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January 25, 2008, 01:47 PM ET
Macs May Lose Safety Advantage Over Windows
Macs just aren’t as safe as they used to be. Users of Macintosh computers, including many in higher education, have touted their machines’ superiority over Windows and PC’s when it comes to resisting hack attacks and viruses. But according to Sophos, a computer-security firm that just issued a report on security problems, Macs are losing their safety edge.
“Although Macs have a long way to go in the popularity stakes before they overtake PC’s, particularly in the workplace, their increased attractiveness to consumers has proven irresistible to some criminal cybergangs,” Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said in a written statement.
Such criminals have, up until now, largely ignored Macs because so many poorly protected Windows machines serve as ripe targets. But in late 2007, versions of the malicious OSX/RSPlug Trojan horse were planted on Web sites to infect Mac surfers, with the goal of identity theft and phishing, the Sophos report says.
Since the malware worked, there may be more Mac attacks in 2008 — that’s the way these things go. But if Mac users adopt good computer hygiene (scan for viruses, don’t accept unknown e-mail, etc.), then attackers will probably renew their focus on the larger target, Windows, and leave Macs alone. —Josh Fischman
Categories: Security
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