Popular apps have more security flaws than Windows

[Astronuc]

Andrew Sullivan
From the March 2006 issue of PC World magazine
Posted Monday, January 30, 2006

With a spiking number of security flaws, the programs you run every day are now a more enticing hacker target than your operating system.

The Windows OS has become battle-hardened over years of trial by fire, enduring relentless hacker attacks. Although sometimes-critical flaws continue to surface, security patches applied via automatic updates have made Windows a tougher nut to crack.

And Mac users, wipe that smug look off your faces: Because these security flaws are found in applications rather than operating systems, you are at risk as well.

Desktop programs such as iTunes, RealPlayer, and even the security-conscious Firefox now account for more than 60 percent of serious vulnerabilities, according to the British security firm Qualys.

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http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,124510,tk,wbxnws,00.asp

 

[Wrichik Basu]

Not surprising, given that the desktop widgets in Win 7 were all vulnerable and later disapproved by Microsoft.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Random apps also don't have the security checks that Microsoft would have in place.

 

[Wrichik Basu]

Random apps also don't have the security checks that Microsoft would have in place.

Of course they don't, as they're more eager to publish their apps rather than debug them. It's like installing apps from sources other than Playstore.

 

[TeethWhitener]

Note that OP was from early 2006. “App” had a somewhat different meaning, as the iPhone and the idea of the App Store as a walled garden wouldn’t come out for another year (and Windows 7 not for another 3 years).

 

[Ennery]

Note that OP was from early 2006. “App” had a somewhat different meaning, as the iPhone and the idea of the App Store as a walled garden wouldn’t come out for another year (and Windows 7 not for another 3 years).

That's not going to happen now .