3 ms·

But then no standard desktop OS is immune to users executing code from untrusted sources, you need something more locked down like iOS for that. To get a macro

But then no standard desktop OS is immune to users executing code from untrusted sources, you need something more locked down like iOS for that. To get a macro running in office the user has to explicitly ignore security warnings to do it, this would be the same in linux or MacOS where code execution capabilities were present.

pfg 10y ago
I'm making a comparison to Windows, and my point was that it's no different there today despite the fact that Metro apps exist (just like Flatpak/Snap exists on Linux). Walled gardens such as iOS are definitely superior in that respect. > To get a macro running in office the user has to explicitly ignore security warnings to do it, this would be the same in linux or MacOS where code execution capabilities were present. Sure, but it's pretty easy to ignore those warnings when you see something like [1] or [2]. [1]: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ginpmnFHC_E/V3J3kFADrxI/AAAAAAAAojc/fvWqTDGAItoCtcPBEDYBYylU7UdWYKdUgCLcB/s1600/microsoft-office-zero-day-exploit.png https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ginpmnFHC_E/V3J3kFADrxI/AAAAAAAAo... [2]: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiqwqUOWgAAVTzE.jpg:large https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiqwqUOWgAAVTzE.jpg:large
- raesene6 10y ago
  indeed those messages are good examples of social engineering, but when comparing OS security there's nothing inherent about MacOS or Linux that would make them any more resistent to the same kind of social engineering attack. I'd suggest that the reason that there are fewer attacks of that nature on those platforms isn't down to superior OS security but less profit available to attackers, due to smaller market share and perhaps lack of a ubiquitous target app. like office.
  - pfg 10y ago
    I think you're missing my point. I'm not saying either is better in that respect (like zyx321 claims for Windows), I'm just saying they're both just as vulnerable despite the existence of sandboxed apps.

pfg 10y ago

I'm making a comparison to Windows, and my point was that it's no different there today despite the fact that Metro apps exist (just like Flatpak/Snap exists on Linux). Walled gardens such as iOS are definitely superior in that respect. > To get a macro running in office the user has to explicitly ignore security warnings to do it, this would be the same in linux or MacOS where code execution capabilities were present. Sure, but it's pretty easy to ignore those warnings when you see something like [1] or [2]. [1]: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ginpmnFHC_E/V3J3kFADrxI/AAAAAAAAojc/fvWqTDGAItoCtcPBEDYBYylU7UdWYKdUgCLcB/s1600/microsoft-office-zero-day-exploit.png https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ginpmnFHC_E/V3J3kFADrxI/AAAAAAAAo... [2]: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiqwqUOWgAAVTzE.jpg:large https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiqwqUOWgAAVTzE.jpg:large

raesene6 10y ago
indeed those messages are good examples of social engineering, but when comparing OS security there's nothing inherent about MacOS or Linux that would make them any more resistent to the same kind of social engineering attack. I'd suggest that the reason that there are fewer attacks of that nature on those platforms isn't down to superior OS security but less profit available to attackers, due to smaller market share and perhaps lack of a ubiquitous target app. like office.
- pfg 10y ago
  I think you're missing my point. I'm not saying either is better in that respect (like zyx321 claims for Windows), I'm just saying they're both just as vulnerable despite the existence of sandboxed apps.