Most Apple users believe their computer is completely immune to viruses and malware. In fact, Apple has even run advertising campaigns that have said that Macs do not get viruses. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true. The risk of getting a virus or malware on your Mac is increasing all the time.
Macs Targeted By Cyber Criminals
As Apple products have grown in popularity, especially in the workplace, cybercriminals have begun targeting these products at a much higher rate. In 2017, there was more Mac malware than ever before. In fact, by the end of 2017, one cybersecurity firm reported 270% more unique threats on the Mac platform than the previous year.
Malware creators are constantly searching for ways to exploit Mac computers. The most common approach is through Trojans, which typically appear as an innocent download. Once the user enters their information and begins the download, the cybercriminal has access to their computer.
Preventing Computer Viruses and Malware
It’s important that individuals use care when using their computer. Never click on an email attachment unless you are absolutely certain what it is and who it’s from. Always validate the source of all files you plan to open before you open them. Check website URLs before downloading anything and avoid websites with uncommon endings such as .cc or .co.
Special Considerations for Businesses
Businesses should educate all of their employees on basic cyber safety and security. This is extremely important if you wish to avoid infecting your entire network. Just one mistake could impact your business in numerous ways. In addition to causing downtime and halting operations, viruses and malware can also impact your ability to perform critical business functions.
Final Thoughts
While Apple is always working to protect its users from malware threats, it is important to remember that no computer is 100% safe. It is up to you to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your computer and your network. Make sure that you run all updates and have a quality anti-virus solution in place.
If you believe your computer is infected with a virus, please contact us. At Computer Repair by Marcus, we specialize in virus identification and removal.
