An article on CNet, by Jon Oltsik, a senior analyst with the Enterprise Strategy Group, suggests that Apple will, “within the next 18 months,” “begin recommending that Macintosh users install Internet security software on all systems.” Oltsik makes this claim based on 4 points: “Mac users are a lucrative target,” that is, they are more affluent than the average PC user. “Organized cybercrime is diversifying,” attacking new markets such as the Mac market. “Macs are growing in the enterprise,” offering potential gateways to access corporate networks. And “Macs are fairly easy to hack.”
As readers of this blog have seen, Oltsik seems to ignore one of the key points of his argument: malware targeting Macs is both growing and becoming more sophisticated. We have seen a large number of Trojan horses that target the Mac, including one, the RSPlug Trojan, which is regularly “updated” to try and get past anti-malware software. But this doesn’t work, at least with Intego VirusBarrier, which uses behavioral analysis to spot new malware or new versions of existing malware based on its actions.
Nevertheless, we agree with much of his reasoning. Mac market share is increasing, and Macs are becoming a more viable target. Mac users are less accustomed to security threats, and aren’t sure how to react. As Oltsik concludes, “Senior citizens often hark back to a time when people left their house unlocked and left their car keys in the ignition. Now they lock their doors for safety. Apple, along with Mac users, should prepare for a similar transition. Given the state of cybersecurity today, pragmatism should trump romanticism.”
