Mac Versus Microsoft In Security Battle

Posted Monday 15th June 2009 by Kerry in SEM News.

Computer security has been hot in the headlines this week for both Mac and PC users. Although the first ever computer virus was targeted at Mac users around 25 years ago, many owners feel that the security surrounding their machines is far superior to what is offered through a PC. Microsoft is renowned for offering security systems that cost money, which many users feel are inadequate. This week however, the shoe is on the other foot as it transpired that there is a new virus out there ready to take on Mac users.

Embedded in popular pornographic sites, the virus informs the user that they are missing a vital file for video playback. Through accepting the download, the user lets the virus into the computer. One of the reasons that Mac has always appeared better at offering computer security is based on the fact that Mac is rarely targeted because they are not as big as their competitor. For hackers the object of the task is to infect as many computers as possible, hence targeting Microsoft users on a PC.

PC owners have often chosen to use the free security software from the likes of MacAfee to stop attacks rather than buying specialist Microsoft software deemed to be inadequate for the price of protection. It seems that Microsoft have now become fed up with being tarnished with the reputation of an unstable security platform, biting back with its own free security software Morro. The package is not as comprehensive as the systems that cost money, but it does work to protect against viruses, spyware, root kits and Trojans.

The advice for Mac users on the other hand is to educate themselves on the way their computer could be under threat, and as yet there are no calls to introduce software to better security systems. This has not been ruled of for the future though as it is acknowledged that the high profile the Mac now enjoys makes it a more attractive option to hackers. For PC users Morro is expected to be released at the end of 2009.

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