MacWorld.com is running an excerpted version of MWJ's examination of Safari's new anti-phishing feature. The excerpt is at times a little deep but not so much that the average reader can't follow along. If you're discerning enough to be reading AYAAW then you're way above average so the article shouldn't pose a problem for you. Anyway, the excerpt is very interesting and highlights a problem with our favorite fruit branded company: transparency. It also goes into depth on Google's Safe Browsing technology and how Safari uses it in it's new anti-phishing feature.

MWJ has a problem with Apple's reluctance to tell it's users what it's doing with data transmitted from Safari to Google. In the conclusion they state:

This is not how companies like Apple are expected to behave towards their customers, even if Firefox already had the same feature. Mozilla is very clear about how Firefox does this. Apple refuses to say anything about how Safari does this, and for no other reason than that the company simply thinks so little of its customers that it doesn’t feel the need to keep them informed about data Safari transmits on their behalf. For a Web browser to do things like this without explicit documentation is inexcusable.

We’re not so sure we agree with the statement “the company simply thinks so little of its customers” but it would be nice if Apple were a little more forthcoming about issues dealing with user privacy. Don't take our word for it, though, read the article and come to your own conclusions. Then, if you have anything "above average" to say about it, post a comment.

Tags:security, phishing, trojans, malware

Computer security firm Intego is warning today of MacGuard: a bogus website that claims to sell Mac security software. Once a gullible web surfer gives them credit card info Intego states,

it is likely that you will find additional charges on your credit card. ArsTechnica reports that more than 30 million people have been scammed by such software.

The bogus software claims to search your hard drive for Adware, Spyware and Trojans and then rid your system of these vile, malicious creatures. It also claims to do this in realtime so new threats will never even reach your desktop.

So, intrepid AYAAW readers, beware and be on guard for MacGaurd.

Disclaimer: We here at AYAAW don't use any type of security or virus detection software, just OS X's built in firewall. Seems to us that since there are NO KNOWN viruses and only a couple trojans (which you have to download and install) that can affect OS X there simply is no reason to buy this type of software. Prudent and wise internet surfing is advised and for the love of God don't download anything from an untrusted, unknown website. The biggest threat to OS X users are sites that use social engineering to lure people into downloading and installing malware or to divulging confidential personal information like credit card numbers. Just don't fall for either and you should be fine.

Disclaimer 2: We're not saying not to buy software to secure and protect your Mac. That would be reckless of us and we would never advise that. All we're saying here is that WE don't use this type of software and until there is a credible, non social engineering type threat, we're not going to lose any sleep over it. We practice safe surfing here as we're sure you do.

Tags:malware, trojans, social engineering, phishing