So, you have a new Mac in your hands. A pleasant feeling, right? And you probably think that it is a virus- and malware-proof? Unfortunately, this misconception has firmly rooted in Mac users’ minds, but the times when this was true are long gone. Your Mac is as vulnerable to malware and cyber-threats as any other device is, and your task is to know the variety of risks, scanning your gadget frequently enough to keep it protected.
Malware is one of the cyber-threats you should beware of. Here is a quick guide to what malware is, how it can creep into your Mac, and what to do after your system’s malware breach is identified.
What Is Malware?
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Malware is a distinct type of software that hackers and cybercriminals use to harm your computer, steal your data, or spy on you. Here are the most common malware types to know:
- Viruses contain some program of action and start affecting your Mac’s system once you open the file or link in which they are concealed. Viruses have acquired this name as they, like biological viruses, can quickly spread from host to host, thus amplifying the caused damage.
- Spyware acts conspicuously in your system and tracks all your activities, reporting them to the remote user who installed it. In this way, hackers can steal your banking information, money from your accounts, passwords to essential services, and whatever sensitive data you store.
- Ransomware is software helping hackers block your system and require a ransom. You’re likely to never restore files and data without the unlock instructions.
- Adware is not meant to harm you or the system as such. Still, it infringes on your privacy and confidentiality by collecting data about your Web use history and shopping preferences. More aggressive forms of adware can intentionally guide you to dubious websites, urging you to purchase items from scams. Besides, adware slows down the system’s operation considerably, thus worsening your user experience and work processes.
- Worms and trojans are also malicious software kinds that can literally “eat” your files and data. If the situation is unattended for some time, worms can affect critical system files, causing your device’s collapse with no chances for repair.
So, knowing these malware types is the first step to improving your Mac’s safety. Now let’s clarify how they get to your Mac.
How Can It Get to Your Mac?
As a rule, the malware gets to your computer via phishing and software vulnerabilities. Phishing involves intimidating regular users with false emails, phone calls, and SMSs notifying them about fraud from their banking accounts, violation of their password privacy, etc. Many schemes and scripts exist to stress people out, urging them to share sensitive information like PIN codes, banking card details, IRS numbers, and social security numbers. Besides, your computer’s weak antivirus software can become the reason for malware intrusion; skilled hackers quickly determine blind spots in user security and send malware to perform illegal activities from the inside. Finally, people sometimes become unknowing accomplices for the criminals if they use pirated software, which often comes with pre-installed malware.
How to Protect Your Mac?
While malware is tricky, you can still take several steps to increase your Mac’s security. Here are the pro tips to up the level of protection:
- Don’t underestimate passwords. Having strong passwords is an essential precaution that doesn’t require any additional action from you. So, take an extra minute or two to design non-evident passwords and store your passwords in a highly secure place.
- Don’t neglect network security. Once you connect to a public Wi-Fi, a crowd of criminals rub their hands. Thus, even if you need to use public networks, ensure your network security settings are good enough not to let hackers in.
- Use licensed software. We know how tempting it is to save some money on pirate programs. Yet, with them comes the malware. Licensed software has end-to-end protection, so you don’t risk security when installing it on your Mac.
- Enable advanced identity protection settings. The system identity protection (SIP) protocol is a beneficial addition to your digital security. With it, no software will be installed on your Mac without your confirmation.
- Use antiviruses. No matter how self-obvious this tip looks, too many users still neglect it. Antiviruses complete regular system scans and notify you of any suspicious files or programs, thus always keeping you alert of the system’s security.
Malware Detected; What’s Next?
Once you realize that some malware is already present on your Mac, it’s time to take urgent action. You can choose among the apps available online for rapid and comprehensive Mac cleaning. But be sure to pick a solution that has proven effective against all kinds of known malware, restoring your Mac to its initial stage and eradicating all traces of malicious programs from your system.
Using cleaners is a must for Mac users wishing to keep their data intact and system – safe. So, regular scanning of your Mac and monitoring for malware intrusions is a proactive security approach. Knowing the threats, where they come from, and what the risks are, you are sure to achieve greater system protection and productivity of your Mac.
