Windows, the operating system with the reputation of constantly being attacked by hackers may be changing.  Vista has really bumped up its security (to the point of driving consumers insane), but is that really the reason why hackers are looking to target other operating systems, particularly Linux and Mac?  I don’t know… Mac has built a reputation (whether for real or through marketing) that they have a much more secure operating system than Windows, but with the amount of publicity there has been regarding Mac-related hacks in the consumer electronic field, perhaps that is boosting hacker confidence that they can go after the Apple.  Whatever it may be, it will be interesting to see how the attack levels differ between each operating system this year.

IT security and control firm, Sophos, says the report shows there is now evidence that hackers are extending their efforts beyond Windows and is warning computer users of all operating systems, including Mac OS and Linux not to be complacent about security.

According to Sophos, malware for Macs has been seen before, but until recently, organised criminal gangs have not felt the need to target Mac users when there are so many more poorly protected Windows PCs available.

However, late 2007 saw Mac malware not just being written by researchers demonstrating vulnerabilities or showing off to their peers, but by financially-motivated hackers who have recognised there is a viable and profitable market in infecting Macs alongside Windows PCs.

For example, many versions of the malicious OSX/RSPlug Trojan horse, first seen in November 2007, were planted on websites designed to infect surfing Apple Mac computers for the purposes of phishing and identity theft.[more]

Tags: Hackers