Apple releases security fix for Macs after iOS flaw

Updated. First time Mac user. So far I like it. Meh, PC vs. Mac debate is dumb.

Apple pretty much killed their "It just works on a Mac" with this... it's so stupidly unsecure.

zichi: You have had one and didn't know about it for the last 2-3 years :)

@zichi

Only reason why Apple computers don't have that much of a prolbem with viruses/securities is because hackers don't even bother to make viruses for Apple computers. Why should they spend hours and hours of work to create a virus for Mac when they represent small group compared to big windows group?

zichi: For the last 2-3 years, everytime you used Safari, itunes, your Mac mail programs or anything that used the apple SSL stack (any apple app with networking) you were wide open for anyone to steal everything you input and wrote. Same deal for iphone.

So Apple kept their major security flaw a secret until the day they came out with the patches. Gee, that's really classy.

No wonder President Obama once said he can't use an iPhone "because of security problems."

@John Master

Only reason why Apple computers don't have that much of a prolbem with viruses/securities is because hackers don't even bother to make viruses for Apple computers. Why should they spend hours and hours of work to create a virus for Mac when they represent small group compared to big windows group?

And let's hope it stays that way! ;)

The conventional wisdom that hackers don't bother developing viruses for Apple OS/Macs has been floating around since the days when it was true that Apple commanded only a small percentage of the PC market. Now that has not been the case for years, so why do people still believe it? Having said that, I do appreciate how relatively bug-free Apple stuff is compared to the Windows.machines that I do most of my work on. No viruses, knock wood, but crashes aplenty and incessant MS updates and bug fixes. So fix them already!.

@gogogo...we get it, you hate Mac. Each to their own, but don't embellish on something you clearly know nothing about! When I had Windows machines, 4 in 5 years, I'm convinced it was their updates that killed each machine. 3 of them died in the same year. In 2009 I switched to Apple products, and have never looked back since! My iMac 24" (late 2009), is still running as fast and as smooth as the day I bought it! No problems with updates or security and I'm not convinced that this 'flaw' was anything to worry about.

JeffLeeF wrote:

No wonder President Obama once said he can't use an iPhone "because of security problems."

Pres. Obama said that because they won't let him use any mobile device. They took his Blueberry away from him when he became president. His staff takes care of his communications for him.

John Master wrote:

Only reason why Apple computers don't have that much of a prolbem with viruses/securities is because hackers don't even bother to make viruses for Apple computers. Why should they spend hours and hours of work to create a virus for Mac when they represent small group compared to big windows group?

This was one reason in the now gone era when Apple devices were, indeed, relatively rare. But the main reason has always been and still remains the fact that the system is inherently more difficult to compromise. Hackers don't bother because it's difficult.

Upgrading to the "latest" OS doesn't necessarily guarantee you the "security" that you think you may have. Software is always complex and when generalized (unlike on aircraft... I hope), is prone to issues.

Anything posted across the internet is prone to interception and reuse. Basic fact, just made more difficult if encrypted.

Facebook, is a joke. Its a one stop shop to find out everything anyone needs to know about you. Likewise other similar "Social" Networks which will sell your privacy for a price.

I've never had a problem with security or virus on any of my Apple computers or devices in the last 15 years of using them.

...that you know of. ;-)

"Pres. Obama said that because they won't let him use any mobile device."

Wrong, He uses a couple of Blackberries. The wonks at the US Embassy in Tokyo also use BBs, I've noticed.

"But the main reason has always been and still remains the fact that the system is inherently more difficult to compromise."

Wrong again. a plethora of leading tech experts have been interviewed in reaction to this news, saying there is nothing inherently superior about Apple OSs with regards to security.

While not perfect, Apple OS is the best available. I have had Macs for years now, never had any security problem whatsoever. The same for iPhones. Important to notice that this flaw "could" allow access to data, but from "could" to "did" is a world apart. Calm down, guys. Apple devices are safe and sound, as usual.

" Important to notice that this flaw "could" allow access to data, but from "could" to "did" is a world apart."

And you are sure no one has accessed your data? Or do you simply "hope" so?

zichi: The US president ipad's are hardware neutered, they cut all networking off in the hardware.

"So what happens when he's in his limo, on the plane.......?"

There's a website, covering this issue, showing him using a flip-phone in his limo, presumably on a dedicated network, and a Dell laptop on Air Force One, his aircraft. I believe he uses a Powerbook for lighter tasks like emails and Web browsing, etc.

zichi: Google it, no networking, no wifi, no mobile, no signal, too much a security risk.

Zichi and other Applers, NEVER SAY NEVER! Just because you do not know, or never realized your Iphone, Ipad etc...has ever been hacked into, etc...does not mean the CIA, NSA does NOT know your every move!

@Elbuda: where did you read NEVER in our posts? Or is your bad English acting on you again?