Is what your saying that mac os x makes it difficult to write malicious code (I doubt it, you could use automator to do things like delete files), or self-replicating/transporting code?
In some ways, both, but moreso the latter.
Of course it's possible to write malicious code on a Mac. However, you need to get the user convinced that they need to run the program. That's where security of any system, no matter how theoretically secure, will break down. If you can convince the guy with the key to a nuclear missile that he needs to launch his missile, then the lock, no matter how complex, has been defeated.
On the other hand, It's immensely harder to write a program for a Mac that will replicate and cause damage all on its own, without the user granting permission or approval.
This is why you don't need virus scanners on your Mac. Even so, you do need to be vigilant and careful about what you download and use. with any system, no matter how secure, you need to trust the source of the software, know exactly what it does, and know that others haven't been burned by it. And, as is true on any computer, over the phone, or in real life, you need to be careful with who or what has your personal information.
Seems like a silly distinction to me-
Far from. There's a HUGE difference between having to be duped into running malware, and having your computer seriously compromised AND compromising other machines by the mere act of being on and connected to a network.
It seems to me that the "hack" is where the weakness lies, and as I mentioned in my first post, mac os x isn't that much better at defending against hacks.
Then don't use it. In fact, don't use
any modern computer. Unplug, and you'll be 100% safe. Or actually, you won't, because anyone entrusted with your personal data can
also be compromised.
Again, no computer in the world can guard against an authorized person at the keyboard making an error in judgment or being misled. OS X does more than the competition to help mitigate that though.
