Posted on 09/25/2006 9:59:00 AM PDT by Panerai
As Apple's Mac OS X operating system increases in popularity, so does its exposure to internet-related security threats. Security firm Symantec has published its latest Internet Security Threat Report, revealing that the number of vulnerabilities identified in Apple's Safari Web browser doubled over the first half of 2006, and that the amount of time Safari users were vulnerable to exploits before Apple released a security fix increased from zero days to five. During the first six months of 2006 malicious users discovered 12 bugs in Safari, 47 bugs in Mozilla Firefox, and 38 bugs in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Mozilla on average fixed its bugs within one day of exploits surfacing, Apple within five days, Microsoft within nine days, and Opera two days.
"There is no safe browser," said Symantec Security Response senior director Vincent Weafer. "If you've got a browser, make sure you're configuring it correctly. [...] That's a far better strategy than running some browser just because you haven't heard of it."
Weafer notes that as more companies offer monetary rewards for discovering and reporting exploits, more users are searching for ways to compromise security. Additionally, more attackers are targeting users running applications, as these prove easier to compromise than hardened servers.
bttt
Had a Mac since 1995, never had a virus yet.
Better headline: Microsoft takes almost twice as long to fix browser bugs. or: We're Symantec, Please Buy Our Stuff for OSX!
I am trying to think of twelve Safari vulnerabilities that Apple allowed to remain open for 5 days... and can't come up with them. Anybody? My recollection is that Apple was the one who announced any vulnerabilities and that was always at the time they released the fixes.
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
This is a blatant falsehood... if "malicious users" had discovered the 12 bugs in Safari, then there would have been twelve exploits of those bugs. There weren't. In actual fact, due to the open nature of OS X and its applications, the "malicious users" were UNIX programers who noted problems and reported them to Apple.
Apple fixed them.
Don't buy Norton... or anything from fear mongers such as Symantec.
I need recommendations on a new video card. My 3 year old dual G5 has a 9800 Pro, that is starting to fail. Looking for recommendations for replacing it.
Should we use Safari over Mozilla?
OS X has a built in firewall and stealth mode.
My daughter tried to connect and with all 'shields' down, STILL couldn't get thru...she could see the iMac but it wouldn't let her into iTunes.
I hate symantec anyway.
How is it failing? Before I'd replace it I would pull it out, clean the contacts on the edge connector with tuner cleaner and a slightly abrasive eraser, wipe it off, and then re-insert the card. I have found that 90% of the problems will go away if you try this.
Either is OK. Safari has a lot of power built into it... it's what I use.
Safari meshes nicely with the rest of OS X and is VERY fast. That being said, there are still a few web sites (that I use) where Safari will not work properly; then I fire up Firefox.
Same here.
In other news, Symantec continues its pathetic attempt to drum up Mac business by pulling new threats out of its @ss.
I was using Norton before OS X and still do. I have often wondered if it or anything else was really necessary. I use Safari mostly but have occasionally used the others out of curiosity.
Thanks will try that.
Only one reason why I'm 90% Firefox: drag and drop tabbing, baby!!
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