More popularity for your favorite computing platform is a good thing, right? Yes and no. With more users, Macs are now a more valuable target. "Security through obscurity" is no longer a reliable safety net for Apple users. In fact, according to one report, Mac malware increased by almost 300% between 2016 and 2017. That's no coincidence.
No matter what you've heard, Macs can and do get viruses. They aren't the same as what you'll find on other operating systems, that's true. There are plenty of malicious programs that can infect your Mac. That includes Trojan horses, which sneak onto your system and try to do damage before you even know it's there.
Ransomware is one of the biggest recent threats, taking over a computer and encrypting all a user's files. Then come the demands for payment. First a Windows problem, there have already been instances of functional Mac ransomware. Since these types of attacks most often hit your Mac after some other malware opens the door, keeping the system locked down against basic threats is the only solution.
Adware is now the biggest class of malware on Macs. This is the kind of nonsense that interrupts your browsing experience with intrusive ads all the time. Hundreds of thousands of new adware threats targeting the Mac appear every few months; you need to keep them out.
It's true that macOS has great built-in security, but it only goes so far. macOS can save you from running a suspicious program and help prevent some known threats, but it doesn’t stem the tide of new adware — nor can it keep you as safe from the latest threats as security software that can update its databases rapidly.
You never know where the next threat lurks. Fake software updates, tainted downloads, and surprise vulnerabilities in your web browser all might let a hacker get a foothold on your Mac. Without proper security software, finding and identifying these threats can be impossible, leaving your system at risk.
Sometimes, hackers compromise the good guys; that was the case when a popular program for the Mac called Handbrake had its update servers infected with malware. Users downloaded what they thought was legit software but ended up with an infection. A first line of defense is essential against rare but serious threats such as these.
If a hacker can get a foothold on a machine, it gives them an opportunity to capture or locate sensitive data. That means your passwords, credit card numbers, and more — everything one would need to make a great start as an identity thief. Protecting yourself from fraud means protecting your Mac, too.
The risk of exposing private data to hackers is bad enough, but what about how many advertisers are out there on the web trying to learn about you? Tracking cookies might not be malware per se, but they're certainly not friendly guests — and malicious advertising has spiked in recent years, too. A frontline defense against security threats can help fight back here, too.
Living in a malware-free world would be nice, but unfortunately, there's no going back; malware on the Mac is a reality. With growing users and a growing stream of malware, the likelihood of more threats developing in the future is high. That doesn't make macOS a bad system — on the contrary, it remains a strong choice. However, it is time to consider improving your circumstances.
Before you continue enjoying your Mac, think about what you can do to keep it safe. With MacScan 3, you'll gain an edge over malware and stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Developed by SecureMac, defenders of Mac security for more than a decade, MacScan 3 has an advanced anti-malware engine with all the features you need to fight back against malware and protect your privacy on the web. Find out more and sign up for a free 30-day trial to secure your Mac.
