Why you Should use an Antivirus on Mac

Apple does its best to control malware vulnerabilities on its computers. So far, the company fairs better than Windows when it comes to detecting and stopping threats. It’s not infallible though and Mac computers can be infiltrated with dangerous computer viruses.

More than ten computer viruses gave Mac users problems all around the world last year. Some, like Cross rider, imitated Siri’s voice to falsely alert you about problems within your computer. If you followed the solutions given, your computer was compromised.

Now that you know Mac's security isn't 100% secure, below are more reasons to find an antivirus solution today.

Computer Attacks can be Complex

Mac and iOS are much better than their competitions when it comes to handling everyday virus threats. On iTunes, Apple ensures all its apps are vetted to weed out any potentially harmful apps. When you install a device with a virus on a Mac device, Apple’s inbuilt security solutions neutralizes it instantly.

Unfortunately, computer threats keep on changing. One notorious type disguises itself as an antivirus solution. Only after you install it do you realize it’s a malware. It targets mostly Windows computers, giving Mac users some relief at the moment.

In the Mac world, complex malware threats come in the form of cryptic files that are able to fool Mac. Others come as stealth software that appears and disappear at will. Unlike traditional viruses, the more complex malware types have devastating effects.

Of course, there is a significant chance you may never be a victim of these malware types. Mac's protection constantly works like a body's immune system, kicking out germs and bacteria upon detection. But like any disease, Mac's solutions may not be effective throughout. Protect yourself by installing a good antivirus solution.

Attackers Target Unprotected Computers

While they occasionally test their skillset on the CIA and the FBI, most cyber attackers target unprotected computers. It’s easier and cheaper to infiltrate an unprotected Mac computer than a secured one.

When the Wannacry virus went on an attacking spree in 2017, it targeted more than 200,000 unprotected computers worldwide. Anyone that used old Operating Systems had their PC infected while those that used updated software were exempted.

Wannacry targeted Windows computers, including organizational computers. Thousands of users ended losing control of their devices even if they paid the requested $300 ransom. While the ransomware didn't affect Mac users, you are not immune from similar attacks.

Since 2015, at least five malwares have infiltrated and affected thousands of malware computers. KeRanger, for instance, masqueraded as a Bit Torrent app. Another threat, Patcher, also disguised as a Bit Torrent app but instead ended up spreading malware to affected users.

Attackers are Increasingly Targeting Mac users

Windows OS popularity dwarfs Mac by some distant. For attackers, that means more potential in profits. Things have been changing though. Macs have become as popular as Windows. They are not impossible to attack and are often associated with wealthy owners.

As a Mac owner, you are as likely to become a victim of a threat as much as a Windows computer owner. Windows is almost at par with Mac in providing in-built security solutions these days. All the things that pushed attackers to target Windows users are diminishing.

Unless you use a top antivirus for Mac, be prepared to battle malware and ransomware threats at some point in the future. The number of Mac threats in the world have been rising for quite a while. The numbers still lag behind Windows though, which dominate 90% of the market.

Criminals can beat Mac’s Security

While you can rely on Mac’s international solutions to keep your computer safe, criminals have learned ways to get around them. Most attacks nowadays are done for the money. The people behind the malware are experts at Internet security.

They may not always know how to beat Mac’s solutions, but they can easily fool you. With money being their driving force, modern attackers spend days and weeks building their ransomware. When they finally attack your computer, Mac may not be able to protect you.

Such attacks have been happening in the Mac world for a while. Remember Coin Thief? This malware targeted Mac's bitcoin users. It infected over 600,000 Mac users worldwide, stealing millions worth of bitcoin. Worse, the worst kind of attacks infiltrates your computer silently. If Mac isn't able to detect them, their effects can be wildly devastating.

Attacks can have Irreparable Damages

The days when attackers simply infiltrated computers to prove they can are gone. If you are the victim of a ransomware attack, you may not like its effects. Not only do the dangerous threats lock your files and programs but they also damage some of them permanently.

Attackers' solution to access your files back is to pay a ransom. A few of them give access to your files back but most of them don't. That means once your files are encrypted with ransomware, you can as well bid goodbye to them.

Backing up your files is the best way to prevent the repercussions that come with losing crucial files. But since attacks can happen anytime, it’s not always to back up everything. Having a malware solution helps to add extra protection to your computer. After all, prevention is better than finding a cure.

To Conclude

When most people hear about cyber-attacks; they quickly think about Windows computers. And true, nine out of 10 endemic cyber threats target PC users. Their high popularity in the market and more vulnerabilities, of course, make Windows computers a constant target.

Times have changed. Mac computer owners can no longer hide within the confines of Apple's security solutions. Cybercriminals keep changing their tactics. Modern malwares have become complex and are able to fool your Mac's international protection.

Unless you use a reliable solution, you are not immune from the threat computer attacks simply because you use a Mac computer. Apple may help fight off common viruses but when it comes to well-calculated ransomware attacks, find a good malware solution.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.