Apple Macs can get viruses. Get the best Mac Anti-virus now!

Do Apple Macs need anti-virus?

The answer to this question is yes! Apple Mac computers need a strong, reliable anti-virus in place to block nasty viruses from seeping into your machine. Macs are susceptible to viruses and you can read our other blog here about how viruses and malware gain entry into Apple Macs.

We’ve rescued customers with their infected Macs over the years and it’s unbelievable how many users believe they are immune because they own a Mac and are under the impression they are safe. In recent years Apple removed their statement which claimed that their machines were immune meaning that you are at risk.

Targeted techniques such as phishing are being used by hackers today. Criminals are no longer interested in simply infecting your machine but stealing your identity and money means far more to them.

In 2016 54% of British companies encountered ransomware and 28% lost data for not paying the ransom. A report by the BBC says “other researchers have seen a 3,500% increase in the criminal use of net infrastructure that helps run ransomware campaigns.”

What’s the best way to protect myself?

• Install paid anti-virus software for Mac
• Regularly update apps and OS X software
• Be cautious of what software you install. Don’t agree to a download you didn’t request!
• Disable automatic file opening after download
• Check anti-malware definitions are enabled
• Modify the apps you can download under security and privacy settings:

Go to:

1. System Preferences
2. Security & Privacy
3. Under where it says ‘allow apps downloaded from’ you can modify your preferences

Best Free Anti-virus for Mac:

1. AVG for Mac

2. Sophos for Mac

3. Avast for Mac

Paid Apple Mac anti-virus protection is best for your Mac as free anti-virus only offers basic coverage so you’ll still be vulnerable and threats can easily slip through the net.

Best Paid Anti-virus for Mac:

1. Kaspersky for Mac

2. Bitdefender for Mac

3. Webroot for Mac

Examples of Mac cybercrime:

• Installing non-legitimate software
• Downloading or opening suspicious attachments

Phishing

Phishing is the aim to trick someone in an attempt to get hold of sensitive information such as card details or passwords by disguising as an honest person or source via electronic correspondence for example email. Often what happens is emails are sent out that have links or attachments that either install malware on your machine or take you to a website that appears to look like your bank’s.

Identity theft

Identity theft is deliberately using someone else’s identity without their consent as a way to commit fraud and other crimes. Identity theft occurs when someone steals an individual’s identifying information e.g. their name or credit card details. Criminals use online fraud forums to purchase and sell credit cards, email addresses and passports.

Hacking

If someone hacks into your system whether it be through you installing a piece of software which you thought was legitimate or through phishing they can then go on to commit many other cybercrimes such as identity theft and ransomware.

Social Engineering

Social engineering can take place in a variety of ways: by email, through a social networking website, over the telephone and even in person. Spear phishing, baiting and pre-texting are just some examples of the ways criminals carry out acts of cybercrime.