Many people believe that the Mac and Linux operating systems are virus-proof and can never be affected by malware or rootkits. For this reason, most of them do not run antivirus software on the Macs since they find it unnecessary. In 2012, the Flashback virus infected over 600,000 Macs, and it took Apple months and weeks to find a remedy. The fact is that all these systems are vulnerable to virus and malicious attacks.
The matter is that the Windows system is more vulnerable to these attacks than its counterparts, Linux and Mac. In this regard, one may think about TotalAV or any other decent antivirus for the specific iOS. Fortunately, there are effective antiviruses on the market to curb these attacks and secure devices from various threats.
Still, they won’t give you an answer on why Windows is the aim of hackers and has so many viruses. So let’s talk about it in more detail.
Contents
Popularity
For a long time, the Windows operating system has run on most of the world’s desktop computers and laptops. This had made it the primary target for virus and malware creators. Most hackers with different aims will seek to create malware for purposes such as stealing financial data or holding and corrupting files until the victim pays a ransom. The widespread use of Windows OS contributed to the desire of hackers to use it.
Besides, its long term existence has also enabled malware creators to study all its security features and develop different attack techniques. As a result, the windows system has been more prone to attack.
Permissions in Linux vs. Permission in Windows
Permissions allowed in Linux are more limited than the permission in Windows systems. This makes it hard for a virus to be easily created or spread in the Linux systems.
For example, in Windows, one can easily change a file extension and still become executable. A file named “Woman.jpg” can be renamed to “Woman.jpg.exe.” When it is double-clicked to open, the execution will take place. Consequently, the computer will be infected.
Linux Access
In Linux systems, these hacks cannot be performed. Linux users mostly use the ordinary account and only use administrator accounts to make specific systems changes. On the other hand, Windows users mostly use administrator accounts, therefore having many privileges to change anything easily. This means that root access in Windows is easier than in Linux systems.
No Unix Kernel
For the case of Mac operating systems, they are built on the UNIX kernel. The UNIX kernel is one of the most secure operating systems. It creates a file system that has a more influential role on the computer than the user. The user, therefore, requires root access to make any vital changes to the file systems. For this reason, most Mac used to believe that the systems were resistant to virus and malicious attacks.
However, this notion changed after the Flashback virus attacks in 2012. Mac users began using antiviruses like TotalAV, MacKeeper, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.
Software Security
A significant advantage of Linux over Windows is that everything in Linux is open source. The user can see the code and can quickly point out a virus within the software. Most of the Linux users get their software installation packages from the official distributed or trusted sources.
For the packages with unknown origins, there is an option in Linux to install them first in the virtual machine rather than in the main machine when they work fine in the virtual machine. Similarly, Apple has a feature that prevents the operating system from installing software that is not in the Mac App Store or from approved developers.
For Windows systems, any application program can be installed regardless of the source as long as the administrative access is enabled. This makes it easier for all sorts of viruses and malware to get their way into the computer system.
Memory Matters
Both Windows, Linux, and Mac have memory, file, and process management systems with some differences and similarities in each system. Since Linux operates on an open-source platform, it is unique from the other operating systems in terms of security. File management in windows is similar to the Mac. The two operating systems differ in terms of memory allocation. In windows, files can be stored anywhere in the memory as long as there are administrators’ privileges.
Autorun and installation
For instance, one can easily access the OS installation directory, remove and add files in the location. Windows systems also have an “autorun” feature that when an external drive is inserted in the computer, the files will be automatically executed. Mac and Linux systems, on the other hand, do not grant the user these privileges. For this reason, windows are regarded as a more user-friendly operating system.
Conclusion
Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems are susceptible to virus and malware attacks, with the level of vulnerability varying depending on the operating system. The good news is there are numerous methods to fight malware attacks regardless of the OS that you use.
The Windows operating system is more vulnerable to viruses and malicious attacks because of its popularity, unlimited administrator access by the user, and a user-friendly file management system.
On the other hand, Linux and Mac operating systems have secure operating systems, with Linux being open-source, while Mac is built on a high-security UNIX kernel. The administrator privileges to the user in Mac and Linux operating systems are also limited, giving them an edge over the windows operating system.