Apple does a great job of guarding against common security threats, but determined cybercriminals can still contaminate Apple devices. Here are some best-practice tips to help keep your Macbook safe:. By default, your Mac's security and privacy preferences are set to allow apps from the App Store and identified developers.
For additional security, you can choose to allow only apps from the App Store. Click the lock icon and enter your password to make changes. Keep your operating system and installed software up to date. Macs are already set up automatically to check for software updates and alert you when updates are available for you to download. A key aspect of avoiding viruses and other problems is downloading and installing these updates promptly — since they contain the latest security features.
This means that hackers and websites cannot trace your connection and find your exact location, making you semi-anonymous online. This will ensure your online activities are encrypted and not seen by potential online attackers. The easiest way to back up data is by setting up Time Machine, which backs up all the information on your Mac automatically every day. Apple provides guidance on how to do this here.
Macs, just like PCs, go missing and get stolen. As well as backing up your data, make sure your Mac is password-protected, kept in a safe place, and set up with Find My Mac.
Pay attention to Gatekeeper alerts, as they will help minimize the risk of inadvertently downloading malware. Exercise caution when it comes to browser plug-ins and add-ons. Check all installation clients for bundled items by opting out of the default setup option and selecting custom mode instead. Avoid opening spam emails and unknown attachments to avoid falling victim to a phishing attack.
Avoid downloading any files whose source may be questionable. An ad blocker blocks or alters online advertising within a web browser or application. This may be done using browser extensions or other methods. Avoid clicking on pop-ups or virus warnings. Many of these windows are scams and designed to trick users into thinking you have already contracted a virus.
For example, Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac protects against a range of online attacks — including the latest threats — and safeguards your privacy and personal information. We use cookies to make your experience of our websites better. By using and further navigating this website you accept this. Detailed information about the use of cookies on this website is available by clicking on more information.
What online threats can affect Macs? They include: Viruses A virus is a malicious software program loaded onto a user's computer without the user's knowledge that performs malicious actions. Adware This malware takes over your computer, bombarding it with numerous ads and pop-ups that can harm your device, track you, and slow down performance.
Trojans Trojan horses are a type of malware that tricks you into downloading and installing them by posing as something else. Rootkits A rootkit is a type of malware designed to give hackers access to and control over a target device. With over 5 years of supporting Mac users, Ruslana lives and breathes everything Mac.
Tech expert, Apple lover, and well, a cutie. Say hi on LinkedIn! Oops, something went wrong. Mac malware is more common than you think. Protect your device! We use cookies to create the best online experience. Check our Cookie Policy for details. By Ruslana Lishchuk. Before we start Anyone can fall prey to a new computer virus. These malware types include: Adware: These viruses cause an excessive number of unclosable ads to open in and out of your web browser.
A lot of the time these ads try to warn you about a virus on your Mac, telling you to click a link and install an app to fix it. Spyware: This malware will hide on your Mac, often going unnoticed for a long time, watching what you do in an attempt to steal personal data. This data could be used for advertising, fraud, or even to access your financial accounts.
Spyware apps are more common on mobile devices, despite many users wrongly detect them as viruses on iPhone. Trojan Horses: While not technically a type of virus, trojan horses are any other kind of malware that tricks you into downloading and installing them by posing as something else. As a Mac owner, you might become the target of a phishing scam trying to convince you to install fake MacDefender, MacProtector, or MacSecurity software.
How Apple invests in the security of its products Apple is serious about security. These tools include: Gatekeeper Gatekeeper is the first barrier that stops malware from affecting your Mac. Notarization Before allowing apps on the App Store, Apple scans the code for malware and notarizes it if the scan comes back clean. Cybercriminals may sometimes send you a fraudulent email to infect your Mac with a virus. The message might look like a harmless notification from your bank, a well-known company, your friend, or a family member.
The email will contain a link or an attachment and will urge you to click it. As a result, it can trigger the installation of malware. How exactly can malware affect Mac? Spyware is a computer program that hackers can use to spy on you hence the name and secretly follow your online activities. Adware is unwanted software that causes annoying pop-ups and random advertisements. Sometimes, the adware may have some spyware features and monitor your online activities to personalize the advertising you see.
A Trojan is a harmful program that pretends to be a regular useful app. But just like the wooden horse in the Ancient Greek story, its primary goal is to provide access to your computer to its creator. Like Trojans, scamware pretends to be a legitimate program.
For example, scamware may pretend to be an antivirus and show you a fake warning about a virus on your Mac to make you pay for a fix. Alternatively, scamware may urge you to download another, even more harmful program. Ransomware is a particularly nasty type of malware. It invades your computer, locks you out of controlling it, then displays a ransom note.
Hackers demand payment in cryptocurrencies to get their dough anonymously. Cryptominers or cryptojackers are malware that use the computing power of your Mac to mine cryptocurrencies for the attacker. Have you noticed your Mac computer acting weird? Is it malware, or is your Mac just going through a difficult emotional phase?
This is how to tell if your Mac got a virus. These are signs that you may have accidentally installed adware or malicious software. There is a very high chance that a virus has infected your Mac.
Your computer heating up is a sign that many programs are working in the background. If all of a sudden, your Mac is running slow or speeding up, then beware. If your Mac experiences one or several of these symptoms, chances are, your computer is infected — find out how to scan your Mac for malware and what to do if it catches a bug. Read on to know how to best protect your Mac from viruses more effectively in the future. Apple has several ways to keep your Mac and your information safe without you even knowing how hard your macOS is silently working behind the scenes.
No matter how innovative and reliable your devices are, it would be best if you still acted sensibly. For all-around protection, make sure you are running a cybersecurity product to provide overall protection for your Apple machine. To be fair, it does its part by regularly updating the OS with the latest security features. But for the reasons previously outlined, having an extra layer of security protection for your Mac goes a long way. So yes, you need antivirus software for your Mac. Unfortunately, this means more infected devices and more potential victims.
Mac owners are also perceived to be more affluent than users of other platforms.
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