All quiet on the security front
Not much going on at the moment on the Mac security front. Hopefully this won’t change any time soon. So here are key parts of an ongoing dialog that’s been taking place on Macintouch that include some interesting opinions on anti-virus software. The dialog was sparked mainly by a comment from Open Door’s Alan Oppenheimer, founder, president and co-author of ISFYM. But the contrary opinions are certainly quite valid as well.
Richard Tench 5/9/06
Wow. I saw your link to Apples "Mac Maintenance Quick Assist". Just a few notes on the "advice" Apple gives in there...
(8) Check for Viruses
OK, this one's debatable, but I think the amount of lost files or hosed systems on OS X *caused* by anti-virus sofware far exceeds the amount of similar damage caused by viruses on OS X to date. If you're into "risk management" think about real world experience to-date, not the FUD being broadcast by the security vendors.
(8) Check for Viruses
OK, this one's debatable, but I think the amount of lost files or hosed systems on OS X *caused* by anti-virus sofware far exceeds the amount of similar damage caused by viruses on OS X to date. If you're into "risk management" think about real world experience to-date, not the FUD being broadcast by the security vendors.
Alan Oppenheimer 5/11/06
The first sentence [few lost files or hosed systems] seems correct, but I disagree with the implications of the second one. It's like saying you should eliminate your insurance because you haven't needed it yet. In fact, in the current environment, it's like eliminating your insurance when you've been warned a hurricane or fire is on the way!
(Note: Open Door Networks, an Internet security company, does not sell anti-virus software, but we do feel it's critical to any Internet-based computer's security)
Marc Rhodes 5/12/06
I would quibble with the insurance analogy in this way:
My house has not been destroyed by a tornado but I know that many houses have been.
My Mac running OS X has not been destroyed by a virus. Have any Macs running OS X been destroyed by a virus?
David Charlap 5/15/06
Good analogy. Insurance isn't free. Before deciding you need it, you must consider the cost of the insurance, the likelihood that you'll need to make use of it, and the amount you'll lose if you choose to not have it and the circumstance you're insuring against occurs...
Anti-virus software is similar. So far, there has not been a single Mac OS X virus. The only people issuing warnings are manufacturers of anti-virus products. And those products (obviously) can't protect against virusses that haven't been created.
If someone writes an OS X virus, people with antivirus products installed will be affects just as much as those without. Those with antivirus software will get updated DAT files a few days later - and will only be protected at that point. The rest of us can simply buy the program then - and be equally protected without having spent as much money.
Regardless of what NAI and Symantec's marketing departments say, the Mac is not going to instantly become the virus-haven that Windows is. When virusses become a problem, there will be plenty of time to go and buy and install appropriate software.
MacInTouch Reader 5/15/06
My house has not been destroyed by a tornado but I know that many houses have been. My Mac running OS X has not been destroyed by a virus. Have any Macs running OS X been destroyed by a virus?
On the other hand.... when you run a national television ad bragging about the lack of viruses written for your OS, you probably should brace yourself. Logic says that when you mass-distribute engraved invitations, someone's bound to show up for the party.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006