For a long time, Mac users could rest easy knowing their computers were immune to the rampant malware threatening Windows PCs. But sadly, those days are over. Mac malware is on the rise – here’s what Mac users need to know.
Why Macs Were Considered Safe
For years, Macs were considered safe from malware for a few key reasons:
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Closed ecosystem. The Mac operating system is proprietary and closed, unlike Windows which is used more widely. This limited the potential targets for malware creators.
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Built-in security. MacOS has always had strong built-in security features like sandboxing and system integrity protection. These made it harder for malware to infect Macs.
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Obscurity. With much lower market share than Windows, Macs simply weren’t a priority target for attackers. They focused their efforts on the much larger Windows ecosystem.
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User awareness. Mac users were considered more tech savvy and security conscious than average Windows users. They knew not to install dubious software or fall for social engineering.
The Tide Has Turned
The inherent security advantages of Macs led to a misconception that they were completely immune to malware. But in recent years, Mac malware has exploded:
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Malware targeting Macs increased by 400% in 2019. Major threats like Shlayer, OSX.Dummy and MacKeeper emerged.
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New malware strains now outpace Windows malware. Malwarebytes reported 16 million Mac threats blocked per day in 2020, up from 4 million in 2019.
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Even traditionally “good” Mac apps like CleanMyMac X and MacKeeper have turned rogue by adding malware functions.
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Macs are now targeted by major malware groups, hacking organizations and even governments.
Why the Sudden Surge in Mac Malware?
So why are Macs no longer immune? A few key factors:
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Increased market share. MacOS popularity has surged in recent years. With a bigger potential target market, Macs have become an increasingly tempting target for attackers.
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Users letting their guard down. Years of believing Macs were completely safe has led to complacency among users. They are less wary of risks and may engage in risky computing practices.
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Profitability of malware. Cryptominers, ransomware and information stealing malware can generate big profits for their creators. Macs are now appealing targets for this criminal malware.
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Advanced evasion techniques. Modern malware uses sophisticated methods like self-destructing code, polymorphism and social engineering to evade detection on Macs.
Protecting Your Mac from Malware
As a Mac user, follow these tips to secure your computer:
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Keep your software updated. Run system updates as soon as they become available to get the latest security patches. Also update browsers, plugins and other apps frequently.
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Think before you click. Be wary of emails, ads, search results and websites designed to trick you into downloading malware. Hover over links to inspect their true destination.
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Use anti-malware software. Subscribe to a reputable anti-virus program like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender and schedule regular scans. This will detect and block malware.
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Make backups. Maintain regular backups of your important data either on an external drive or cloud storage. This ensures you can restore data lost to ransomware.
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Avoid questionable software. Steer clear of shady downloads, pirated software, “cracked” apps and unofficial app stores. Only download apps from the official App Store or developer sites you trust.
The perception of Macs being immune to malware is unfortunately outdated. But with vigilance and common sense, Mac users can continue to enjoy strong security. The key is accepting that as Apple’s popularity grows, Macs are now tempting targets for attackers – so it’s wise to take proactive precautions.
