Educause Security Discussion mailing list archives

Re: Adware/Spyware on Mac/OS X


From: "Stanclift, Michael" <michael.stanclift () ROCKHURST EDU>
Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 11:20:31 -0500

I agree. Even on Windows the problem these days is less and less about a virus that can spread on its own (although 
that is still a problem) and more about users not knowing how to practice safe surfing, and visiting sites that take 
advantage of exploits... or simply tricking them into thinking what they're installing is legit. 

As more and more people move to the Mac because "it doesn't get viruses" more and more of them are going to find out 
exactly how incorrect that statement will become. I think Apple does a huge disservice to its users and to the 
technology community by making them think simply using their OS is enough to protect them from the dangers on the 
Internet.

Gotta go, my iPhone is ringing... :P

Michael Stanclift
Network Analyst
Rockhurst University

http://help.rockhurst.edu
(816) 501-4231


-----Original Message-----
From: The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU] On Behalf Of Cal Frye
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:49 AM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: Re: [SECURITY] Adware/Spyware on Mac/OS X

Gene Spafford wrote:
This is the one response of actual malware being found on end-user
systems.  Things installed via an ssh break are different, as are
demonstrations of things on web sites that require automatically and
blindly running things downloaded.

I don't want to dismiss these so easily, given the common Macintosh
user's perception of safety in browsing ("Macs don't get viruses") and
interest in bright shiny objects ("Cool, a new video codec!") ;-)

We have had ongoing troubles here with DNS changer trojans, although
nothing sufficient to bring the network down a la Blaster, et al.

I grant you that from the networking side of things, these trojans are
Not Our Problem, but they certainly remain troublesome in the user
education arena.

Written from my shiny MacBook Pro, for the record...

-- 
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of
Species.
-- Cal Frye, Network Administrator, Oberlin College
   Mudd Library, x.56930 -- CIT will NEVER ask you for your password!

   www.calfrye.com,  www.pitalabs.com

"There are risks and costs to any action. But they are far less than
risks and costs of comfortable inaction." -- John F. Kennedy.

Current thread: