I was reading this article on ZDNET.com “Is Mac still the safer bet?” by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. This is a question that I have been asked many times also, “Is Mac safer than windows?” Although many times it sounded more like an affirmation than a question.
I wouldn’t say it’s safer, it’s just not as targeted. Once Mac becomes a target, the cyber criminals will have a lot of fun because of the lack of attention to security Mac users have. To switch platform with the sole reason of not having to think about security is very lame.
The Microsoft operating system is targeted for its many vulnerabilities including the end users, who have now started to take security really seriously. Mac users have to step up on their care for security. Most problems I find with Mac users are:
- Very simple (Unsecure) passwords
- Blind trust in any program that is available for Macs (because its safe right!)
- Addiction to desktop gadgets (because its safe right!)
- Keychain unconditional love – store all and any passwords (this combined with my first point can be a disaster)
- Will join any wireless network availabe (I am safe it’s a Mac)
- Last but not least… they are annoying. ;)
I do not intend to have a go at Apple/Mac and its users, but the lack of security awareness I have seen , specially the new ones recently switched from Windows, is scary. If a well developed targeted malware or virus were to be released now it would be a global disaster.
So my answer to the question is: “The operating system hasn’t been target untill then no one will know how much safer it is. Mac users brace yourselves!”
