Apple smartphones, laptops, and desktops have long been seen as more secure than their Windows-based counterparts. But is that perception accurate? Do Macs really have an edge when it comes to security, or are they just as vulnerable to malware as any other type of computer? Let's take a closer look.
How secure are Macs, really?
The truth is, no computer is completely immune to malware. But the good news is that Macs are less likely to be targeted by hackers and cybercriminals than PCs. That's because the market share for Macs is much smaller than for PCs—around 7 percent compared to 90 percent for PCs—so there's simply not as much incentive for hackers to write malware specifically for macOS.
However, that doesn't mean that Macs don't get malware at all. In fact, a recent study found that around 18 percent of Macs are infected with some form of malware. The most common type of malware found on macOS computers is adware, which displays unwanted advertising on your screen. Adware can be annoying, but it's not nearly as serious as other types of malware like viruses, ransomware, and spyware, which can do serious damage to your computer or even steal your personal information.
So should we worry about malware on Macs?
The short answer is yes—but not as much as we need to worry about malware on PCs. The reason for this is twofold: first because Macs are less likely to be targeted by hackers; and second, because even if they are infected with malware, it's usually not the more dangerous types that can do serious harm to our computers or data.
That said, it's still important to take steps to protect your Mac from malware. The best way to do this is to install an antivirus program like McAfee or Norton, and to always keep your software up to date with the latest security patches. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from the small but real risk of malware infection on your Mac.
Final Words
So there you have it: everything you need to know about the threat of malware on Macs. While it's true that they're not entirely immune from attack, the risk is fairly low compared to PCs. And even if your Mac does get infected with malware, it's usually nothing too serious. So go ahead and enjoy your Apple products without worrying too much about security—just remember to practice good cybersecurity hygiene and you'll be fine.
