Macs and viruses? - Page 3

Napoleon_PhoneApart · 10-25-2008, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by monkeysrock0622

Because Apple puts so much time into making every single part of their operating system so secure that it doesn't get viruses (yet) that way they have another advantage over windows.

And technically its not impossible, its just very very VERY hard.

The iPhone is supposedly very secure against hacking attempts as well, and we can all see what the results of that security have been.

Napoleon_PhoneApart · 10-25-2008, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by FlwrPwer

Another reason there are no viruses is because the intent behind creating a virus is to hit as many users as possible. There are more windows users than mac users, so it makes more sense to write a windows virus. It'll affect more people and companies.

Why waste your time writing a virus if it's not gonna cause as many people pain? (not my opinion, just the idea behind creating viruses for macs).

But as the Mac becomes more popular...

aenti · 10-25-2008, 12:14 PM

This is possibly the best topic for me, as a current PC user/owner.

I was never too sure with Macs because of their virus protection. When they become more popular (which they will be, with Apple's "new" approach) I'm not sure if OSX will be safe. This is the only reason I haven't switched yet.

Napoleon_PhoneApart · 10-25-2008, 01:37 PM

[DARTH VADER] "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed.."[/DARTH VADER]

Lincoln · 10-25-2008, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by aenti

This is possibly the best topic for me, as a current PC user/owner.

I was never too sure with Macs because of their virus protection. When they become more popular (which they will be, with Apple's "new" approach) I'm not sure if OSX will be safe. This is the only reason I haven't switched yet.

(Obviously) I say go ahead and switch. The big reason that there aren't any viruses for OSX is that, yes, it's less popular. But really, OS X is more secure than Windows. It's simply harder to create a virus for it.

acosmichippo · 11-02-2008, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by Lincoln

(Obviously) I say go ahead and switch. The big reason that there aren't any viruses for OSX is that, yes, it's less popular. But really, OS X is more secure than Windows. It's simply harder to create a virus for it.

i wouldn't go that far.

anyway, back to the OP... $13,000 reward to the first virus for mac? from apple? Think about it. This is the company that makes developers PAY to be a part of the iphone software dev community.

Why would they encourage the creation of malware when it's their main selling point? Programmers and hackers are not ones to take challenges lightly.

Londonrockz568 · 11-02-2008, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by Napoleon_PhoneApart

The iPhone is supposedly very secure against hacking attempts as well, and we can all see what the results of that security have been.

Theres a huge difference between being hacked...and the user hacking his own device for features not originally available.

You can say the same for a PC user. My friend hacked his own PC to create opaque/transparent start menu, file folders, windows. There would be a large difference if someone hacked his computer and obliterated system files.

Napoleon_PhoneApart · 11-02-2008, 06:16 AM

Yes, but the Mac is just another platform for hackers to attack eventually. Whether or not it's more difficult to write a virus for is irrelevant, as hackers love a challenge and will write for it. If and when the Mac commands a sizable enough market share to warrant it, the attacks will come...

aknightstale41 · 11-02-2008, 06:45 AM

Interesting, I knew macs were virus resistant, but I didn't know they could "not" get a virus at all. Do they get popups or ebombs which aren't viruses?

Napoleon_PhoneApart · 11-02-2008, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by aknightstale41

Interesting, I knew macs were virus resistant, but I didn't know they could "not" get a virus at all. Do they get popups or ebombs which aren't viruses?

In my opinion, Macs are not virus-proof. Hackers just don't create viruses (virii?) for Macs because they crave the attention that widespread havoc causes, and the Microsoft Windows PC market is much more prevalent right now.

So, Macs are pretty safe for now, but if their market share ever expands to Microsoft-like levels, watch out.