Windows is no longer the most vulnerable operating system, according to a report from the GFI Software, an average of 19 software vulnerabilities were reported each day for a grand 7,038 vulnerabilities reported in 2014; data generated from the National Vulnerability Database (NVD).
The data also shows that Apple’s Mac OS X and iOS were the most vulnerable operating systems and not Windows. Although, Windows has a fair number of vulnerabilities, it was not listed among the top three less secure operating systems, the third place was occupied by Linux.
According to the same report, Mac OS X had 147 vulnerabilities reported in 2014, while 64 of them were high security risks. iOS was listed second with 127 vulnerabilities and 32 of them were considered high security risks. Linux took the third place on the list with 119 vulnerabilities, where 24 of them were severe security risks.
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 had 38 vulnerabilities reported in 2014 taking the fourth place in the list. Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 had 36 vulnerabilities (each). Finally, Windows RT was the operating system with fewer vulnerabilities with 30.
Shifting to applications, Microsoft top number one with Internet Explorer, which had 242 vulnerabilities in 2014 and 220 of them were considered high impact. Google Chrome was the second most vulnerable piece of software with 124 reported vulnerabilities, and Mozilla’s Firefox showed to be the most secure web browser with only 117 vulnerabilities.
Not only web browser but other software made into the list, such as Adobe Flash Player and various other Adobe products, Oracle Java, Apple TV, and many more. However, not surprisingly, web browsers showed to be the most vulnerables.
Software security is a big problem that will always be around, but now it is clear that it’s a global problem. However, Microsoft seems to be the company designing the most secure operating system when compared to Apple and Linux.
Just remember that regardless the platform, you will always be better staying up to date.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].