Update on Mac spyware

Last Saturday, I mentioned seeing  a spyware remover for the Mac OS. I sent a  question about the need for such a program to the folks at the Spyware Daily blog. This is their reply.

Hi Mr. Johnson,

Thanks for reading. No, MacScan is absolutely not necessary software. The truth is, spyware is still such an infrequent irration for Mac users that a scanning tool isn't really necessary. The people who create spyware, adware and other Internet threats usually do so for financial gain. Thus, they target Windows-based computers, because over 90% of personal computers run Windows. Targeting Mac simply isn't economical right now.

There ARE a handful of spyware threats affecting Macs, but reports are scarce. MacScan will, however, detect some commercial applications that could be used as spyware -- like keyloggers and monitoring tools. These sorts of programs are often used to monitor children's Web usage or employee Web usage in large companies.

If Mac increases its market share and begins to take more ground from Microsoft, you might consider using an anti-spyware tool. For now, very few bugs are created to attack Mac. Just surf responsibly with Firefox or Safari and you should be fine.

Best,
Sacha
------------------------------------------------
Sacha Narine
Online Editor
ParetoLogic, Inc.
1827 Fort St.
Victoria, BC V8R 1J6
Canada
www.paretologic.com

Whew. Now you know why I selfishly encourage everyone to buy PCs rather than Macs. A small market share for Apple  is a GOOD thing. 

Comments

[Patti]

An alternative to both Mac and Windows is Linux, a platform used widely around the world. I have used a version of Linux for almost a year, having gotten my system set up with the help of other Linux users. What a world of difference from Windows. I am able to freely download programs such as Open Office and XPDF. There are no problems with viruses and spyware. No need to agree to an AUP. The stability of the system is great. I think there's a future here that's worth exploring.