Thursday, April 26th 2012

Apple 10 Years Behind Microsoft on Security: Kaspersky Lab

A Flashback trojan that affected over 600,000 OS X machines with relative ease, earlier this month, exposed gaping holes in the OS X software architecture and got industry experts discussing how competent Apple is at dealing with the threat of malware, on its end. Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and co-founder of security company Kaspersky Lab, believes that Apple is "10 years behind Microsoft in terms of security," and the ease with which scores of OS X machines could be compromised by malware in the recent times formed the basis of his assertion.

"For many years I've been saying that from a security point of view there is no big difference between Mac and Windows. It's always been possible to develop Mac malware, but this one was a bit different. For example it was asking questions about being installed on the system and, using vulnerabilities, it was able to get to the user mode without any alarms," Kaspersky commented. Increase in malware and cybercrime against OS X machines, according to him are "just a question of time and market share. Cyber criminals have now recognised that Mac is an interesting area. Now we have more, it's not just Flashback or Flashfake. Welcome to Microsoft's world, Mac. It's full of malware."
Source: CBROnline
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52 Comments on Apple 10 Years Behind Microsoft on Security: Kaspersky Lab

#26
FreedomEclipse
~Technological Technocrat~
so much for those elitist Apple ifags who used to hark and lark non stop about how they didnt require 'bloatware' such as an anti-virus or firewall...Though some forum members would strongly debate that either isnt necessary and are more then happy to just scan for malware with Microsoft Security Tools every so often on the PC platform.

I run Kaspersky Internet Security. and I have never suffered a serious attack or hijack of anysorts.

I use my computer to buy stuff online also so a firewall and anti-virus are in place to keep my details safe.

a security package that charges a small fee isnt totally without its merits. I know some of you out there are happy to run with free security software.
Posted on Reply
#27
Depth
dorsetknobOR
morose delectation (English )
Roman holiday (English )
skadefryd (Danish and Norwegian )
skadeglädje.(Swedish )
epichairekakia (ἐπιχαιρεκακία) (Greek )

:nutkick::roll::laugh:
Skadefryd. Skade-fryd.
Skade - Injury, hurt, damage, harm
Fryd - Delight, enjoyment, contentment, pleasure, joy, glee, gladness, gratification

That should sum it up.
Posted on Reply
#28
MeanBruce
FreedomEclipseso much for those elitist Apple ifags who used to hark and lark non stop about how they didnt require 'bloatware' such as an anti-virus or firewall...Though some forum members would strongly debate that either isnt necessary and are more then happy to just scan for malware with Microsoft Security Tools every so often on the PC platform.

I run Kaspersky Internet Security. and I have never suffered a serious attack or hijack of anysorts.

I use my computer to buy stuff online also so a firewall and anti-virus are in place to keep my details safe.

a security package that charges a small fee isnt totally without its merits. I know some of you out there are happy to run with free security software.
I sent this link to all my friends in California, who call themselves an "Apple Family" oh God! Now they have something to worry about.

Kaspersky is good, Norton Internet Security 2012 has a slicker interface and seems faster, and its a tweekers dream, pages of options. They have a free trial, nothing to lose by trying free stuff.:D
Posted on Reply
#29
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
FreedomEclipsea security package that charges a small fee isnt totally without its merits. I know some of you out there are happy to run with free security software.
The highlighted part is what's important. Because that can totally be worth money, but just AV I think is not.
Posted on Reply
#30
TurdFergasun
it's funny how a company that sells antivirus on one platform and nothing on the other could come to this incredibly objective conclusion. there's no potential for a conflict of interest within this infotainment at all.
Posted on Reply
#31
HillBeast
This security hole is even more obvious when you buy a Mac, go into the Settings, go to Firewall and see it's off. That's right, Macs ship with a firewall... that is disabled.
Posted on Reply
#32
tomkaten
it's funny how a company that sells antivirus on one platform and nothing on the other could come to this incredibly objective conclusion. there's no potential for a conflict of interest within this infotainment at all.
I think we're all aware of that, and you're most probably right, but we were just gloating over the "look, he needs the kitchen sink to protect his stuff" attitude of Apple's worst supporters and the way it's about to backfire.
Posted on Reply
#33
FreedomEclipse
~Technological Technocrat~
TurdFergasunit's funny how a company that sells antivirus on one platform and nothing on the other could come to this incredibly objective conclusion.
Its funny how someone with an above average level of intelligence can run their mouth without doing a little research before hand and save themselves looking like a complete idiot.

F.Y.I





(Read product description - Mac Compatible)


Theyve been making software for the Mac for a while now
Posted on Reply
#34
MeanBruce
Umm people buy into a piece of software or hardware and then they want to defend it’s honor with a gun, I think that’s a bit on the far side of crazy.
Posted on Reply
#35
FreedomEclipse
~Technological Technocrat~
MeanBruceUmm people buy into a piece of software or hardware and then they want to defend it’s honor with a gun, I think that’s a bit on the far side of crazy.
If that was directed at me, Im just correcting inaccurate information.
Posted on Reply
#36
techtard
Its been known for a while that MacOS relied on security through obscurity.
But the rise of the i-device, and increased adoption of the Mac platform would naturally attract malware.

I'm surprised there's not a lot more Mac malware. Their userbase is mostly technically illiterate and completely ignorant on the security front. Plus, they have proven to have more expendable cash just by buying into the platform and accessories.
Posted on Reply
#37
lyndonguitar
I play games
they should keep making those mac malwares...
Posted on Reply
#38
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
this should smack the smugness out of mactards
Posted on Reply
#39
GSquadron
Weird. A lot of people told me they bought Macs for security purposes!
Anyway, didn't know it was so vulnerable.
Posted on Reply
#40
TurdFergasun
FreedomEclipseIts funny how someone with an above average level of intelligence can run their mouth without doing a little research before hand and save themselves looking like a complete idiot.

F.Y.I

Theyve been making software for the Mac for a while now
now with your superior intellect can you surmise the quantities of AV product they sell on one platform vs the other? because you know osx is so insecure they must sell their vast majority of product to people running it right? you'd figure they'd want to steer people towards the weakest platform where they sell the most product right? i guess thats why they're trying to get all those customers on osx to know how vulnerable an os it is to switch people to that pinnacle of programming might and security: windows, the platform they clearly sell barely any units on.

a marketing sponge is you.
Posted on Reply
#41
FreedomEclipse
~Technological Technocrat~
TurdFergasunnow with your superior intellect can you surmise the quantities of AV product they sell on one platform vs the other? because you know osx is so insecure they must sell their vast majority of product to people running it right? you'd figure they'd want to steer people towards the weakest platform where they sell the most product right? i guess thats why they're trying to get all those customers on osx to know how vulnerable an os it is to switch people to that pinnacle of programming might and security: windows, the platform they clearly sell barely any units on.

a marketing sponge is you.
and there you go twisting the argument and throwing your toys out of the pram with personal attacks. :toast:


How many units they sell is irrelevant, there are 3 products there and ready and available on the market either bought directly from Kaspersky or through other merchants/retailers on and offline.


you said products werent available - so i corrected you. how many units kaspersky managed to shift has no place in the argument.
Posted on Reply
#42
3volvedcombat
Generally I can understand why the comment was made that Apple is generally 10 years behind in the security/malware protection.

It's 2012 now, but sometimes I find myself confused when watching movies from 8 to 10 years ago because their really similar to what I see today.

Apple has not had that much experience when malware or virus pandemics.

Microsoft has been thru way to much malware and virus attacks hands down. They generally have some very gridlocked protection, and they tend to plan ahead with their security protection.

Its kinda like comparing UFC fighter career prospects.
One fighter is going to have 40 wins with half of them KO,s.
The other fighter only has 5 total fights, 3 wins, and 1 KO.

Generally the more Experienced fighter is going to win and gave the tools to do it.
The other fighter not so much.
Posted on Reply
#43
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
Reason MS is like that now is they did have market share loss during the First Days of XP.
3volvedcombatGenerally I can understand why the comment was made that Apple is generally 10 years behind in the security/malware protection.

It's 2012 now, but sometimes I find myself confused when watching movies from 8 to 10 years ago because their really similar to what I see today.

Apple has not had that much experience when malware or virus pandemics.

Microsoft has been thru way to much malware and virus attacks hands down. They generally have some very gridlocked protection, and they tend to plan ahead with their security protection.

Its kinda like comparing UFC fighter career prospects.
One fighter is going to have 40 wins with half of them KO,s.
The other fighter only has 5 total fights, 3 wins, and 1 KO.

Generally the more Experienced fighter is going to win and gave the tools to do it.
The other fighter not so much.
Posted on Reply
#44
Easy Rhino
Linux Advocate
this will not affect sales.
Posted on Reply
#45
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
Easy Rhinothis will not affect sales.
cuz majority of Mac Users improperly Informed/misguided/idiots/smug
Posted on Reply
#46
Easy Rhino
Linux Advocate
eidairaman1cuz majority of Mac Users improperly Informed/misguided/idiots/smug
i have found that not to be the case. in fact, i have found that over the past 3 years it is the windows users that are incredibly smug. apple users just want something that looks nice and won't cause them any "perceived" trouble.

listen, apple made computers cool. this pissed off people who use computers (nerds) because it meant it was taking away from their identity.

it really is facinating to watch all of this unfold.
Posted on Reply
#47
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
Easy Rhinoi have found that not to be the case. in fact, i have found that over the past 3 years it is the windows users that are incredibly smug. apple users just want something that looks nice and won't cause them any "perceived" trouble.

listen, apple made computers cool. this pissed off people who use computers (nerds) because it meant it was taking away from their identity.

it really is facinating to watch all of this unfold.
Ive Used Apple/Mac PPC before the Windows Computer, Wasnt impressed then, Im not impressed now. Look at the pricing they carry too considering you can build a machine for way less and it outperforms the MAC.
Posted on Reply
#48
3870x2
Easy Rhinoi have found that not to be the case. in fact, i have found that over the past 3 years it is the windows users that are incredibly smug. apple users just want something that looks nice and won't cause them any "perceived" trouble.

listen, apple made computers cool. this pissed off people who use computers (nerds) because it meant it was taking away from their identity.

it really is facinating to watch all of this unfold.
While you are right about the nerd identity thing, I will have to side with him as an IT professional and agree that while they may not be smug, apple users are very ignorant when it comes to technological depth.

They do tend to do well with their devices and can sometimes be knowledgeable.
Posted on Reply
#49
Steevo
TurdFergasunnow with your superior intellect can you surmise the quantities of AV product they sell on one platform vs the other? because you know osx is so insecure they must sell their vast majority of product to people running it right? you'd figure they'd want to steer people towards the weakest platform where they sell the most product right? i guess thats why they're trying to get all those customers on osx to know how vulnerable an os it is to switch people to that pinnacle of programming might and security: windows, the platform they clearly sell barely any units on.

a marketing sponge is you.
us.norton.com/home2/promo
www.pandasecurity.com/enterprise/solutions/mac-corporate-edition/
www.avast.com/free-antivirus-mac
www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/254645/avast_offers_free_security_for_mac_os_x.html
www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
discussions.apple.com/thread/3858025?start=0&tstart=0
store.apple.com/au_smb_4860/product/H7607PA/A <- Holy shit, Apple supports Anti-Virus, whoda thunk it?
www.macworld.com/article/1137267/antivirusremoved.html
"Since no system can be 100% immune from every threat, running anti-virus software may offer additional protection," said Evans, and Apple Spokesman"
support.apple.com/kb/PH4251


Ur so right
Posted on Reply
#50
Easy Rhino
Linux Advocate
3870x2While you are right about the nerd identity thing, I will have to side with him as an IT professional and agree that while they may not be smug, apple users are very ignorant when it comes to technological depth.

They do tend to do well with their devices and can sometimes be knowledgeable.
apple users are less knowledgable but who cares? why does that have to take away from our (tech know-it-alls who post on tpu) fun? of course it doesn't have to make what we do any less cool. the belittling of apple users on tpu has grown propotionally to the popularity of apple users over the past 3 years. it just seems like very childish behavior to me. who cares if some 19 year old apple hipster thinks his mac is cool? good for him! who cares if some apple snob thinks his mac can't get viruses. it will!
Posted on Reply
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