Serious virus...

[NFG]

For the uneducated, could someone explain why macs are not subject to viruses?

 

Just to clarify, Macs don't suffer from x86 coded viruses, because the code dosn't run.

 

They can suffer from a few strains of malware & all computers are vulnerable to attacks through the browser, ie: MIM, MIB type scenarios. I advise everyone to use the NoScript plug-in, paticually if they bank on-line, it ups browser security considerably.

 

There is also Malware that relies on the user to install it, but the default is set to a trusted signed developer although it is possible to over-ride this. This type of attack often uses social engineering - "install this viewer to see my..." (pron? etc)

 

Im a strong believer that Mac users should use an Antivirus product, I use Sophos because its free & rather good https://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx this also includes content filtering of web sites & warning of possible attack sites - ie: Ad slingers on some sites are poorly controlled & recently used to install malware, which Sophos blocked. Its also a good thing to prevent any (otherwise) undetected viruses in e-mail being forwarded to PC using friends or family.

 

Computer security, is a complex, constantly changing subject you can no-longer just install antivirus & forget about it. Controlling scripts in the browser, blocking tracking cookies with Ghostery & site content control are all needed.

 

N

Edited February 7, 2017 by NFG

[Dannyjack]

Macs are subject to viruses they just haven't been as common.

 

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[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Thanks for clearing that up.