Mac Defender: Pay attention but don't panic

25.05.2011

For years, Macs have been free of the soul-crushing malware problems that have plagued Windows PCs. Despite the Mac Defender incident, I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

Some attacks still take advantage of security holes in the computer—especially in Windows XP and in Flash or Java plugins. But we see far fewer successful attacks on modern operating systems like Windows 7 or OS X. Microsoft recently that only 4 out of 1000 32-bit PCs are infected by malware—and only 2.5 out every 1000 for 64-bit. Windows 7 is actually more secure than OS X, but the gap narrows every year. And there simply isn’t the same attack ecosystem for Macs, nor are we likely to .

So while Mac users will likely see more malware, it’s highly improbable we (or Windows 7 users) will ever experience what those who are still running Windows XP battle today.

But two other factors are changing the Mac security landscape. First, Apple products are growing rapidly in popularity. At the same time, the overall Internet security environment is more hostile than a cantina on Tatooine. For years now, cyber-attacks have been more about hacking your brain than your computer. We all face a massive, daily onslaught of Internet-based scams. The technical security of your computer isn't the most important factor—but your Mac is still the target.