The last few days have been intense for Apple fans. Last week, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference took place, where they presented the company’s new hardware and software. The “bitten apple” went into depth about their new operating systems for iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV but… what about security-related updates?
Following the horrible San Bernardino attack from last December, a controversial topic stemmed regarding the attacker’s iPhone. Apple’s case against the FBI initiated a dispute between user privacy and government access to personal data.
Meanwhile, other giants in the sector, like Facebook and Google, showed their support for Apple by promising to implement more effective encryption tools in the future. WhatsApp was the first to use end-to-end encryption.
Now Tim Cook presents a new file system called APFS, the Apple File System, which incorporates a new encryption system that gives developers multiple options like leave something unencrypted, encrypt it with a unique password, or encrypt it with multiple passwords. The Apple File System is already available online for developers and the new version will leave HFS system and improve security and data encryption.
Why is my Mac vulnerable to advanced threats?
Despite efforts of large security companies, the truth is that no operating system is 100% reliable. Apple computers are not the Macintosh systems that we once knew. Years ago, they had a safety-guarenteed reputation, with a different and solid operating system than others. At that time, hackers targeted computers with Windows operating systems, however, as Apple’s popularity has grown, so have the malicious-code-making hackers. Mac OS X is no longer impregnable and needs mac antivirus software.
In the recent PandaLabs’ Q1 report, experts discussed the latest threats directed specifically towards Apple operating systems. One example of this is the highly powerful ransomware based on Encoder, called KeRanger, which managed to infect Apple users at the beginning of 2016. We all remember the major Trojan attacker flashback and Browlock, also known as the Police Virus or Shellshock. All of the previously mentioned examples confirm that attacks on Mac OS X are growing.
While it is true that the number of threats in the Mac’s operating system are lower than other platforms (such as Windows) we must be aware of the importance of an effective antivirus for Mac in order to fully enjoy our Apple computers. Enough excuses, let’s start preventing viruses!
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
6 comments
Useful information shared by the author. There are a lot of people who use MAC but not everyone uses antivirus for their mac. Usually, people think it is not necessary to use antivirus for the Mac. But the information has discussed in this blog is really helpful for us.
Hello Erik. As you say, Mac is also a vulnerable OS and should be protected. If you need, here you can download our antivirus optimized for apple devices: https://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/antivirus-for-mac/
Macos is safer than most other OS, but indeed, not invulnerable.
Since more and more people are buying Macs, more malware is being created.
For the first time ever, more malware per device has been reported by Malwarebytes.
Be safe, be vigilant, use strong passwords (password manager).
While MacOS is safe, Windows is not lacking behind as well. Recently they have announced some big changes for Windows Defender. Let’s hope that they do something right this time.
I have had 2 MAC Book-Pros since 2012 and am still using my 2nd one. I’m looking to purchase a 3rd one this year or next (2020/2021). I’ve been using a Norton product but am not completely happy with it. I should’ve heard of this product before but it wasn’t on my radar! Shame on me… as soon as we get our network services back, I’ll look to install it. What can I expect when I cut over from Norton to Panda Security? I do not see a mention of price here as well. Thank you, LJA
Hello, and thanks for writing.
The prices depend on several variables. First of all, we have 2 different products for Mac: Essential and Premium, being the first one significantly cheaper since it does not include the unlimited VPN feature.
Secondly, you can choose the amount of devices you want to install your product in, ranging from a single one to unlimited devices. You can see the price of the product that best fits your needs here: https://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/antivirus-for-mac/
We hope we giving you the expected answer to your question. If not, you can always contact us.
Have a nice day,
Panda Security Team