Viruses, worms, and computer platforms

[ppayne]

I hate to open a thread that can turn into a big computer platform debate, but every time a new worm or trojan horse runs rampant on the Internet, I'm given a warm, pleasant feeling by the fact that my company (http://www.jlist.com) is an all-Mac company. Happily, the same reasons Macs can't run PC software protects them from damage in times like this. A virus on my computer is just a non-executable file. For the same reasons companies avoid a "one source supplier," I believe it's valid that companies choose a computing system that isn't going to be vulnerable to the same weaknesses as the rest of the world. Our choice of using Macs has been a huge competitive advantage for us during the last 7 years.

I wonder how many on this list do their design with Macs? Since all the tools are cross-platform, I'll bet there are quite a few.

[southplatte]

The hot debate.....lol

Each platform will have it advantages and disadvantages....

Agreed that Mac/*nix isn't targeted like MS. However, there have been some nasty things done to those platforms in the past.

My thoughts? It isn't necessarily all MS's/PCs fault. Think about it....Macs comprise what..25%-30% of computers used for personal/biz workstation purposes, *nix another 20%? (theoretical figures) leaving MS Win to about 50% (known market share/dominance)? If I am a virus programmer, I want to inflict the most damange (purpose of the virus right?), just as in warfare, why target Mac or *nix for limited damage? (also, target *nix too much, and the very medium for viri distribution goes bye-bye, not just bogged down, as many high-end servers/connection centers use a variant of *nix)

Now, given that fact that security experts around the globe think that the recent viri have bigger plans in mind, what would you do? Inflict the most damage, push the limits, test the systematical disfunction, launch the big attack.

I commend you on using Mac across the company, and am glad you have had a postitive experience. I need to get one someday to play around with...it's about the only platform I don't have right now....lol

[Dragonsi]

I agree with southplatte, most virus's are targeted at MS systems because they are the majority and everyone hates the guy at the top. I made the choice of a windows system because
1. I needed a platform that would be compatible with my clients and
2. I can't afford to get 1 of each.

I have spent a lot of time and money making my network (80% win - 20% Linux) secure and touch wood - have remained safe so far. However, there are a lot of novice users that have only come into the computer domain in the last few years and these users have no idea about security and anti-virus protocol (opening emails etc) - These are the end users that are suffering and unfortuatly are not impressed with 'computers' not realising that its mainly windows o/s that are attacked. As for business users that don't protect themselves - they need proper education and consultancy in these matters.

At the end of the day, no matter which system / o/s you use, you need to protect yourself from attacks - never presume you are safe just because you use a Mac or Linux/Unix system - because one day, when you haven't backed up for a few weeks, something is going to happen and you could lose all your data, and that's gonna be painful.

Prevention is better than cure..