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Still No Viruses For Mac OS X
David Utter
Staff Writer
2006-07-14
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
Symantec's Security Response Weblog said there are no OS X viruses, but a discussion on the operating system and security still needs to take place.
Remember this controversial quote made by the SANS Institute in May?: "OS/X still remains safer than Windows, but its reputation for offering a bullet-proof alternative to Windows is in tatters."
Mac fans weren't real happy about that statement, and a handful sent along their thoughts to me for reporting it; good thing I have a flame-resistant monitor. Just as kids need to eventually learn that Santa Jobs really doesn't put iPods under the iChristmas iTree, Mac users need to understand that, yes Virginia, there are issues with the Mac OS X that need to be discussed.
Symantec said so, in their latest blog entry posted by Todd Woodward. "Just because there are no file-infecting viruses that can affect Mac OS X now, that doesn't mean there won't be a really nasty one released in the next five minutes," he wrote.
Before anyone recommends that Apple load up a couple of Escalades full of techies to cruise by Symantec's headquarters and pillage all of their red staplers, step back and take a breath. Here's what Apple has to say about viruses (in the fine print):
A Mac running with factory settings will protect you from viruses much better than a PC, but it's never a bad idea to run extra virus and security software.
Yes, even Apple acknowledges the potential. And Woodward writes that Apple has been "tested by worms, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other various security vulnerabilities."
After a problem with a component in Mac OS X, launchd, was reported, proof of concept code that demonstrated a launchd exploit hit the Web. Launchd handles all of the system startup processes in Mac OS X. You really don't want that one to be compromised.
"No operating system is without imperfections, and no computer connected to the Internet will ever be 100% immune from attack," Woodward said.
For everyone rooting for Mac to grow in market share, keep in mind that a larger userbase increases the attraction it receives from virus writers. Growth along with prudent caution will server the Mac community well.
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Tag: Mac OS X
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About the Author:
David Utter is a business and technology writer for SecurityProNews and WebProNews.
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