story, readers are asked: Do Mac users think they are immune to security problems or is Symantec and others fishing for a new revenue stream? Do you think Apple should start following Microsoft's model by rating vulnerabilities and patches?"
... so they need to convince us there's a market.
Just like drug companies that release a cure for a disease you'd never heard of, just after 'credible' reports appear in the media showing that most of the poopulation suffer from it.
It's a scare tactic, pure and simple.
However, there is a small sting in the tail - Mac users have little to nothing to worry about today. Tomorrow may be another story entirely.
Just because a virus hasn't been written doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible to write one. There's a creeping feeling in the Mac world that we can't be touched by malware just because we're using Macs. That's a dangerous attitude in the long run.
Mac users need only take advantage of the built-in security, plus enable a few options.
The Firewall should be on by default, but clicking the 'Advanced' button reveals an option for stealth mode. That's always a good idea. In fact, while you're there, turn firewall logging on and come back to read the log in a week or two. That'll highlight any attempts at breaking in.
Keep the administrative account around, but use a non-admin one for day to day tasks. There's no reason not to, and it forces a password check before any files outside the user's directory are altered.
Turn off the option to open 'safe' files after downloading in Safari.
There's a guide from the US NSA out there somewhere that's heavy going, but shows what good security looks like. Read a site like http://www.securemac.com/ once in a while to pick up a few tips.
Mac users needn't be as worried as Windows users should be, but a few ounces of prevention still go a long way.
Because you can't just drag some Applications over. Those installers put files in directories a normal user can't touch.
After all, I am strangely colored.