The Security Mentor

Mac users like to say they don't get viruses. Sometimes they say it's because the Mac system software is designed better.

SecurityFocus columnist Daniel Hanson disagrees. Is he right? Is the Mac not inherently secure?

The answer is that it's the wrong question. You'd ignore anybody who said they had a perfectly safe car. Be just as skeptical when people talk about secure computer systems. Whether your car crashes depends on whether you stay alert, keep the tires and brakes working, and drive in low-risk areas. Your computer's security depends on your thinking twice before installing software, keeping your firewall working, and staying out of questionable neighborhoods on the web.

The Macintosh world dodged a bullet recently with a serious security hole. It was as bad as anything in Windows but didn't lead to a massive virus outbreak. Microsoft defenders gloat that the only reason Mac users live in peace is that virus writers don't target the Mac.

"I'll take that", says a friend (may I quote you, Steve?). You'll get a better experience even if the Mac critics are right. To you the end user it doesn't make a difference whether a Mac is "inherently secure". Either way you'll still need to be careful and you'll still be safer than on Windows. Using Windows on the Internet today is like driving a red Corvette past the police station -- it makes you a target.