• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Apple ranks highest in software vulnerability.

IOWA

Mr. Logic Pants
Dec 2, 2009
8,898
2,484
Chicago
Secunia ranks Apple first in software insecurity, Safari said to have AutoFill vulnerability -- Engadget

Bad news, Oracle. You've slipped to second place for the first time in years. The good news is that it's in Secunia's ranking of the top ten companies with the most software vulnerabilities, which is now topped by Apple -- Microsoft remains in third place, followed by HP and Adobe. According to Secunia, Apple's vulnerabilities are mostly not in OS X, but in Safari, iTunes and other applications. What's important to note, however, is that Secunia's definition of "vulnerability" doesn't simply include dangerous, exploitable vulnerabilities, so the rankings don't necessarily indicate which software is the most insecure from a user's point of view.

One vulnerability that is potentially serious, however, is an issue with Safari's AutoFill feature recently discovered by Jeremiah Grossman of WhiteHat Security. According to Grossman, a malicious website can exploit the feature to pull data from a user's address book without their knowledge, which has been demonstrated to take "mere seconds" by a bit of proof of concept code (you can try out yourself if you're feeling trusting). Grossman also says he's informed Apple of the vulnerability but hasn't received a response, and suggests that the only "fix" in the meantime is to turn off the AutoFill feature completely.
 
Who cares? Every single person I know with a PC, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE one, has been hit with a virus or spyware attack at some point. Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive. I had three virus problems within 5 months on my last PC that made me switch to Mac. 3 years later, not a SINGLE virus. I can only think of ONE other friend with a Mac who had a virus and that was years ago and because he chose to let a corrupt file install which is a user error. That tells me all I need to know. I wouldnt switch back to that POS, memory hogging, unstable Windows OS if you paid me.
 
Upvote 0
Who cares? Every single person I know with a PC, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE one, has been hit with a virus or spyware attack at some point. Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive. I had three virus problems within 5 months on my last PC that made me switch to Mac. 3 years later, not a SINGLE virus. I can only think of ONE other friend with a Mac who had a virus and that was years ago and because he chose to let a corrupt file install which is a user error. That tells me all I need to know. I wouldnt switch back to that POS, memory hogging, unstable Windows OS if you paid me.

I find it hilarious your "friend" who got a Mac Virus: "Oh that's just user error"

What exactly do you call Windows systems that get infected? Same thing, pal. Fact is, Win7 is the most secure, and versatile Desktop OS to date.

So your PC getting infected? You fault.

I haven't had one of my PC's get infected for over 8 years now.
 
Upvote 0
I have been using Vista for the past 3 years (yes Vista lol) and only have been hit with spyware ONCE. And that was because I went to shady site (trying to watch an illegal movie). User error.

It crashes just as often as my iBook crashed (yes, "this application unexpectedly quit" IS A ****ING CRASH).

Funny thing is, my $400 Vista laptop has so far lasted longer than my $1500 iBook did.
 
Upvote 0
Who cares? Every single person I know with a PC, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE one, has been hit with a virus or spyware attack at some point. Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive. I had three virus problems within 5 months on my last PC that made me switch to Mac. 3 years later, not a SINGLE virus. I can only think of ONE other friend with a Mac who had a virus and that was years ago and because he chose to let a corrupt file install which is a user error. That tells me all I need to know. I wouldnt switch back to that POS, memory hogging, unstable Windows OS if you paid me.
You're doing it wrong.

If you get that many viruses you need to stop and think about updating Windows in a timely fashion and using a good antivirus program with the latest update. There was absolutely no way both of those were done if you got 3 viruses in 5 months. Plus, you need to stop double clicking on the .exe email attachments and visiting infected porn sites.

Windows is a great OS. Does it have issues? Sure, every one does. Are Windows' flaws more public than the other OSes? Definitely. That's what happens when you're the biggest and the best. Does Windows have more viruses written for it? Yes. Again, that's what happens when you're the most popular.

It's not harding being at the top. Just as Toyota.
 
Upvote 0
You're doing it wrong.

If you get that many viruses you need to stop and think about updating Windows in a timely fashion and using a good antivirus program with the latest update. There was absolutely no way both of those were done if you got 3 viruses in 5 months. Plus, you need to stop double clicking on the .exe email attachments and visiting infected porn sites.

Windows is a great OS. Does it have issues? Sure, every one does. Are Windows' flaws more public than the other OSes? Definitely. That's what happens when you're the biggest and the best. Does Windows have more viruses written for it? Yes. Again, that's what happens when you're the most popular.

It's not harding being at the top. Just as Toyota.

I find it funny people who do illegal/bad things on the computer, then get infected trying to get a free smiley package, or illegal music/movie downloads, then blame the OS for their mistakes.
 
Upvote 0
Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive.

I LOLd.
'shutting down a hard drive'
I guess your one of those people that calls the computer itself a 'cpu' right?

If windows had all these problems you state then it would be at the top of the most vulnerable list... not your precious Apple computer.

So is the 'Apple' box a CPU too?
Or is that your one, your only, PRECIOUS?
Do you swear to serve the MASTER of the precious?

Apple fanboys.... LOL
 
Upvote 0
Who cares? Every single person I know with a PC, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE one, has been hit with a virus or spyware attack at some point. Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive. I had three virus problems within 5 months on my last PC that made me switch to Mac. 3 years later, not a SINGLE virus. I can only think of ONE other friend with a Mac who had a virus and that was years ago and because he chose to let a corrupt file install which is a user error. That tells me all I need to know. I wouldnt switch back to that POS, memory hogging, unstable Windows OS if you paid me.

'98, Millenium, XP, Vista.... more than 12 years no virus. Tell your friends porn sites = BAD... JK
But seriously, I've known 1 person over the course of that time to ACTUALLY get a virus. Every time a friend or family member asked for "tech support" (i used quotations because i'm not that techy, just better at problem solving a PC then they are) THE ONLY problem they had was bloatware.... that they themselves hit the [OK] button to install. Especially in Vista. If one more dummy just disables UC because "this game wouldn't work if I didn't" ... or "It said it was FREE FREE FREE" I'm going to strangle them.
I'm not the expert some around here might be on PC Windows v Mac OS security, but if you attempt to use good judgment with a little common sense, the worst you'll experience is registry dirt that is easily cleaned up. Just my experience.
 
Upvote 0
a small minorty of viruses are automatic, 99% of them require some action by you to get one.

The only virus ive got on my current PC which is 2 years old is one from a fallout 3 map (downloaded from a reputable site lol, still an error on my part tho)

Its ignorance not Windows that get viruses on peoples computers. (dont think im in favour of windows, ubuntu all the way woo :rolleyes: )

Normal users are just to trusting of the net/emails just think about it like a highstreet shop vs mispelled designer labels on the back of a truck. One of them is gona screw you and you DO know which one it will be.
 
Upvote 0
for the people arguing about win vs. osx, the apple vulnerabilities are mostly in safari and itunes, not osx

and this is a count of vulnerabilities; ie. it doesn't take severity in to account
a boat with ten needle size holes isn't any worse than a boat with one elephant dropped through it
so basically this ranking tells us pretty much nothing about anything practical
 
Upvote 0
I find it hilarious your "friend" who got a Mac Virus: "Oh that's just user error"

What exactly do you call Windows systems that get infected? Same thing, pal. Fact is, Win7 is the most secure, and versatile Desktop OS to date.

So your PC getting infected? You fault.

I haven't had one of my PC's get infected for over 8 years now.

I visit all the same porn sites, torrent sites and do all the same things I did on my PCs....ZERO problems in 3 years on my Mac, tons of viruses on the PC. Explain that genius :rolleyes: I can for you. There are tons of viruses for Windows and pretty much none for OSx. Logic says the Mac is more secure just by that fact.
 
Upvote 0
I visit all the same porn sites, torrent sites and do all the same things I did on my PCs....ZERO problems in 3 years on my Mac, tons of viruses on the PC. Explain that genius :rolleyes: I can for you. There are tons of viruses for Windows and pretty much none for OSx. Logic says the Mac is more secure just by that fact.

Then you have no logic, which you've proved time and time again.

Out of sight out of mind right?

Just because a vulnerability hasn't been exploited yet, doesn't mean it's not there.

If you don't have the common sense not to visit shady sites, download crapware, then the dumbed down OSX may just be for you.


Or maybe just get a girlfriend.
 
Upvote 0
Who cares? Every single person I know with a PC, and I do mean EVERY SINGLE one, has been hit with a virus or spyware attack at some point. Ranging from bothersome to shutting down a hard drive. I had three virus problems within 5 months on my last PC that made me switch to Mac. 3 years later, not a SINGLE virus. I can only think of ONE other friend with a Mac who had a virus and that was years ago and because he chose to let a corrupt file install which is a user error. That tells me all I need to know. I wouldnt switch back to that POS, memory hogging, unstable Windows OS if you paid me.

Nearly all (I would wager 99%) of viruses are from users installing them. It's called social engineering. It's something that hackers and virus writers depend on.

It's just as true with the PC as it is with the Mac.
 
Upvote 0
I visit all the same porn sites, torrent sites and do all the same things I did on my PCs....ZERO problems in 3 years on my Mac, tons of viruses on the PC. Explain that genius :rolleyes: I can for you. There are tons of viruses for Windows and pretty much none for OSx. Logic says the Mac is more secure just by that fact.

That's like doing the following:

Leaving a sign on your door inviting criminals inside and offering them a gun to use to rob and murder you. Sure, no one has taken advantage of the offer up until now, but that's still not a situation any rational person would be comfortable with.
 
Upvote 0
I visit all the same porn sites, torrent sites and do all the same things I did on my PCs....ZERO problems in 3 years on my Mac, tons of viruses on the PC. Explain that genius :rolleyes: I can for you. There are tons of viruses for Windows and pretty much none for OSx. Logic says the Mac is more secure just by that fact.

HAHA! OMG that's what you call logic? You are hilarious. I just realized how little you actually understand and how much it's pointless to even discuss this further with you.

Go on living as an Apple troll/cult member thinking you're "elite" and safe from viruses. If OS X ever gets popular you will see tons of viruses for it. All I have to say is that if OS X was as great as the Apple iTrolls made it out to be every company in the free world would be running it. But alas, OS X is useless in many areas. You can't even get popular engineering software for it.
 
Upvote 0
Then you have no logic, which you've proved time and time again.

Out of sight out of mind right?

Just because a vulnerability hasn't been exploited yet, doesn't mean it's not there.

If you don't have the common sense not to visit shady sites, download crapware, then the dumbed down OSX may just be for you.


Or maybe just get a girlfriend.

Thanks but I have women around me everyday. its what I do for a living so I am good on the girlfriend front, believe me :) I have to visit porn sites almost daily, its part of my job. Oh and whoever said OSX is useless because you cant get popular software for it...LMFAO! This isnt 2005 :rolleyes: You cant get pretty much any program for Mac as you can for Windows. If you cant, you can just instal Windows on your Mac and run the program, so your point is a non issue :)
 
Upvote 0
Thanks but I have women around me everyday. its what I do for a living so I am good on the girlfriend front, believe me :) I have to visit porn sites almost daily, its part of my job. Oh and whoever said OSX is useless because you cant get popular software for it...LMFAO! This isnt 2005 :rolleyes: You cant get pretty much any program for Mac as you can for Windows. If you cant, you can just instal Windows on your Mac and run the program, so your point is a non issue :)

So, your going to overpay for mac hardware just to buy a copy of Windows anyway? Logic please?
 
Upvote 0
I am a windows and Linux user and I dont run Mac OS and never have. I have done a lot of tech support with windows computers. I used to work repair computers and did a lot of virus removal.

But I am actually going to defend Apple a little bit here. There are stupid windows users and there are stupid Mac users. I talked a friend into getting a mac a few years ago because her husband always seems to get viruses and malware on his computers. Their mac which they have had 3 years has never had any virus or malware issues. They have 2 other windows based pcs and those have had several episodes of malware.

Basically what I am saying is stupid windows users get viruses much much much more often than stupid mac users.

I would never buy a mac for myself though cause I am not a stupid user and neither is my wife. Macs are wildly overpriced considering you can get comparable hardware on a windows machine for half the price.
 
Upvote 0
I am a windows and Linux user and I dont run Mac OS and never have. I have done a lot of tech support with windows computers. I used to work repair computers and did a lot of virus removal.

But I am actually going to defend Apple a little bit here. There are stupid windows users and there are stupid Mac users. I talked a friend into getting a mac a few years ago because her husband always seems to get viruses and malware on his computers. Their mac which they have had 3 years has never had any virus or malware issues. They have 2 other windows based pcs and those have had several episodes of malware.

Basically what I am saying is stupid windows users get viruses much much much more often than stupid mac users.

I would never buy a mac for myself though cause I am not a stupid user and neither is my wife. Macs are wildly overpriced considering you can get comparable hardware on a windows machine for half the price.

So basically what you are saying is that if you are stupid or irresponsible you should buy a Mac. If you are a reasonably intelligent person, then it's a non-issue which platform you use.

Yeah, I kinda have to agree with that.
 
Upvote 0
There are stupid windows users and there are stupid Mac users. I talked a friend into getting a mac a few years ago because her husband always seems to get viruses and malware on his computers. Their mac which they have had 3 years has never had any virus or malware issues. They have 2 other windows based pcs and those have had several episodes of malware.

Basically what I am saying is stupid windows users get viruses much much much more often than stupid mac users.

I would never buy a mac for myself though cause I am not a stupid user and neither is my wife. Macs are wildly overpriced considering you can get comparable hardware on a windows machine for half the price.

Thats what I am saying. Of course the reason macs dont get infected is because no one bothers to write viruses for them. Ok great, that alone makes a Mac more secure than Windows. I will disagree to an extent that Macs are overpriced. Most people forget that you get an excellent quality HD monitor WITH the computer. You know how much a similarly spec'd 27 inch widescreen LCD monitor you get with the 27 inch Imac runs? At least $400. So tack that on to the $700 the giant Windows tower costs and you are at $1100.

You also have to look at all the great software included in the mac OS. imovie, iphoto and iDVD are light years ahead of the free garbage you get from a Windows PC. Then you throw in a full on music production program like Garage Band and things like built in VN networks and such and I will gladly pay more. I bought a Toshiba laptop 5 months ago, it was nice and all but I am spoiled by the Mac OS. Took back the more powerful laptop and spent another $400 to get a lesser spec'd Macbook. Specs arent everything. I much prefer functionality over specs.
 
Upvote 0
I find it funny people who do illegal/bad things on the computer, then get infected trying to get a free smiley package, or illegal music/movie downloads, then blame the OS for their mistakes.

LOL! Totally agree with you on this..I've been working as a tech support rep for one of the largest comp. manufacturers for 3 years and I seriously cannot believe the number of people who are getting viruses and BSOD's..I mean honestly, what are they doing?! n worse they blame everybody except themselves..

The last virus that i got was when i was still a kid and all of a sudden a face of a devil appeared laughing..n that was while playing Leisure Suit of Larry 1! on a DOS system using 5" diskettes! ( i guess that's karma for me playing that game at a young age!)

Oh well..i guess there should really be a law that an IQ test should be administered before one can buy PC..
 
Upvote 0
Thats what I am saying. Of course the reason macs dont get infected is because no one bothers to write viruses for them. Ok great, that alone makes a Mac more secure than Windows.

In the same way that leaving a loaded shotgun by an unlocked door in the country is more secure than locking all your doors in the city.

Sure, it's unlikely that anyone will try to break in. Sure, it's never happened before.

But when it does... you might as well shoot yourself.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and FYI, secure means that no one can get to your data if they tried, not that they Don't try.
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones