Toolkit

Story: OSX 'at risk from attack'

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Failing of course to mention that yes- although virii and other malicious attacks can be launched against ANY OS from any vendor- it is very hard to do so against a Unix-based OS.

As market share of OS X increases, what you will find is that people will realise just how weak MS is, and how feeble are "security" firms such as Symantec who actually build their business model on malicious code happening. And here's a conspiracy theory for you: Symantec want Mac users (especially new ones) to adopt their software, so the best way of doing that is by scaring them into a purchase.

If you keep your system (OS X system) patched, and use sound passwords, and then implement the excellent FileVault technology on your home drive (especially for mobile users), and OpenFirmware password etc etc., then the likelihood of getting a serious security threat on your system has been reduced as humanly as possible, bar disconnecting it from the internet altogether. Rather than spending stupid amounts of time on Symantec products you really don't need and inordinate amounts of time big fixing the big fixer!

Rest easy. OS X and Linux/Unix is the secure(er) way to go. It has nothing to do with popularity, but instead all to do with poor code design and weak OS implementation from the ground up that Windows is so bug-ridden. Sticking plasters over Windows' poor security model is one way of ensuring that Windows users will never have a safer and more productive envirobment through which to work. And some of that has to do with poorly implemented and intrusive anti-virus and "security" software from people like Symantec!

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