Mac security: what you can ignore

When you say "computer security," most people think "viruses," "worms," and other forms of malware. They also think, "Mac users don't have to worry about it." And they're correct. But that could always change. So it pays to keep your eyes open for credible reports of new Mac security problems and to change your computing habits accordingly.

Let's be completely clear: there are absolutely no technical barriers preventing worms or viruses from infecting the Mac platform. A cursory review of Apple's own security updates will reveal a long list of vulnerabilities that a knowledgeable attacker could easily exploit in a Mac virus or worm. Some of these flaws have been public for weeks or months before Apple released fixes for them.

But despite the opportunities, we have yet to see any widespread malware for Macs; your risk of infection is essentially zero.