Security besides viruses and malware - 12/04/14 04:34 AM
Viruses and malware are so rarely a problem on the Mac that I've never felt the need to use a program for them. I believe I'm in the mainstream. I used Sophos briefly, only to change my mind because I thought I was overreacting to recent events and because it put a drag on my system.
But are there other security problems that you think I, as an individual user with only my data to protect, should watch out for? Should I do more than I'm doing, which is not much? I see "security suites" which offer more options. I read about constant security holes in Firefox and Flash. Skype is frowned on ever since Microsoft bought it. I read about programs "phoning home." Web sites seem to be getting more intrusive. A few times over the years I found bogus charges on my credit card due to Amazon breakins. Cybercrimes fill the headlines. Desktops seem to be becoming more like closed-system mobile devices. Google. Need I say more? Little Snitch gets mentioned more than it used to—is that something I should consider?
Put simply, there are more security scares on the Mac than before, but I want to separate the paranoia from legitimate precautions. I own the Mac Security Bible (now long in the tooth), but I thought I would ask people here about their real world experience.
Are there ways for a person to get into my computer from the outside? I use a wireless router, password protected of course. I have my firewall turned on. That's about it. I always update Firefox and Flash.
I worked for a newspaper many years ago and I do have enemies, or at least I know a few people who like to stalk and play pranks of a destructive, antisocial kind. You probably would not be surprised at the kind of people journalism attracts.
For years, maybe decades, I've heard people worry about privacy. But after working for a newspaper, I think people should stop worrying—because it doesn't exist and hasn't for some time.
But are there other security problems that you think I, as an individual user with only my data to protect, should watch out for? Should I do more than I'm doing, which is not much? I see "security suites" which offer more options. I read about constant security holes in Firefox and Flash. Skype is frowned on ever since Microsoft bought it. I read about programs "phoning home." Web sites seem to be getting more intrusive. A few times over the years I found bogus charges on my credit card due to Amazon breakins. Cybercrimes fill the headlines. Desktops seem to be becoming more like closed-system mobile devices. Google. Need I say more? Little Snitch gets mentioned more than it used to—is that something I should consider?
Put simply, there are more security scares on the Mac than before, but I want to separate the paranoia from legitimate precautions. I own the Mac Security Bible (now long in the tooth), but I thought I would ask people here about their real world experience.
Are there ways for a person to get into my computer from the outside? I use a wireless router, password protected of course. I have my firewall turned on. That's about it. I always update Firefox and Flash.
I worked for a newspaper many years ago and I do have enemies, or at least I know a few people who like to stalk and play pranks of a destructive, antisocial kind. You probably would not be surprised at the kind of people journalism attracts.
For years, maybe decades, I've heard people worry about privacy. But after working for a newspaper, I think people should stop worrying—because it doesn't exist and hasn't for some time.