Mac malware, or macOS malware, exists contrary to the popular belief that Apple’s operating system is immune to online threats. Cybersecurity researchers have been closely observing the threat landscape only to conclude that malware infections targeting Mac devices have increased in 2018.

Is Apple Losing Its Grip?

According to statistics, Mac malware increased by 270% in 2017 compared to 2016. To top that off, four brand new Mac threats were detected only in the first two months of 2018. Previous numbers revealed similar growth: AV-TEST security report for 2016/2017 indicated that Apple systems saw three times more attacks compared to past years.

The crumbling privacy of iOS apps also adds up to the controversy of Apple’s state of security. Apparently, iOS apps have been used to covertly collect location histories from tens of millions of Apple devices, via packaged code that belongs to data monetization companies. The story goes that GuardianApp experts unearthed that these apps “present a plausible justification relevant to the app in the Location Services permission dialog, often with little or no mention of the fact that location data will be shared with third-party entities for purposes unrelated to app operation”.

Multiple security reports reveal that Mac users, in particular, are increasingly targeted by Trojans, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and even cryptomining malware and ransomware.

This makes it imperative for Mac users to be armed and prepared to detect and remove macOS malware in all its forms.

So, what are the most widespread mac viruses in 2018?

Scams Such As “Apple wants to make changes”

It’s not only Windows that is susceptible to mischievous and smartly crafted scams. Such scams tend to display a pop-up window prompting users to give away personal or financial information. In the case of the recently (Read more...)