Windows or Mac for Security????

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by chinook9, Aug 8, 2016.

  1. chinook9

    chinook9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2008
    Posts:
    444
    I am primarily a Windows user, however, I have used Linux quite a bit and I have a Macbook.

    I now plan to start using the Macbook as my travel machine and when overseas (always wifi) I want it to be very secure. Should I make the Mac dual boot with Windows or is the Macbook already secure. I'd like the opinion of the forum members.

    I run Windows with Sandboxie, a HIPS of some type, a firewall, and antivirus. All of the latter that I use are the ones reported to be the top of the heap in performance at the time. I rely on Sandboxie 100% when using a browser and my browser is Firefox with NoScript, WOT, and Norton DNS.

    It would be much easier, and less expensive, for me to just leave the Mac as is using OS X if its secure but I just don't know that much about it. I use Avast on the Mac because its the only Mac antivirus I know of.

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,870
    Apple Mac OSX is based on Unix BSD. You don't need an AV on a Mac. Just lock down your firewall and you're good to go.

    Its inherently secure by design and in practice compared to Windows.
     
  3. fax

    fax Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2005
    Posts:
    3,899
    Location:
    localhost
    IMO, you have better security with latest windows.
    There are actually good amount of malware also on MAC less then windows as it less profitable for the malware industry given its market share.
    Keep your MAC OSX fully up-to-date, use a VPN service to secure your channels while travelling and install a reputable AV. For a list just see here.

    And to cite the above report:

     
  4. ProTruckDriver

    ProTruckDriver Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2008
    Posts:
    1,444
    Location:
    "An Apple a Day, Keeps Microsoft Away"
    I'm also a Windows guy since my first computer many, many years ago. I just bought my first New 27" Mac a little over 3 months ago because of the Windows fiasco. I am a very Happy Camper now. I do run Microsoft Office on the Mac, updates take about 5 to 10 minutes from time of download to install. People say Yes and No about running Antivirus with a Mac. I believe in layered security. I run Webroot for extra Security and Backup, also use Time Machine Backup. Once a week I scan with Malwarebytes for Mac. I was reading This Article a few days ago. It was a hard choice to make but I'm glad I made it. :D
     
  5. MisterB

    MisterB Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    1,267
    Location:
    Southern Rocky Mountains USA
    For out of the box security, the Mac. Yes there is malware for the Mac. There is malware for every computer platform but it is not just market share that limits it, it is the architecture of the OS and the diligence of Apple that keeps it down.

    The security of any OS can be enhanced but the necessity is much less with MacOs or Linux.
     
  6. TairikuOkami

    TairikuOkami Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2005
    Posts:
    3,417
    Location:
    Slovakia
    Since you seems like a skilled user, it all comes down to using it overseas. I would expect Windows to be more compatible with WiFi outside US.
     
  7. Secondmineboy

    Secondmineboy Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    Posts:
    102
    Location:
    Germany
    If you want to secure your Mac take a look at these tools: https://objective-see.com/products.html

    Also use a second user account as standard user and lock it down in the system settings so it can only open certain stuff,etc. :)
     
  8. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Posts:
    14,881
    Location:
    Slovenia, EU
    If I had to make this choice, I would probably go with Mac. It should be enough secure by default. Add Vpn to securely connect to net and make backup of your data and you'll be fine.
     
  9. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2005
    Posts:
    5,553
    Location:
    USA still the best. But barely.
    I hate these choices! LOL

    I would choose Linux.
     
  10. ProTruckDriver

    ProTruckDriver Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2008
    Posts:
    1,444
    Location:
    "An Apple a Day, Keeps Microsoft Away"
    That's what I'll be turning my 2 Windows computers to if M$ keeps screwing with the Win 7 users.
     
  11. chinook9

    chinook9 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2008
    Posts:
    444
    Thank you for all the recommendations. I have set up a seperate user account that I will use most of the time. I also uninstalled Adobe and checked to confirm that Avast is still a good one. It is. I have CyberGhost 5 to use as a VPN overseas.

    I am still planning to check out the tools in the link posted by Secondmineboy.
     
  12. Amanda

    Amanda Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2013
    Posts:
    2,115
    Location:
    Brasil
    VPN doesn't make the connection itself secure, only the informatin traveling through it. Going into an exploited website through VPN or not doesn't really matter.

    IMO Windows can be made secure more easily than MacOS, and Free of charge. Add EMET, a good Firewall + HIPS + Sandbox, a nonAdmin account for day-to-day use with UAC at Max and an Admin password, and you're almost set.
     
  13. ArchiveX

    ArchiveX Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2014
    Posts:
    1,500
    Location:
    .
    Windows user, here.

    So many Security options to select...:thumb: :cool:
     
  14. MisterB

    MisterB Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    1,267
    Location:
    Southern Rocky Mountains USA
    I don't care for MacOS for the same reasons I don't care for Windows 10: Not enough control by the end user and too much control by the corporation that provides the OS. That being said, I would much rather trust Apple than Microsoft. I live in Mac country and have worked on lots of Macs over the years. I have never seen one infected by Malware, not one. Most of the owners would never be able to handle such things as HIPS or Emet or Sandboxie. Nothing but the out of the box security and configuration to protect them and it was sufficient.
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.