Game Theory, Antivirus Improvements Explain Rise In Mac Malware 319
Sparrowvsrevolution writes "Four years ago, security researcher Adam J. O'Donnell used game theory to predict in a paper for IEEE Security and Privacy when malware authors would start targeting Macs. Based on some rough assumptions and a little algebra, he found that it would only become profitable to target Apple's population of users when they reached 16% market share. So why are we now seeing mass attacks on Macs like the Flashback trojan when Apple only has 11% market share? O'Donnell says it turns out he may have underestimated the effectiveness of the antivirus used by most Windows users, which now makes overconfident Mac users a relatively vulnerable and much more appealing target. Based on current antivirus detection rates, O'Donnell's equations now show that victimizing Macs becomes a profitable alternative to PCs at just 6.5% market share."
Hey Apple Users... (Score:4, Funny)
Nay! (Score:5, Funny)
Tis a feature, allowed by the Almighty Jobs as a test thy faith in Apple .. so only mayest the True Believers be granted the next iDevice.
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:5, Funny)
So does Ubuntu Linux have 6.5% share yet?
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:5, Funny)
Now, I know all you apple "power users" are going to get all mad and scream "You're calling me dumb! I'm not dumb!" I'm not saying you're dumb... I'm saying all your friends are dumb... and you make bad technology choices... I'm sure you made a very smart, well informed decision when you chose the wrong operating system.
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:4, Funny)
"The odd thing is, I've never actually heard anyone ever say "I have a Mac, so I'm immune""
Oh, boy. You must not sit around Best Buy, Apple Stores, or 4chan's /g/ very often.
Hell, I hear that in the workplace all the time. I go over, infect their machine, and laugh at them.
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:5, Funny)
Well, hey, then Mac AV will work a lot faster than Windows AV since there's only one virus in the definition database!
Re:Hey Apple Users... (Score:4, Funny)
I have to disagree with this. I have an iPad, and I can assure you, it really, truly is MAGICAL.
Here's what casting a lightning bolt was like before my iPad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ04mfAY2BU [youtube.com]
Here's what it's like AFTER the iPad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxYGT51JTfE [youtube.com]
Apple is always explicitly literal in their advertising copy, and any suggestion that they aren't is just crazy talk.