14 DAY TRIAL // The Mac platform has always been regarded as being safer, more stable and easier to use than the other operating systems, and Mac users have always been very proud of this. Another thing that Mac users have always been very clear about is Windows, and the OS market share. The idea of an 'inferior' operating system being used by so many, especially when such a great alternative has always been readily available, frustrates much of the Mac community. At the current point in time, thanks to the widespread love for the iPod, the Mac platform is getting a second wind as more and more people become Mac aware and start considering Apple machines as alternatives. This is what the Mac community has been waiting for? But now that this moment is upon us, we need to take a step back and ask ourselves if we really want this to happen.
Much of the Mac way of life is due to the users themselves, who on average tend to be much more aware of what is happening on their machine. The newcomer, the switcher, is not going to be a Mac user for quite some time, if ever, and with that mentality come certain risks.
The case in question is the recent 'first OS X virus' alert. Not even a virus, but rather a Trojan, the incident served to paint a clearer picture of the people that are going to be using Macs. First of all, you are told that the file is an archive containing images of the next OS X release, OS X 10.5 or Leopard. When downloading this archive with Safari, it warns you, plain and simple, that you are downloading a program, and asks you whether you are sure that you want to continue. If this doesn't get you thinking that there is something fishy going on, one wonders what other steps Apple could take to ensure your safety. You are told it is an archive that contains images and Safari tells you there is a program in there, but you tell Safari to just keep going because you know what you are doing.
Fair enough, but then you open the archive and see what looks like an image file, which when double clicked asks for your administrator password. Image files do not ask for the password, ever? image files simply open without any questions asked. Only programs that want to install or change something ask for the password. How is this not a dead give-away? How can someone not realize that it is a trick and that it's not an image, but, rather an application that wants to do something to your system. A simple Get Info on the file would reveal its true nature, as a program. If anyone gets hit by this Trojan, it is their fault and their fault alone. No one can protect you from yourself, and if you are ignorant, computer illiterate and lack any common sense, you will fall for this type of social engineering every time.
This isn't about being a computer genius, you don't need to know much of anything, other than the fact that only programs ask for your administrator password. The password is your lock and key to the computer, you must always be mindful of who you give it to, just like the key to your house. If someone rang the doorbell and told you that they were a painter wanting to show you some paintings and then, once you open the door they tell you that they need the key to your house to be able to show you those paintings, would you give it to them? Security through obscurity is a pitiful myth that has been pushed forth time and time again. OS X is far more secure than Windows, out of the box and without any additional configuration or third party security software. But at the end of the day, such programs and efforts on behalf of Apple are useless.
I am once again reminded by the sociological aspect of "The Matthew Principle." In the Bible, Matthew states "to him who hath shall be given and from him who hath not, shall be take away even what he hath." In terms of sociology, the rule applies especially in the case of informational campaigns, meaning that for example, a campaign that is meant to warn the public of the dangers of smoking will reach only those who were already aware and interested in these dangers, while for those who were not, it will pass unseen and can even serve to further distance them from the subject through overexposure. Sadly this also applies to computer security? if you are already interested in taking care of your computer, then the warning from Apple or any other third party software will be more than enough, however, if you are not at all interested in what is going on with your computer, those warnings will do nothing except annoy you and you will end up ignoring them even more.
Macs, and Mac users had, and to them was given, but now come forth new Mac users whom do not have, and whom taketh away not only from themselves but also from others. Is this the beginning for Macs, or the beginning of the end?