which is more secure: Safari or Firefox?

maccuser · Nov 24, 2008, 12:50 AM

I'm new to mac, recently bought the new aluminum macbook and was wondering if it is more secure to use firefox vs safari. I noticed that scrolling is way more smooth in safari than in firefox and the fact I have more of the page since safari has thinner borders and also the loading thing is right in the address bar. More to it, with the new trackpad i can use the multitouch capabilities that is only built in safari but not firefox.

Could you guys let me know which one is better to use?

Also, I installed Sophos antivirus (which is free for UCLA students) on my mac, is that of any help? or does it catch windows viruses only?

J the Ninja · Nov 24, 2008, 12:58 AM

Assuming you are up to date about both, you are fine. Use Firefox and strap on NoScript and FlashBlock if you are paranoid.

Download MultiClutch (Google it) to get 3 finger swipe, zoom, and other gestures into Firefox (It's a preference pane that lets you bind gestures to key combinations for either the whole system, or an individual Cocoa app.

You don't need Mac AntiVirus, there are no Mac viruses. There are a very small number of programs that could be called Mac malware, every single one requires at the very least that you manually launch them. Many even require you to type your password or assign them a firewall port before they can do damage. Just stay smart and don't get social-engineered, and you'll be fine.

gracemac · Nov 24, 2008, 01:17 AM

both OK, safari is more safe IMO, but i used to firefox, it doesnot matter if you take care when browse

MasterNile · Nov 24, 2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracemac

both OK, safari is more safe IMO, but i used to firefox, it doesnot matter if you take care when browse

Why is safari more safe?

mathcolo · Nov 24, 2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracemac

both OK, safari is more safe IMO, but i used to firefox, it doesnot matter if you take care when browse

I think it is just the reverse. Firefox is updated MUCH more than Safari is... Even though WebKit is a community project, Safari isn't. There isn't much outside feedback for Safari. Whereas Firefox is a totally community-based project which allows it faster improvement in the realms of safety, usability and security.

OP: Not to change your mind again, but if you don't make a decision it will drive your own mind crazy. I would just pick one out of a hat and use it.

SnowLeopard2008 · Nov 24, 2008, 11:31 AM

Use Safari, Firefox is way too 'jumpy' with uneven scrolling. Safari is safe as long as you don't go poking around the remote corners of the internet. Firefox is like an armored truck. Both has about the same level of security. I'd lean towards Safari, you have less stuff to add (like Multi Clutch for gestures and various add ons) before you use it. Both Firefox and Safari use the phishing database made by Google. Pick something simpler and smoother, ie Safari.

Before other ppl start attacking Safari, I use both. I just happen to like Safari better.

MatLane · Nov 24, 2008, 11:38 AM

For some unknown reason

I feel safer when using Safari

Diaresi · Nov 24, 2008, 01:14 PM

Out-Of-The-Box, they're now both pretty equal since Apple added phishing blocking to Safari. Extensions though make Firefox far, far more secure if you want to go down a potentially overzealous route.

To be truely paranoid about things, never use the default browser for Windows or Mac OS X since exploits for those platforms will be geared to what's there for everyone not what only some people will have.

Also, Apple generally have slow response times for patching vunerabilities...

MacsBestFriend · Nov 24, 2008, 07:00 PM

iSay FireFox- I use Safari when I need more speed though...

chris001 · Nov 24, 2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacsBestFriend

iSay FireFox- I use Safari when I need more speed though...

really. i use FireFox for the exact opposite reason.
i thought firefox was faster then safari?

OP: it doesn't really matter.but i'm pretty sure you gathered that from all the above posts. i like the way firefox looks over safari..

clevin · Nov 26, 2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diaresi

since Apple added phishing blocking to Safari.

im off mac for a while, is this true?

Generally, safari isn't that standing out in terms of security (better than IE of course, but this is a mac environment, so ie isn't in the discussion), Firefox is better on this.

ltldrummerboy · Nov 26, 2008, 07:59 PM

Hey clevin, good to see you. The recent Safari 3.2 (and even more recently 3.2.1) update added a phishing filter.

Nov 24, 2008, 12:50 AM	#1
maccuser macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2007	which is more secure: Safari or Firefox? I'm new to mac, recently bought the new aluminum macbook and was wondering if it is more secure to use firefox vs safari. I noticed that scrolling is way more smooth in safari than in firefox and the fact I have more of the page since safari has thinner borders and also the loading thing is right in the address bar. More to it, with the new trackpad i can use the multitouch capabilities that is only built in safari but not firefox. Could you guys let me know which one is better to use? Also, I installed Sophos antivirus (which is free for UCLA students) on my mac, is that of any help? or does it catch windows viruses only?
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 12:58 AM	#2
J the Ninja macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2008	Assuming you are up to date about both, you are fine. Use Firefox and strap on NoScript and FlashBlock if you are paranoid. Download MultiClutch (Google it) to get 3 finger swipe, zoom, and other gestures into Firefox (It's a preference pane that lets you bind gestures to key combinations for either the whole system, or an individual Cocoa app. You don't need Mac AntiVirus, there are no Mac viruses. There are a very small number of programs that could be called Mac malware, every single one requires at the very least that you manually launch them. Many even require you to type your password or assign them a firewall port before they can do damage. Just stay smart and don't get social-engineered, and you'll be fine. __________________ Flickr \| deviantART \| Vimeo
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 11:31 AM	#6
SnowLeopard2008 macrumors 603 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: California	Use Safari, Firefox is way too 'jumpy' with uneven scrolling. Safari is safe as long as you don't go poking around the remote corners of the internet. Firefox is like an armored truck. Both has about the same level of security. I'd lean towards Safari, you have less stuff to add (like Multi Clutch for gestures and various add ons) before you use it. Both Firefox and Safari use the phishing database made by Google. Pick something simpler and smoother, ie Safari. Before other ppl start attacking Safari, I use both. I just happen to like Safari better. __________________ YouTube \| Twitter MacBook Air \| iPhone 5 \| iPad mini \| iPad signed by Steve Wozniak
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 11:38 AM	#7
MatLane macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: England, United Kingdom	For some unknown reason I feel safer when using Safari __________________ 2008 Unibody Macbook Pro 15.4 inch / 2013 iMac 27 inch (on order) / iPad with Retina 16GB WiFi White / iPad 2 WiFi Black / iPhone 4S White 16GB / iPod Classic 160GB (2006) Think Different
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 07:00 PM	#9
MacsBestFriend macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: upstate ny (purgatory)	iSay FireFox- I use Safari when I need more speed though... __________________ Twitter: Tumblr: Late 2011 2.2 Ghz i7 Macbook Pro 500GB HDD, 120 GB Intel SSD iPhone 4S (Soon)
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 01:17 AM	#3
gracemac Banned Join Date: Oct 2008	both OK, safari is more safe IMO, but i used to firefox, it doesnot matter if you take care when browse
	0

Nov 24, 2008, 01:14 PM	#8
Diaresi Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007	Out-Of-The-Box, they're now both pretty equal since Apple added phishing blocking to Safari. Extensions though make Firefox far, far more secure if you want to go down a potentially overzealous route. To be truely paranoid about things, never use the default browser for Windows or Mac OS X since exploits for those platforms will be geared to what's there for everyone not what only some people will have. Also, Apple generally have slow response times for patching vunerabilities...
	0

Nov 26, 2008, 07:59 PM	#12
ltldrummerboy macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2007	Hey clevin, good to see you. The recent Safari 3.2 (and even more recently 3.2.1) update added a phishing filter. __________________ "Stay hungry, stay foolish." -Steve Jobs
	0


MacRumors Forums > Apple Applications > Mac Applications and Mac App Store

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mac not sleeping when Safari or Firefox are open? (Not Flash)	Richard Flynn	Mac OS X	5	Jan 1, 2012 01:09 PM
Which is more "rugged" macbook, or 13' MBP ?(screen mostly)	chris7777	Buying Tips and Advice	9	Jan 8, 2010 05:44 PM
Which is more recommendable? Clean, or upgrade?	raymondu999	Mac OS X	20	Jan 20, 2009 10:17 AM
Which is more important, superdrive or processor	DigDoug	MacBook Pro	14	Jan 4, 2008 09:40 AM
Which is more rugged, ibook or powerbook?	relimw	Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion (archive)	6	Jul 26, 2004 11:20 PM