Apple Macs – more secure, but not invulnerable

Over the years, Apple computers have developed a reputation for exceptional security. In fact, many people believe that Macs are completely invulnerable to malware, like viruses and ransomware.

But in an age where cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated attacks to break into computers, Apple owners need to know the truth.

No computer is 100% secure

The first thing to realise is that Apple computers are not completely hack proof. No computer is completely hack proof. It is completely untrue to say that Apple Macs cannot be hacked, or be infected with malware.

In fact, one of the first viruses ever created was targeted at the Apple II computer back in 1982. The virus was relatively harmless – it simply displayed a rather childish poem on screen. But the reality was that the computer’s built-in security had been breached.

More malware followed over the years, each becoming more serious as time went on.

OS X significantly improves security

With the release of OS X in 2001, Apple significantly improved the security of their operating system. The core of the operating system made it much harder for malware to install itself – and it was around this time that Apple began to attract a reputation for being 100% secure – one they did little to dispel.

Interestingly, there has been roughly one significant item of Mac malware released every year since 2004. But the fact that there are less viruses targeting OS X than Windows, helped drive the legend of invulnerability. In most cases the only way to “catch” one of these viruses was to install illegal software from a “warez” website.

Ransomware – a true game-changer

Like its Windows-based relatives, most Mac malware was designed to steal personal information. However these viruses were relatively easy to identify and remove – often before any real damage was caused.

The emergence of ransomware has completely changed the game however. These malware infections encrypt the files stored on your Apple computer so that you can no longer read or use them. The only way to decrypt them is by paying a ransom to the cyber criminal behind the infection.

Eventually the ransomware infection will make all of your files unreadable.

There’s still worse to come

Cyber criminals are also creating new attacks that use a number of different techniques to trick you installing their malware. An infected email may be followed by an official-sounding phone call for instance, encouraging you to download and install an application to assist with internet banking, or to troubleshoot a technical issue.

Hackers are also becoming more patient, sometimes spending days and weeks building trust with their victims, using a technique known as “social engineering”. Which makes these attacks all the more subtle and effective.

Mac anti-virus software is no longer optional

When Mac malware was relatively rare, the chances of your computer becoming infected were slim. Mac malware is becoming more common and sophisticated – so all of your computers need to be protected with a comprehensive security package.

Our Endpoint Protection with 24/7 Vulnerability Management helps to block malware and ransomware before it can be installed on your computer. It will also help to protect against social engineering attacks – you won’t be able to install dodgy software, even by accident.

To see how we can protect your Mac and wider business network - see our protection plans.