Apple’s Snow Leopard Is Less Secure Than Windows, But Safer

[JMH]

Apple users have less protection from viruses and malicious software than Windows users do. But they’re still safer, security experts agree, because so few malware programs target the Mac.


Apple’s new Snow Leopard operating system, which landed in stores Friday, adds a few security enhancements to protect Mac users from malware. But like previous versions of the Mac OS, Snow Leopard lacks security features that are built in to Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, such as full Address Space Layout Randomization to thwart attacks from malicious code.
That makes Macs more vulnerable to attack, explained Charlie Miller, a security researcher and author of the book The Mac Hacker’s Handbook. But despite its weaknesses, Mac users have no reason to panic — yet. Apple’s PC market share is still roughly only about 10 percent, giving hackers and malicious software coders very little economic incentive to target the Mac.
In short, Mac users are ducking behind a short wall — but as long as the enemy is firing in another direction, they’re not in grave danger.

Read more -
Apple’s Snow Leopard Is Less Secure Than Windows, But Safer | Gadget Lab | Wired.com

 

[smarteyeball]

Judging by a few threads on other forums listing the many, many bugs - Snow Leopard has been far from 'it just works' :D

 

[roy69]

Windows own demise will be its popularity.
Why try and write a code that is only going to infect a small % of computers when you can get alot more attention by going for a larger audiance, i.e. Microsoft OS`s.

 

[JMH]

Windows own demise will be its popularity.
Why try and write a code that is only going to infect a small % of computers when you can get alot more attention by going for a larger audiance, i.e. Microsoft OS`s.

True. MS OS's are the obvious target for warped "instant fame seekers."