Once upon a time, Mac users could brag they were much safer from malicious electronic attacks. After all, in the days before Google (GOOG), when Microsoft (MSFT) was the only uber-player in town, Windows was the perpetual malware target. Phishers, however, aren't discriminating; they're just looking for an account to plunge. So, both Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft users are threatened. Virus writers do tend to focus on the Windows operating system, which owns 90% of the OS market, but phishers are platform independent.
Phishing involves attempts to get a user to reveal information about their accounts. Once the soon-to-be victim clicks that link or fills out a form, the "transaction" is complete -- no operating system interaction necessary. As a result, there really isn't any advantage to using a Mac over a PC.
Yet, the perception continues to dominate. Fifty-seven percent of Mac users believe it's safe to use their computers without any virus protection, according to a survey conducted by Eset, an antivirus firm. Meanwhile, only 27% of PC users feel this way.
Realistically, antivirus software doesn't do much in the way of phishing protection, and phishing attacks are spiking. Rather than try to tap the operating system, these hunters rely on your e-mail accounts, including Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo (YHOO) -- not to mention your social media tools, such as MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
According to Randy Abrams, director of technical education at Eset, "Phishing attacks are just as effective on Macs, Linux, Windows, Solaris, and any operating system since they rely on tricking the user and not upon malicious software or any software vulnerabilities." He also tells USA Today, "The Mac offers no immunity to phishing attacks and so we see an equal percentage of victim representation across the board."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-18-2009 @ 11:18AM
Beltway Greg said...
Ah, remember last Dec. 15th when Goldman downgraded Apple from $125 to $115 citing 'Nicks" in their execution or something? And remember Kathryn Huberty who downgraded Apple when it hit $100 and applied a twelve month target of $95? The kicker? Shaw Wu recently upgraded Palm and set a price target of $16.00. Has he lost his mind? The only way that this will happen is if Bono finds what he's looking for and purchases the rest of the company.
Kids, here's the deal. The information you put on the web especially on social media sites makes it easy for hackers, phishers, phish fans, Fleetwood Mac fans, Stevie Nicks, or anyone else to steal your identity. You give them 9 pieces of the puzzle and it's easy for them to find the 10th. However, I don't think Duanne Allmann would ever steal your identity.
11-18-2009 @ 11:26AM
fring said...
Doh... well knock me down with a limp sausage... who'd a thunk it?
Headline should be EVERYONE ON THE 'TUBES IS AT RISK FROM PHISHING
Sooooo... we were just phishing for hits, right?
11-18-2009 @ 11:40AM
eckerman said...
This is the dumbest article I ever read.
Phishing occurs due to the stupidity of the user. It has nothing to do with the computer used. In fact, phishing takes place using the U.S. Mail, telephone and door-to-door solicitors.
The headline is totally misleading against Apple. MS must be behind it. How about writing an article with the headline: The United States Mail isn't safe from phishing attacks. Duhhhh.
11-18-2009 @ 12:34PM
Jeff said...
Bait and switch.
11-18-2009 @ 1:33PM
Paul said...
Ahh yes.. Here we go again. Yes Mac fans, your religious icon (the Mac) is not immune. I guess that's what happens when you watch too many brainless and misleading I'm a Mac commercials. Reality check children..
11-18-2009 @ 3:52PM
hansbots said...
'Fifty-seven percent of Mac users believe it's safe to use their computers without any virus protection, according to a survey conducted by Eset, an antivirus firm.'
What has this to do with 'fishing'?
11-19-2009 @ 11:21AM
Cha-Che said...
Anyone who knew anything about computers and "phishing attacks" would know that any OS is vulnerable to these type of attacks. Using something other than Windows such as a Linux Distro, OSX, ect would help you from getting malware that could get such information off of your computer, but I'm sure the people who write malware/viruses could write one for OSX.