We all know that Microsoft Windows has been top target for critics due to its large number of security issues; it is interesting to see new facts emerge that it is not Windows but the Apple Mac OS X was the most vulnerable OS of 2014.
According to the latest report from the National Vulnerability Data (NVD) Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 are now Seventh and Eight on the ranking; Apple Mac OS X taking the first position, followed by apple iOS at second and Linux at third.
A total number of 7038 vulnerabilities was added to the NVD database in 2014; that translates to around 19 new vulnerabilities per day. The number reported is significantly higher than the 4794 total that was reported in 2013.
In reporting vulnerabilities, Operating System (OS) accounts for 13%, hardware devices for 4% and third party applications account for the largest amount, responsible for over 80% of the vulnerabilities associated with it.
The list also show the top applications reported by vulnerabilities of 2014; most applications on the list are mostly browsers – Microsoft internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox tops the list. Web browsers are said to be the most vulnerable to security issuesbecause they are a popular getaway to access a server and spread malware to clients.
To keep systems secure, it is critical that they are fully patched. IT admins should focus on (patch them first):
• Operating systems (Windows, Linux, OS X)
• Web browsers
• Java
• Adobe free products (Flash Player, Reader, Shockwave Player, AIR).
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