Linux on Mac Could Spike Attackers' Interest

Hi,

yes we've heard and read this over and over again. But as a matter of fact I've never experienced a single worm, virus or similar since 1997. Of cause my box is regularly connected, if I would take Symantecs statements regarding Linux security for granted I should be worried all the time! Call me a comfortable numb or whatever you like. If you mind some basic rules while setting up your box or network there shouldn't be too much troublesome situations arise. Well, I don't say that there isn't any security problem running Linux, but I think most of Symantecs statements should be regarded as lobbying tightly bound to their own business interests.

Thomas

"So if you are running Linux you want to run Linux AV (antivirus) software.". To defend against all those non-existant Linux viruses in the wild, of course.

"If you are running Linux as the primary OS and are using the Internet, you are still open to security-based holes that Unix systems have.". Huh? So my Linux box is going to get hacked via a bug in Solaris, and my UNIX-based OS/X box is immune?

"The operating system is disappearing as far as the computer experience is concerned. Now, the computer experience is all about what you do online and how careful you are.". Uhh, wait, you just singled out UNIX in the previous quote.

The article implies MacOS is more secure than Linux, without giving any arguments. They're both UNIX-like OSes, and equally likely to have "UNIX vulnerabilities" whatever those may be. There is an implication of Linux being more vulnerable because it is more popular, but we all know security by obscurity doesn't work. Actually MacOS with its large proprietary parts is likely to be less secure.

Symantec wants us to buy scanners for a few viruses that won't infect us anyway. If they don't work as root, have a simple firewall (anyone can use firestarter), and don't run programs that they found in random places on the net or in their email, desktop users are more than safe. And what is the typical place for a mac? Yup, a desktop.