MAC Anti virus

[Dryce]

numpty here, are you saying that one should only log in via restricted accounts?

does that mean you set up an administrator account but then don't use it unless its needed?

Simple answer: Yes.

The idea is that if something manages to trick you, or subvert your browser or other software and get into your system it's running with restricted privileges only and can't subvert your whole system.

You'd have to enter an administrator account login in order for it to proceed with higher privileges.

 

[crockers]

Numpty here. I never knew that. So should I take admin privileges away from my account after having set up an admin one ?

 

[Dryce]

Numpty here. I never knew that.

How would you know? Most users don't. But Windows default installation doesn't just lead you into the trap there are a number of other odd complications that fool a good number of so called professionals. For example - these days they hide the real administrator account.

So should I take admin privileges away from my account after having set up an admin one ?

Unless there's a good reason to have admin privileges you shouldn't have them.

The problem with removing them is if software that you have installed still assumes that you should have them. (Occasionally a problem with older software). As long as you have access via another administrator account you can reinstate them.

 

[tagnut]

Very interesting points regarding administrator privileges. I've always run my accounts (Mac and Windows) as administrator just so I don't get any error messages when trying to install software. On the basis of the above I may amend this and just run restricted accounts for day to day use and the admin account for software installs etc.

Cheers,

 

[crockers]

On my Mac I have to enter a password before any changes are allowed.....so there is some safeguard.

 

[Spinal]

On my Mac I have to enter a password before any changes are allowed.....so there is some safeguard.

Ironically... according to a recent study, that makes you almost 6x more likely to be affected by phishing/trojans... because you are desensitized to popups asking for your password...

Once it's published, I'll pass you a link

M.

 

[Dryce]

Ironically... according to a recent study, that makes you almost 6x more likely to be affected by phishing/trojans... because you are desensitized to popups asking for your password...

It's nowhere near as bad as just simply being asked for a 'Yes'/'No' or 'OK'/'Cancel' that you get with Windows UAC on an administrator account.

[ Better still if the user doesn't know the password! ]

 

[Spinal]

It's nowhere near as bad as just simply being asked for a 'Yes'/'No' or 'OK'/'Cancel' that you get with Windows UAC on an administrator account.

[ Better still if the user doesn't know the password! ]

Actually - that was the whole point of the study..

Whether yes/no is less safe than asking for a password.

Turns out that asking for a password every time desensitizes the user to a point that when visiting a website, if presented with a password request window that replicates Apple's, 30% of osx users will give away their password...