5 Dangerous Mac Security Threats and How to Stop Them?
Decades ago, Macs were renowned as secure machines that didn’t get viruses. Although Macs are still more secure than Windows-powered PCs, the landscape is changing. Part of the reason for this change is that Macs are more popular than ever. With more people using Apple’s computers, cybercriminals have more motivation to develop malware like adware, viruses, ransomware, Trojans, and spyware.
The Mac world was left in shock in 2020, as the State of Malware Report found that malware attacks against Macs were higher per endpoint than Windows. According to the report, there was a 400 percent rise in threats against Mac devices between 2018 and 2019.
Let’s take a look at some top Mac security threats:
Dangerous Mac Security Threats
1. Adware.NewTab
The biggest malware threat against Macs nowadays is adware. On the surface, adware doesn’t appear too harmful. But adware can slow down your Mac, eat up your bandwidth, crash programs, and raise your Internet or data bill. Here are some characteristics of adware:
- Blasts your screen with popups that may multiply.
- Replaces genuine ads with fake ads on websites.
- Changes your search engine’s home page.
- Hijacks your searches and leads you to other websites.
- Spies on your browsing activity for marketers.
- Installs toolbars on your browser without your consent.
Adware.NewTab is one of the more prolific MacOS Adware families. While it presents itself as a browser extension that pretends to be a tracker for packages or flights, it hits you with advertisements.
2. Silver Sparrow
Silver sparrow is a mysterious and potentially dangerous malware. Cybersecurity experts initially found it on Macs sporting the Intel x86-64 chipset. Surprisingly, a strain of Silver Sparrow was also found on M1 chips. M1, of course, is Apple’s proprietary chipset.
Much about Silver Sparrow remains unknown. But the malware does connect to AWS (Amazon Web Services) and carries self-destruct capabilities. Some experts speculate that the malware can still activate or drop a malicious payload. To date, Silver Sparrow hit around 40,000 Macs. However, Apple has withdrawn the developer accounts signing the package, limiting the malware’s ability to infect other computers.
3. M1 Chipset Security Flaw
Hector Martin, a developer, found an M1 chipset security flaw that allows two applications to exchange data secretly without employing standard operating system features. The vulnerability only infects Apple M1 users. While it appears to be harmless without a malware infection, it violates the OS security model. Martin says that the “vulnerability is baked into Apple Silicon chips.”
4. ThiefQuest
Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files and hijacks them for ransom. ThiefQuest is a dangerous Mac ransomware that also has spyware capabilities. It can search your computer for passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data. It also uses a keylogger to steal your login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data. For now, TheifQuest only seems to affect computers running pirated software.
5. MacDefender
MacDefender also operates under the names MacProtector and MacSecurity. This Trojan disguises itself as an “anti-virus” software to enter your system through a phishing scam. The phishing message tells you that you have a virus and takes you to a fake website that carries the Trojan. MacDefender’s purpose is to steal your credit card information.
How to stop Mac Security Threats
While your default Mac security tools are adequate, you need advanced antivirus software that’s fast, light, and can crush all malware threats. Run a Mac virus scan today to check for computer viruses and other malware. Here are a few more tips that can keep your Apple machine secure:
- Apple releases security patches regularly to plug exploits. Please update macOS on Mac regularly to protect your computer.
- Avoid pirated software at all costs. Hackers often load pirated software with viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware to breach Mac security.
Learn to spot phishing emails and stay away from suspicious attachments, links, and websites.
