Letter from the CEO

By Robert L. Pritchett

Security Issues

 

Some time ago, I did a series of videos on Mac Security, mostly tongue in cheek, but serious enough, because at the time the info was spotty regarding real security on the Mac and susceptibility to such things as Trojans. We were told they didn't exist for the Mac OS and I was able to show that they indeed do exist, but still, none have successfully been made viral.

 

Also MPN, LLC is an affiliate for OnTrack, now Kroll OnTrack - http://www.krollontrack.com/ They created Disk Manager in 1985, ONTRACK Data Recovery in 1987 and were acquired by Kroll in 2002, who continued to acquire a variety of other companies to round out a full-service company for legal (read Computer Forensics) and data recovery activities. Just use VOGUS 1180 as our reference number when dealing with them and we get some kind of percentage for referring you to them. What I have found is that over the years, nobody has taken us up on the offer. Probably because most of our readership (like you) are honest, law-abiding citizens!

 

You will see some reviews of Security-based apps this month. I abhor apps that take over my machine in order to protect me. You will see some apps that get really poor ratings as a result. Others do a magnificent job, but take up valuable resources. And in most cases, as far as I'm concerned, they are not really needed or required for the Mac environment.

 

What we have found over the years, is that most Security apps for the Mac are oversold and under-needed. No security software company is going to thrive in the Mac environment, based on its Mac-only standing. The ones who have survived are those that service (like a stallion services mares and yes, I do mean that) the PC industry.

 

Please enjoy this issue of macCompanion. We hope it is not our last, but I keep seeing more and more websites going down and not coming back up, "due to the economy". We are seeing more and more government intervention in site and information "takedowns" as well.

 

Just so you know…

 

By the way, please send us some (no, a lot!) of currency via PayPal, as a few of us are now "between day jobs" and one definition of a "consultant" is a 3-piece suit between jobs. I resemble that remark.

 

I have updated the MacJobs link on the website to be "Jobs and Careers" to cover more than just those Mac-centric arenas.

 

We also affiliated with Nitro-Pak for family survival and emergency food items this past month. You might want to check their site out too. Just sayin'...

 

Sincerely,

 

Going for broke,

Robert L. Pritchett, Constitutionalist

 

And the Mac Security Debate goes on...

15 easy fixes for Mac security risks

The Mac Malware Myth

Security from Malware and Intruders

Conficker Eye Chart (Conficker does not directly affect Macs)

Are Macs more Safe than Secure? (RoughlyDrafted article.)

Mac-Security Blogspot - Includes list of Mac OS X Active Malware (Trojans).

Security Scene Errata - Charlatans - Calling out the "Experts".

The truth about Apple, Mac security, and responsibility