Some communication with Mac users over the last day,
regarding the Flashback malware and the changing state of the Apple Eco-system, made me realize that for many Mac users the new reality is somewhat like news regarding the skies falling down. The paradigm shift is so huge, they just don't get it.
So, the old PC lore regarding safety and security, all Mac users should adopt -
follow wise security rules in your network setup and in your net conduct;- Use a reasonably configured Network hub, so that your home network will be protected by a firewall;
- Avoid visiting the darker corners of the web without reasons;
- Do not open links or files that were sent to you from people you do no know or that bear suspicious subjects or descriptions.
Use a modern version of your Operating System (O/S) ;Make sure your O/S is of a relatively up-to-date version. Don't get stuck with versions that are not longer provided with security updates. Remember - the amount of energy spent on updating should be similar to a reasonable portion of the amount of damage that may be caused to you by information theft performed using a security hole, of which there is an abundance in older operating systems.
Make sure you update all the software products you use with patches and updates supplied by the software vendor;Make sure to update your software regularly with updates and patches. Apple is not as quick on supplying security patches
as some people would tell you (you don't have to believe me - just think about the secuirty hole in Apple's maintained Java which is behind the Flashback horror tale), so if you do get a software update - apply it as soon as possible.
Backup (it was critical before, but your detailed backup plan should refer to the new risks as well); Backup all your important data. Remember that Backups should be performed in a manner that will enable you to recover from both a complete loss of all data (usually hardware failure) and from a los of some of the data. Also remember that copies of backups should be put aside during planned time-frames. That way, if some of your data has been compromised/altered/damaged/hurt in a way, you may have it backed up in an old backyp copy, made at a time when your computer was still healthy.
Use Anti malware software - Use a good Anti-malware software, preferrably one that aims at detecting all sorts of threats - viruses, malwares, phishing attempts, etc.
It is clear that Apple's products are becoming just as prone to attacks as PCs have been for ages, and considering the great role computers fill in our daily lives, not using a good security software in such an environment is very much like practising unsafe sex.
Which is best ? It is a great question and sadly, really good answers will require a year or two, as time and experience will tell us which products really protect, and which only give a false sense of security.
There are several good anti-malware-software lists which can be a starting point, for your search and inquiry for your choice -
As a first step, it would probably be best to use a trial version of one of the more respectable names of PC security, such as -
My personal favorite would be
Avira's solution. They have been one of my favorites in the PC arena, one of the leading software security in the PC arena for years, and their ongoing strategic choice to provide home users free access to their quality products makes life for the home-administrator much easier.
Safe Surfing !
p.s
If you are a Mac user and you still think you don't need to do anything, do yourself a favor, and read the following articles:
