**Although this isn't technically a review, I think a lot of people are looking for better answers surrounding this topic. I'll try and offer some good programs that you can use for protecting your computer at the end of article.
So I know most people will knee-jerk respond to this question with "Well MAC, duh!", and I'd have to completely disagree with you. As far as security goes, Mac's are just as vulnerable as PC's. At this point you might be think, but those "geniuses" at the Mac store said Mac's are more secure. Well first thing, those people aren't geniuses (in fact, far from it), and second it's just a plain lie. In this special report I will give you a quick run-down about the types of attacks you can be subject to, the differences in what makes the different operating systems more "safe", and some countermeasures you can take to protect yourself.
Which OS is safer then?
Well here is the problem, its not the computer that is the weak point (and don't take this personally), but it is the user. That's right, you are the problem. Human's are the weak link.
A PC can be just as secure as a Mac and vice versa. Essentially, being a conscientious web-user is your safest defense. You should technically be running anti-virus software on both systems. Mac's have as many security leaks as PC's.
So why are Mac's thought to be safer? One answer: there are less Mac's being used than PC's. It's a matter of numbers plain and simple. Hackers are looking to target PC's because there are more of them. That's it. However, as Mac's are growing in popularity, so are attacks targeted at Macs.
The security weak points are becoming less based on what OS you are using and more on the type of internet browser you are using. Additionally, your own knowledge of how to avoid phishing and social engineering scams is important. However, as a rule of thumb the safest, most secure browsers to use are the following (in order from MOST to LEAST secure): Chrome/Firefox --> Opera --> Internet Explorer --> Safari.
Oh and fun fact, most attacks originate from porn sites. Stick to print! :-P
Here is a picture describing what user's perceive as the security of an OS:
Types of Attacks/Security Breaches
There are multiple types of attacks that you might experience while using your computer. Some of the most common types are listed below:
- Social Engineering: This is where an attack is asking you to do something in order to get information from you. For instance, updating your information for your credit card or something. This is very similar to Phishing. This is a platform independent attack.
- Downloading "Plugins" to watch videos, read documents, etc...: Sometimes when you are trying to watch a video, you will be asked to install a special plug-in or another download from a weird/disreputable site. Don't do it. This is more platform dependent, but can happen to anyone.
- Spambots: This causes you to get a ton of popups, which are super annoying.
- Trojan Horses: Programs pretending to be something else besides what they really are.
Possible Anti-virus Software
- AVD Anti-Virus Free Edition (PC)
- Avast Free Antivirus (PC)
- Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus (PC)
- iAntiVirus Free Edition (MAC)
For paid versions you can't really go wrong with
But free versions are getting better all the time. Again, these will only take you so far, be aware of social engineering scams and stay away from disreputable sites. Being aware of the danger is the best defense against attacks.
A great place to download these is from CNET's download.com, they even have great reviews to read over about the various programs.
I pulled a lot of information from this article on CNET: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10444561-245.html?tag=smallCarouselArea.0
