Forums
New posts
Articles
Product Reviews
Policies
FAQ
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
General Discussions
Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Im a pc and need help...
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="chas_m" data-source="post: 1005756"><p>This particular lie is third in the list of biggest whoppers, the second being "the cheque is in the mail." <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p></p><p>The "security through obscurity" myth is just that: a myth. Apple has quadrupled its marketshare over the last six years, including ad campaigns that specifically mention its immunity from Windows viruses, and yet here we are nearly 10 years after OS X launched and guess what? No viruses.</p><p></p><p>Why?</p><p></p><p>1. Mac OS X is built on UNIX. UNIX isn't Windows (to put it mildly). Viruses are written for Windows *because* Windows is riddled with holes. UNIX isn't. That's why the internet runs on it, why banks run on it, why the military runs on it. UNIX is just plain more secure than Windows.</p><p></p><p>2. On top of that, Mac OS X incorporates additional security, like shipping with ports closed, requiring admin passwords to install system-interacting software, and signed packages. Windows either does not do these things, or does them so poorly that hackers can circumvent it.</p><p></p><p>3. Mac OS X doesn't use the same system calls and APIs as Windows, so vulnerabilities aren't as easily exploited. Mac OS X isn't perfect either, but the combination of being completely different than Windows and requiring user authentication means the number of obstacles blocking a hacker's chance of success is high enough that its not worth the effort, and the OS severely limits the ability to do any real damage.</p><p></p><p>THAT's why Macs don't get (and aren't likely to ever get) viruses.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="chas_m, post: 1005756"] This particular lie is third in the list of biggest whoppers, the second being "the cheque is in the mail." :) The "security through obscurity" myth is just that: a myth. Apple has quadrupled its marketshare over the last six years, including ad campaigns that specifically mention its immunity from Windows viruses, and yet here we are nearly 10 years after OS X launched and guess what? No viruses. Why? 1. Mac OS X is built on UNIX. UNIX isn't Windows (to put it mildly). Viruses are written for Windows *because* Windows is riddled with holes. UNIX isn't. That's why the internet runs on it, why banks run on it, why the military runs on it. UNIX is just plain more secure than Windows. 2. On top of that, Mac OS X incorporates additional security, like shipping with ports closed, requiring admin passwords to install system-interacting software, and signed packages. Windows either does not do these things, or does them so poorly that hackers can circumvent it. 3. Mac OS X doesn't use the same system calls and APIs as Windows, so vulnerabilities aren't as easily exploited. Mac OS X isn't perfect either, but the combination of being completely different than Windows and requiring user authentication means the number of obstacles blocking a hacker's chance of success is high enough that its not worth the effort, and the OS severely limits the ability to do any real damage. THAT's why Macs don't get (and aren't likely to ever get) viruses. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
General Discussions
Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Im a pc and need help...
Top