[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Hackers Take Aim at Mac OS X here

[Yert]

This isn't anything new. That said, all one should really need for security is a firewall and a scanner to scan new files. Perhaps a cleaner, but the operating system should have a firewall. Antivirus doesn't cost a dime, and a good firewall can be found too (Avast! and AVG anyone? Firewalls are usually built in, but can be found free too.)

And nobody tell me that Apple is secure when they can't write Quicktime and iTunes without getting an exploit more then once a week on average for 2007.

Exploits happen, people whine, advertising works to get people to go do things. This is the natural order of life.

[Adama]

Oh noooooooooooo! Hackers hacking into MAC? Say it ain't so, please.

[FuturDreamz2]

I'll believe that when the first virus, not a trojan, comes to Mac OS X, and causes at least 1% as much damage as a good (or is that bad?) Windows virus. Let alone not being mostly forgotten after a week.

[geneb19]

This is just a rehash of an already known and accepted problem with ALL OS's. Why didn't the author of the article at least include some suggestions on how to harden OS X? They made a set of predictable generalizations and open ended statements and closed the article. Not good reporting in the least.

[kainewynd2]

While I agree with the tenor of the story, I'm sorry, but this part is just wrong...

"What's more, most IT shops can automatically patch large numbers of PCs at the same time, while Macs generally have to be patched one at a time, he said."

It is significantly easier to schedule updates or install specific security packages using the correct administrative tools (ARD, Software Update) than Windows machines. Maybe next time you should consult an OS X Sysadmin who knows what they are doing than someone who has a couple Macs in their environment...

[FenderGuy2112]

Blah, OS X is practically virus free now a days. Of course people are going to mess with it.

FenderGuy2112

[msackett0]

2007's most underreported tech stories? How about 2007's biggest non-story. In fact there was one trojan, OSX.RSPLUG.A and with a single variation.
The "victims" were groaning, one-handed porno surfers who downloaded, opened, furnished a password and installed the trojan.
Vulnerabilities are not even attempts, let alone successful assaults.
I do however use VirusBarrier X4 and Little Snitch. And, I'm smart enough not to open attachments or downloads from unknowns.
But, critical, the sky is falling comments are to be expected from "technical experts" who probably don't know the difference between MAC and Mac.

[mactoeknee]

"Actual attacks on the Mac platform are still unusual. But as it becomes a juicier target, that will change."
No kidding. I've heard that for a long time. Macs are a more juicier target than ever, mainly because the tech media is continually writing articles like this which make it ever more certain that the first real self-propagating worm to affect the platform, whether or not it does damage or is merely proof of concept, will make its author a virtual star of the industry. But still, nothing comes. Surely something will, someday, but I don't see the need to have much concern until that day I see such news splashed all over the headlines.
Secondly, "Apple Remote Desktop" software for administration of multiple Macs is extremely powerful, and an unlimited client license costs less than a 10-client license for similar Windows admin software. This guy knows little of which he writes. It's easy and inexpensive to keep Macs patched and safe. I know, I am admin to 400 Macs and 150 PCs.

[geneb19]

Thank you and the others who have pointed out the obvious...it was needed. Mac's are easier to patch by a long shot than the Windows platform ever will be. It would be nice if research for this articles was performed and conjecture was a thing of the past. Unfortunately that's not going to happen since it isn't "news worthy" and doesn't garner readers. Oh well, the "truth will be known" anyway.

Happy New Year to one and all!!!

Gene

[lonewolf22]

While I am a MAC user myself, I also have Windows XP and Vista in my inventry. I like my MAC and at the moment do not have any antivirus running on it. Patching the MAC is quite quick I must say. But I also know that MACs can be comprised as well and NO OS is safe from hacks. I like Windows because I am a gamer and it offers more for gamers than a MAC can offer.