can macs get viruses?

[Deleted User]

DatabaseError wrote: »

and the problem is? My PCs are behind a router, which doesn't use the default login details, and which contains a firewall.
Maybe I'm just being complacent?

..but the ad told me that my computer was broadcasting my IP address, it must be bad :cool:

jayme1

DatabaseError wrote: »

and the problem is? My PCs are behind a router, which doesn't use the default login details, and which contains a firewall.
Maybe I'm just being complacent?

your IP address should be considered private data and I dont want to be giving it out inadvertantly when I email someone, if your happy to do that then fine, but your IP can be used for a lot more reasons than to 'hack' into your network, which if your like me you have remote access turned off so they cant even get into the router.

DatabaseError

jayme1 wrote: »

your IP address should be considered private data and I dont want to be giving it out inadvertantly when I email someone, if your happy to do that then fine, but your IP can be used for a lot more reasons than to 'hack' into your network, which if your like me you have remote access turned off so they cant even get into the router.

Each time I visit a website I give them my IP address, and I visit a lot of websites!

Much as I advocate good PC security, I don't condone irrational paranoia.

lightwarrior

tehnicaly yes, but there are so few macs in hands of people, that virus makers don't bother to crack the quite a HQ system of mac and make viruses for them.

23n1th

warehouse wrote: »

It is easier to infect a Mac with a virus than it is a PC. The reason the virus writers don't target Macs is because they are so small in number, and virus writers want to get noticed by infecting millions of PC's rather than thousands of Macs.

That is the only reason.

Thats not the only reason and you'll find that in the distant past virus writers wanted to get noticed but today they don't want to get noticed, on the contrary they want to stay hidden stealing data for as long as possible.

cooldaz wrote: »

... A Mac is much safer than a PC believe me.

My main PC is more secure than a mac any day.

I read somewhere that windows is more secure because they actively patch security vulnerabilities quickly whilst apple take their sweet time about it leaving there users open to attack for far longer sometimes even denying there is an issue.

cooldaz wrote: »

The answer there is dont download pirated software then. and as for catching a virus through Facebook - well if you use your brain then its easy to spot the dodgy links that people send.

The above is just as valid for windows users as it is with mac users. Lack of common sense will always defeat a secure OS.

DatabaseError wrote: »

Much as I advocate good PC security, I don't condone irrational paranoia.

Or privacy.;)

rockit99

warehouse wrote: »

It is easier to infect a Mac with a virus than it is a PC. The reason the virus writers don't target Macs is because they are so small in number, and virus writers want to get noticed by infecting millions of PC's rather than thousands of Macs.

That is the only reason.

I shouldn't really feed the trolls but that is just one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever seen. Clearly you have knowledge that's unknown to lesser mortals or indeed any virus writers or, in fact, any tech writers. Perhaps you'd care to elucidate with some fully verifiable examples of Mac viruses? Oh wait - is that your mother calling you in for your tea?

warehouse

rockit99 wrote: »

I shouldn't really feed the trolls but that is just one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever seen. Clearly you have knowledge that's unknown to lesser mortals or indeed any virus writers or, in fact, any tech writers. Perhaps you'd care to elucidate with some fully verifiable examples of Mac viruses? Oh wait - is that your mother calling you in for your tea?

Do you have to resort to rudeness to make a point? Obviously you do.

Answer me this, why does Apple Mac anti virus software exist?

mark1e

I run sophos anti virus - for macs its free and good

cooldaz

warehouse wrote: »

Do you have to resort to rudeness to make a point? Obviously you do.

Answer me this, why does Apple Mac anti virus software exist?

And if you read the reviews in Mac magazine on it they actually say not to bother buying it as its not needed

[Deleted User]

cooldaz wrote: »

And if you read the reviews in Mac magazine on it they actually say not to bother buying it as its not needed

Sounds like an impartial source to me..