Cybercrimes have grown in sophistication and damage capacity over the years. The reason for the growth in cybercrimes is the prevalence of technology in our environment and our heavy reliance on this technology to perform daily tasks.

Because of the dire effects of partial or successful cyberattacks, stakeholders have begun considering cybersecurity a top priority in most organizations – making it more or less investment in the organization’s future. Device manufacturers are also not left out in the race of making sure their devices and the operating system that come with them are as secure as possible.

Over the years, Apple Inc., makers of the iPhone, iPad, iPod and MacBook have been touted to possess stellar security features – slugging it out with the Linux operating system for the top spot. This leaves the Windows OS behind as Windows has always been known to be continuously afflicted with cyberattacks.

End of the Road for a “Free Run”

MacOS users enjoyed a “cyber-attack” free reign for a while till cybercriminals caught up with them. For a long time, the difference in the numbers of cyberattacks launched at Windows and MacOS was pretty much a numbers game. The Windows OS was more user-friendly and popular, so there was a large number of potential victims for cyber attackers to target.

Times have however changed with Mac OS’s market share around eighty percent – double of what it was as at seven years ago. As a result, they have also attracted the attention of cyber-attackers. Today, we witness a vast number of users spread across different operating systems – all possessing various degrees of sophistication and security. Despite this, it can categorically be said that cyberspace today isn’t as secure as what it was a decade ago.

Rising Numbers of Cyber threats directed at MacOS

In the “State of the Malware Report” released by Malwarebytes in 2020, it was discovered that the threats directed at the MacOS quadrupled in 2019, doubling the number of “threats per endpoint” on the Windows OS. A study into these threats revealed that all but one involved tricking the user into clicking a malicious link or downloading something malicious through adware.

Although not as dangerous as malware themselves, the increase in malicious Mac files might lead Apple to reconsider their position on allowing anti-virus software on their devices.

6 Ways to Protect your Mac from Cyber Attacks

Although these risks might seem quite severe, there are ways by which MacOS users can still keep their devices safe from cyber threats. Explained below are a couple of them:

  • Regularly Install Software Updates: Software updates from Apple often contain security and vulnerability fixes for risks that the current operating system could be exposed to. Downloading and installing these updates will keep your MacOS at par with the latest security solutions available for your device.
  • Change Default Settings: Some default settings on the Mac device might expose sensitive details such as data usage and location. Setting a secure password, limiting application access to personal data and turning off location services and data usage sharing are ways by which your data can be protected.
  • Using a VPN: Getting a VPN for Mac would not only help you access geo-restricted services or mask your IP but also encrypt network data as they are transported from your PC to the communicating server.
  • Use Secure Browsers: Popular browsers like Google Chrome and Safari do not do a thorough job in securing user privacy when online. Others like Tor, Brave and Opera have built-in functions that do not track browser activity and also block malicious scripts from running.
  • Use a Password Manager: Password Managers help to create very complex passwords, and the user doesn’t have to remember it either. This will help secure personal accounts and also alert you if there has been a password breach.
  • Encrypt your Files: It is advisable to take advantage of Filevault, Apple’s built-in encryption tool to keep your files hidden from hackers or thieves. You could secure your files with a password or an encryption key which should not be stored on the device.

 

David Cadelina @TechWarn.com

30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA