14 DAY TRIAL // A marketing page dedicated entirely to Gatekeeper, a new security function in OS X Mountain Lion, contains explanatory boxes regarding malware, digital signatures, etc. On malware in particular, Apple say’s it’s not a big deal on the Mac, and that the company “is working hard to see that it won’t be,” ever.
Apple notes in an explanatory box that “Malware is malicious software that can come from anywhere on the web.”
The company elaborates, saying that “Anyone can unknowingly download and install malware because it’s deviously disguised as something else. Once you’re tricked into downloading it, malware can damage your computer and even gather sensitive information about you.”
Apple then proudly asserts that “While malware is one of the biggest security challenges on personal computers, it’s hardly an issue on a Mac. And Apple is working hard to see that it won’t be.”
This statement may seem a bit arrogant, especially to non-Apple fans, considering that the next OS X shipping this summer actually includes an additional security module. Had security been a non-issue for OS X, components like Gatekeeper shouldn’t have existed, right?
Well, it’s not that simple. Malware can take many forms, and Apple is only ensuring that the Mac stays safe, rather than becomes safer. That’s what they mean by “see that it won’t be.”
Plus, who can argue that the safest place to download and install apps is the Mac App Store?
“That’s because the developers who create them are known to Apple, and the apps are carefully reviewed before they’re accepted in the store,” the company explains.
Apple recently invited all developers to get their IDs and sign apps so that customers know they’re coming from trusted sources, even if the apps aren’t headed to the Mac App Store.