“We were intrigued to receive a press release from McAfee today, warning us of vulnerabilities in Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. Not only were these vulnerabilities growing at an alarming rate, said the release, but ‘as more companies deploy Mac systems running on the Intel platform in mixed environments, the risk of infection will most likely increase.’ Fortunately for all of us, a second release had the answer: ‘McAfee today announced antivirus support for Intel-based Apple computers,'” ZDNet UK writes. “Phew. At last, the world is safe from the thousands of Intel-specific Mac viruses, worms, trojans and other malware that make today’s OS X experience one long struggle against evil. Or it would be, were there any. Which there aren’t. Not one… when we asked the company how big the risks actually were, it admitted that there was ‘no significant risk’ at the moment. But there might be in the future. People on Macs are complacent. Better safe than sorry.”
“For as long as OS X has been in the wild, discovered weaknesses and example code have been used by interested parties to predict actual attacks. Nothing remotely serious has materialised. In fact, if you look down the CERT list of alerts for 2005, the only one that mentions an Apple product by name is one caused by a bug in Symantec’s AntiVirus software for the Mac. Safe, effective risk management here involves taking the longest bargepole you can find and using it to not touch the snake oil,” ZDNet UK writes. “McAfee should be ashamed of itself, for raising fears of risks that do not exist, for coupling risks to Intel chips by association – which borders on the libelous – and for encouraging the very complacency it claims to cure. This push to sell inappropriate solutions will damage security and hinder the fight against malware… Mac OS X, like any complex computer system, is not invulnerable to attack. Educating users about modes of attack, keeping up to date with patches, watching for independent analysis of problems – all these are good ways to keep your guard up. Listening to someone crying wolf is not.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Squeezed between Mafiasoft on one side ($50 per year in “protection” money for a so-called Windows “security” service – from the same incompetents that can’t secure Windows in the first place, no less) and the specter of people switching to the secure Mac OS X on the other, these “security” firms are growing increasingly desperate. There’s a technical phrase for the type of maneuver that lowest of the low parasites such as McAfee pulled today (and Symantec tried to pull last year). We’ll just use acronym form and let you figure it out: BFSLOS. We’ll let you know when someone gets it right below.
(Hint: “L” stands for “Load”)
[UPDATE: 1:03PM EDT: Congratulations to MacDailyNews reader “Awaken World” (how appropriate) for correctly deciphering the acronym.]
Advertisements:
• Get the new iMac with Intel Core Duo for as low as $31 A MONTH with Free shipping!
• Get the MacBook Pro with Intel Core Duo for as low as $47 A MONTH with Free Shipping!
• Apple’s new Mac mini. Intel Core, up to 4 times faster. Starting at just $599. Free shipping.
• Apple’s brand new iPod Hi-Fi speaker system. Home stereo. Reinvented. Available now for $349 with free shipping.
• iPod. 15,000 songs. 25,000 photos. 150 hours of video. The new iPod. 30GB and 60GB models start at just $299. Free shipping.
• Connect iPod to your television set with the iPod AV Cable. Just $19.
• iPod Radio Remote. Listen to FM radio on your iPod and control everything with a convenient wired remote. Just $49.
Related articles:
McAfee announces virus protection for Intel-based Apple Macs – May 05, 2006
BusinessWeek: New Apple Mac ads stir up Mac security overreaction – May 04, 2006
Unix expert: Mac OS X much more secure than Windows; recent Mac OS X security stories are media hype – May 03, 2006
Macs and viruses: the true story – May 02, 2006
Anti-Mac FUD machine shifts into overdrive – May 01, 2006
FUD Alert: Viruses don’t catch up to the Mac – May 01, 2006
BusinessWeek: Apple should hire security czar to combat uninformed media FUD – March 09, 2006
Spate of recent Mac security stories signal that Microsoft, others getting nervous – March 06, 2006
Mafiasoft: Microsoft to charge $50 per year for security service to protect Windows – February 07, 2006
Why pay Symantec for flawed ‘security’ app designed to protect Apple Macs from nonexistent threats? – December 27, 2005
‘Highly critical’ flaw in discovered in Symantec AntiVirus for Mac OS X – December 21, 2005
Why Symantec’s ‘scare tactics’ don’t worry Mac users – September 28, 2005
Motley Fool writer: ‘I’d be surprised if Symantec ever sells a single product to a Mac user again’ – March 24, 2005
Symantec cries wolf with misplaced Mac OS X ‘security’ warning – March 23, 2005
Symantec’s Mac OS X claims dismissed as nonsense, FUD – March 22, 2005
big fat steaming load of semen?
BFSLOS-
big fat smelly load of s**t
Big F**k’n Sh*t Load of Sh*t
Bill Farts So Loud, Others Stare.
Oh, “load.” Sorry.
I’ll bet it’s true, though…
p.s. did anyone else hear that giant crack open in the Earth’s crust????
An actual journalist. Wow…
Big F’n stinking Load of sh**
big fat load of shit
big f***ing sh*t load of scaremongering?
Big Fat Loafers Of Steel
Big F**king Steaming Load of Sh**
“Bargepole.”
Classic.
Somebody across the pond find this man and buy him several pints!
Big Fat Steaming Load Of Shit.
You know what’s really interesting about the ZDnet article (besides the fact that they spoke truth about McAfee’s FUD)?
Who wrote it?
Seriously. Who wrote the ZDnet piece uncovering McAfee’s self serving FUD press releases?
Does ZDnet not want the public know who uncovered the McAfee scheme for fear of retribution?
Bambi
Mac360
I just thought of a new word…
Scaranoia
I think it perfectly describes McAfee’s tactics.
ClamXav, it’s Free, it works.
I know this one. It’s easy. I use it all the time.
Big F****** Scary Load of S***
Blatantly fallacious syllogisms lack ontological sensibilities.
BFSLOS:
Better fart so loads open swifter.
Be Forewarned. Stupid Loads Often Scare.
Betty forgot. Sam loaded over Susan.
Ballmer F**ked Silly Loaded Open Sourcers.
MW: standard, as in Bill Forgos Loads On Standards
Ah, I forgot Suede. Big Fat Suede Loafer Of Steel.
Bambi,
MacDailyNews exposed it first thing this morning:
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/9471/
MDN is almost always anonymous (or SteveJack), but ZDNet rarely is – what is ZDNet afraid of – loss of AV ad revenue?
“There are in fact, two things: science, and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance.” Hippocrates
MDN MW: true – as in above, true for last 2400 years since Hippocrates.
Nothing wrong with taking a few precautions…so I’ve installed anti-virus software. But I won’t go with a port from the PC world like McAfee or Norton…I’ll stick with Intego, built by Mac users for Mac users…
Socrates wins.
Great article. McAfee are complete shite (imho). Still, there’s definitely going to be some who fall for this while blindly assuming that all computers need virus protection, regardless of the OS or its pedigree.
How about
Bad Finder Still Lax On Security ?
I assume OS X still does not have proper built-in virus protection like Windows has. Better pay Microsoft $50 for EXCELLENT protection than have NO protection. You get what you pay for, don’t Macheads like to spew that?
Windows Vista is already here–for some of us lucky ones–and let me tell you, I think it could turn into something really sweet by next year.
I’m sure, one day, there will be a serious Mac security breach.
I’m sure no product from McAfee or any other company would any more effectively guard my Mac from this problem than follow basic security protocols that are already in OSX and available to anyone with common sense (what? Diora Baird naked! I’ll open that attachment from the Prime Minister of Ugandabadistan, then send him my bank account number!).
Blowing Faster Sends Loads Of Smoke
Blair Followed Sunnis Loading Overt Signals
Beware. Fannies Should Load Out Supposedly
“I assume OS X still does not have proper built-in virus protection like Windows has. Better pay Microsoft $50 for EXCELLENT protection than have NO protection. You get what you pay for, don’t Macheads like to spew that?
Windows Vista is already here–for some of us lucky ones–and let me tell you, I think it could turn into something really sweet by next year.”
Yeah that Vista is gonna blow people away…all those “new” features….oooh I’m just salivating thinking about it. I can’t wait to choose from one of the probably 8 versions of it. I’ll take my time too..cuz I’ll never have another moment in my life like that again.
Keep dreaming you tool
once again becuse you obviously don’t get…WE DON’T NEED BUIIT IN VIRUS PROTECTION
Is there a 3rd choice, from a more reputable vendor than Semantic or McAfee? That’ll be the one I get when viruses are there (if ever)
Ignore the invasion threats at your own risk, all you trusting souls. You’re going to be sorry. Only real safety is this: don’t buy a machine with Intel inside, if you do, don’t install Boot Camp or Windows, and if you install Leopard, don’t hit the Windows button.
Otherwise, you’ll be searching all over for these malware protection products.
Mark the date. I’ll be back with a ‘told you so’ and you will want to have a record of this warning along with an apology for your expected trashing of my efforts to help you.
And Homeland Security has notified the CDC of a potential OS X viral pandemic. Also, an advisory panel has been authorized to spend $300 million from a special tax fund on OS X vulnerability case studies. Mostly for airfare and entertainment expenses.
Because you can’t be TOO careful.
Ooooh…sounds like a hacker with an axe to grind…
BFSLOS: “Better pay Microsoft $50 for EXCELLENT protection than have NO protection.”
Or get ClamXAV – free (as in beer). Of course, you’d be aware that OS X is secure by design, whereas Windoze is…(add your own epithetical comments here).
“I think it could turn into something really sweet by next year.”
ROTFLMAO! It could, but it’s more likely to be another steaming pile of ordure…and judging by articles widely available in the Internet, that’s more more likely scenario.
What a twonk!
MW: believe – as in don’t believe the hype over Vista.
Hey Pierson,
I don’t ever plan on installing boot camp or windows on my mac…so take your FUD and shove it where the sun don’t shine….I want you to explain anyways why the Mac partition will get infected by a virus that doesn’t recognize a mac OS as well as how it would even know that side existed if formatted correctly. I’m waiting………
I expect another “you’ll be sorry” with no explanation
Whats the matter…is that as far as Bill’s talking points with you got?
Business Facilities of Systemization and Legions of Overhyped Software
Does the “BF” stand for “bottom-feeding” …?
(MW: “clearly”)
He’s saying your Mac is safe but Windows is not. He’s right. If you but Windows on a Mac, Windows can get a virus.
OK, so it can’t touch your Mac stuff, but your Windows stuff is still toast.
And then there will be viruses for the Mac half as well. Macs are practically selling like PCs now, so there’s your hacker incentive right there.
I’m not gonna flame Apple for selling like that, if they can get people to pay those prices, that’s capitalism. Smart shoppers like me build my own PC but you guys do what you want. And no, I don’t deck it out with stupid lights.
rasterbator: I like how you kept it simple!
Before Flying Stewards Load On Sambuca.
uh – Big Foot Seeks Lost Orange Sock ?!?
or uh – Big Fscking Ship Load of Sh*t ?!?
I personally like the first better
Ballmer Fears Steve by Loaded, Over-exaggerated Statements.
These anti-viruses are hard at work trying to find OS X vulnerabilities so that they can quickly write viruses to take advantage of them so that they can sell software to OS X users. They may not do it in broad daylight, but you can guarantee that somewhere in Belfium there is a covert team working on this late at night when all Apple Macs are sleeping.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”wink” style=”border:0;” />
But seriously, how else can they build a client base for the OS X platform except for FUD tactics and virus writing? These are anything but security companies. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
I wish I could see some of their internal memos about OS X. But I am sure anyone trying to get them out in the media would be shot dead.
These anti-viruses”:
I meant antivirus comapnies.
Ampar: ROTFL
I love the Sambuca reference.
Bulk Freighter Ship Loading Off Seamen
So far the extremely rare MacOS X exploits have generally required a pair of stupid user actions: (1) follow a suspect link and, (2) enter your password to give permission to install the offending junk.
Unless they have embedded AI into their antivirus software, none of the antivirus software packages will prevent that kind of exploit.
MacOS X isn’t perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than the alternatives in my opinion. So far, Mac users don’t have much to worry about as long as they use common sense.
It is just human nature for all of the suffering Winblows users to wish pain and suffering on us Mac users. Just one propagated virus would vindicate their self-delusion and make then so happy… It may happen someday, but it hasn’t happened yet no matter how much people spread the FUD.
rasterbator: “Bulk Freighter Ship Loading Off Seamen”
Now you know why they have to keep swabbing the decks.
maclover: Good one! But you know as well as I do that Sasquatches NEVER wear orange unless it’s a hunting vest. The only natural enemy they have now is Dick Cheney.
When did virii and worms go from being Microsoft based to Intel based?’
Too far.
For the last time, virii is not a word. That is, unless you went to college in California, then it doesn’t matter.
Big Fscking Scary Load Of Shit.
By Fear Sell Load Of Software
I’ll stick with the first as my guess….
@just2me “I’ll stick with Intego, built by Mac users for Mac users…”
You have used this same phrase about 3 times in 2 days. Are you a company rep or something?
By Fear Sell Load Of Shit.
Also – ron: Ich beende Rechtschreibungnazin
Big Fscking Steaming Load Of Shit
“Smart shoppers… build their own PC”
The problem is that then they install Windows and show that they are truly tools. Then it is like a car shopper getting the lowest sticker price of the lot and sneeze at the guy just out of the Volvo dealer.
PC + Windows, just another lemon online.
In terms of built-in virus protection: HOEHHUHUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
What else the tools in Redmond will invent to sell crap to their *smart* shoppers?
HIUHUHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Windows: the greatest anti-virus program ever.
Nothing better than Windows users to appreciate crap.
How the hell can you be a smart shopper if you don’t buy anything, you build it.
Wouldn’t you be a builder, not a shopper?
MS threw the towel.
Recently they planned to have an automated tool for corporations so that admins could re-install Windows and all the applications in use to thousands of PCs in one go. And they call this: innovating the fight against malware.
And Windows users reply “GREAT!”
Now they innovate again with built-in anti-virus software.
And Windows users reply “GREAT”
All this just means MS cannot make Windows any safer, nor fix the thousands vulnerabilities. That is: crackers had them to bow.
Microsoft is helpless and they know it. They have lost the battle against malware because Windows is a mediocre – at best – product and ridded with obsolete, security weak code and lots of shortcuts to make things going. It is worst than a prototype OS elected to be mainstream.
And Windows users reply “GREAT”
And Redmond replies “Bend over, I’ll drive”
Following my own analysis, billions of persons in the world get the credit loans from well known creditors. So, there is good possibilities to receive a term loan in all countries.