Study: Apple's Exposure to Net Threats Rises

[RedEarth]

As part of its current ad campaign, Apple suggests that Macs aren't vulnerable to the same Internet security problems PCs are.

But according to a new study by security vendor Symantec, the number of vulnerabilities identified in Apple's Safari browser in the first half of 2006 doubled over the prior six months—and it increased its window of exposure to Net-based exploits from zero days to five.


Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser still has a longer window of exposure—the time between when code exploiting a vulnerability appears and when a fix is available—and a greater total number of security holes. But Apple "is headed in the opposite direction" with respect to its browser's vulnerability to Internet-based threats, says Dave Cole, director of Symantec's Security Response team.

Baseline contacted Apple last week requesting comment on the Symantec study, but the company did not provide a response by our Friday deadline.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2020601,00.asp

[tridim]

1. Can someone send me a pie graph of the data?

Because according to the same series of commercials, PC's can only display simple black & white pie graphs. ;)

[keopeli]

2. Apple? Vulnerable to viruses? No way. This can't be!

Apple was dumb to ever market their computer as though it is impervious to spyware and viruses. Frankly, I think this will eventually bite them in the ass! :)

[northzax]

4. Symantec? warning of viruses if you don't use their product?

NEVER! they are as big fearmongers as Messer Chimpanzee-in-chief is. whackjobs.

[Mika]

3. DAMN! Shoulda bought a Windoze machine.

:argh:

:evilgrin:

[Tesha]

5. Symantec is full of shit.

They selll anti-virus software, and just haven't been able to
crack the Apple market (because there are almost no viruses
that attack Macs).

By stirring up fear, they hope to stir up sales.

Tesha

P.S.: Even if there *WERE* viruses that attacked Macs, Symantec
would be the LAST PLACE IN EARTH I'D TURN TO FOR HELP.
Their last edition of Norton Disk Doctor for Mac damaged the
file systems on two separate Macs on which I tried it; we're
finished buying any Symantec software.

[Anakin Skywalker]

6. Sounds like Symantec wants some money

going their way.

[MGKrebs]

7. Apple may not be immune to viruses,

but the ones they get are in 3D and surround sound!

Symantec should offer virus protection for $.99 per threat.

[ramapo]

8. Macs are not immune, they just don't get any

We have a Mac mini, each kid has a P-book at college. Not a virus, worm or hiccup. I can't count how many times I rebuilt the piece of crap Windows system that my daughter had at school before I forced her to accept the P-book (which she now loves of course, except for the piece of crap power cord which we've replaced twice and is now basically impossible to get).