SG Windows IT Pro Group

I always hear IMAC user said that they are never affected by Malware or they have no worry if their machine is not installed with Anti-Virus. I have adviced them that all OS which builds on codes will have bug and bug leads to attack from Hacker in the Net. It is just the matter of time when(?) the Hacker sees that there are getting more user of IMAC which is happening now!

Well, On 11th Dec 2008 (I only read this today which is already 16th Dec 2008), MyPaper has the news indicating that Imac users are affected by Malware more often already. So, I hope that we all should create some awareness to those Imac users that they should install their machihe with Anti-Virus so as to keep Malware and Spam away!

Since I know IT PRO do not have time to read "physical" or online newspapers. I have extracted the portion from MyPaper of 11th Dec 2008 on IMac Users are affecting by Malware too! (Hope I never violate any CopyRight Law!! :P)

Well, Happy Reading and do remember! IT Sec_rity is meaningless with "U" (Let everyone who uses computers knows...)

ah.. so finally it's getting to mac now.. haha.. i must admit i used to think mac is quite safe in the sense that there are limited attacks.. now it's finally coming.. so i guess linux is still quite safe? =X

Well, i think to have a fair comment, there isn't such a thing called safe.

I serious doubt Linux is safe. Its probably not getting much attention yet. There was an NSA report listing which OS has the least vulnerability.
But i think a more serious look at it would be the company behind the OS. I'm saying this not because i work for Microsoft.

Think about this. How many of us out there, has the ability to patch your own codes. As in, if you discover a vulnerability, do you have the ability to correct and bits and prepare an attack? I can easily say more than 99% don't know how to. Microsoft has a security response unit running round the clock to work on such security issues.

They are currently working round the clock for an IE7 vulnerability. And they have a mechanism to distribute this to all machines.

I have not seen another operating system with a comprehensive update mechanism like Microsoft Update.
There are times where things *** up, but let give them the dued credit.

Linux is safe?? Think again. I highly doubt Linux is bullet proof, but once hit, can i respond as fast? And if there is a response unit to patch codes, which distribution, which version, do you get notified?

I ever heard from a security guru, an operating system is as secure as how often you update it, and keep it updated. No one in this world dare claims their software is safe. :-)

nah.. of course there's no safe.. what i meant in terms of safe was that nobody (or little) bothered to exploit the loopholes.. just like mac.. it used to be "safe" (not literally of course, if you get what i meant), but due to the increased take-up, they're now being targetted too..

it's just like the web.. people used to think it's safe surfing the net and stuff.. until attacks start shifting from network to web.. and came along web 2.0, drastically increasing the sweetness of exploits.. these guys sure knows where to look to..

Yup. I get what you mean.

However, remember to be secure and stay secure. Regardless of OS, i think we should all be very security conscious.
Web2.0 does introduce new things, and yes, when there are new things, there will be new methods to exploit.

Just like those scams. Be safe!!

Hi All... Just remember what we learn in our school days? Every 1000 line of codes, there will definately be a fault. So, for any Operating System, there will be security holes! It is just whether anyone want to explore deeper and attack it.

Ok.. More news, For those who might think that Xmac do not have patches, well, refer to the link before and you will realise that Xmas do have patches to run too. (Linux got more too... )

Apple has released a peck of patches to cover at least 21 documented security vulnerabilities affecting Mac OS X users (Xmas Gift from Mac)~ http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=2311

Well, like what Dennis said, every computer user should be security conscious... Do not care what OS you are using... the moment you are sharing information online or offline, you have to be careful; and as IT PRO, we must create the awareness to everyone around us so as to lower down or slow down the rate of trojan or malware from spreading.

Cheers.

Totally agreed!
There is no full proof OS in this world.
It's a similar metaphor like taking a plane is more dangerous than driving a car.
I guess what we could do is to secure our PC/Notebook with regular updates/firewall/anti-virus/spyware/spam software ;(

I think that we can't just "secure PC/notebook" now. We need to educate the users too. That could save you much precious time solving issues. As the saying goes: Prevention is better than cure! ;-)