One of the many things Mac users often boast about with their products, among many other features, is that for the longest time the hardware was noticeably devoid of Mac malware attacks. Users often would brag about the architecture of the OSX simply made it difficult for programming viruses in the first place or that the password system used for a Mac would protect users from allowing a virus to have administrator privileges.
Image courtesy CNET
In truth, it’s the fact that most malware and viruses are developed on Windows for Windows, and any IT specialist will happily tell you that the same program won’t work on two different operating systems. The other is the underlying UNIX system (“I know this”) behind the Mac OS that keeps it safe with how it handles administration rights.
However, with the rise of Mac Malware, that’s all clearly changing.
According to the most recent Threats Report from McAfee, the amount of new malware for Mac OS jumped from a small 50,000 (trust us, that’s low for malware) to almost 350,000 in the fourth quarter of last year.
Image courtesy McAfee
It seems fake news about Trump wasn’t the only thing on the rise that period.
As far as McAfee could tell the source for this increase in malware was from adware. As you all know, adware software displays ads on your computer while collecting marketing data about your location, buying preferences and so on. In the case of malicious adware, this is done without your consent where these files are loaded onto your computer and relay your personal data.
It’s why so many PC users employ ad blockers despite wishing to support their favorite websites. In most cases, absolute protection is necessary to ensure that some form of Trojan spyware doesn’t make its way onto their PCs and it seems like Mac users are going to have to follow suit.
And they’d better hurry. As it is more malware designed specifically for Mac is emerging and making press news. OSX.Bella, a variant of OSX.Dok was discovered last month by Malwarebytes, Snake which hit this week and let us not forget the growing rise of Ransomware which is hitting Mac and PC users alike. Then there’s the Google Docs Phishing attack that hit this week. Despite all of these being known threats, this is a staggering reality that Mac users have to become aware of.
And don’t think you’re safe if you’re a pure mobile user either. The quarterly numbers for new mobile malware haven’t dropped below the 1.5 million mark at all last year.
Image courtesy McAfee
So, dear Mac users, you might want to get that free copy of Malwarebytes like the rest of us. Just saying.
Mike Is a GTA Local Technology and Geek Interest Writer Having Worked in the Field for Nearly Ten Years as a Contributing Writer and Editor for Various Publications in Fashion, Entertainment, Gaming and News. Since Then He’s Offered a Variety of Opinions on Things and Then Moves on to the Next Bit of News That Interested Him. He Has Remained Properly Unfashionable Since 1987 and Plans to Stay That Way.
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This article is a few months older now and I wonder if the numbers have progressed since. A lot of times, malware rolls in phases and if it was just starting to pick up at this point, it is a good chance it has been getting worse. However, I have not heard much in that respect.
Stupid Apple lovers that think they are immune LOL.
it was only a matter of time, right? mac was not going to be able to skip around the malware forever. Not I wonder if I should reconsider buying a Mac.
It is a little weird that I see the downtrend in there after the uptick. It was almost like Apple had a handle on it for a bit, but then lost it again after an update maybe?
I always read that Mac was “immune” to stuff like this. It is about time that hackers get there shit together and really start making the day a living hell for them.
Hackers are always working on ways to get into all technology. I am not sure that any one company or brand would be immune forever. Apple should have seen this coming.
What type of malware is rising that quickly? I mean, are people still clicking on crap emails and shitty links to sunglasses or what?
If you do not know, that is a good thing! Malware is still alive and making someone else lots of money.
I am not going to lie, the fact that Apple has kept the malware and those types of threats at bay for so long is quite impressive. However, this should have come as no surprise. The hackers are GOING to make it work one way or another in their favor.
This is true. Just like any other virus, it will evolve as things change and try to stop it.