If you’re running macOS and thinking it’s protected from cyber attacks or safer than other operating systems, think again.
The view that macOS is more secure out of the box and less susceptible to threats, is a misconception.
According to Malwarebytes “State of Malware Report”, released in early 2020, they “detected an average of 11 threats per Mac endpoint—nearly double the average of 5.8 threats per endpoint on Windows.”
Malwarebytes analysts identified a 400 per cent increase in malware infections in 2019. Compared to 2018. This is a significant increase. Also, adware was among the top cybersecurity threats to consumers and businesses.
One reason Macs are targeted is their increased popularity and market share growth. Even though Windows owns the majority of the market share, especially, corporately. Hackers found targeting devices running macOS pays well.
Another reason, macOS’s inherent built-in security systems have difficulty fending off adware. Opening up consumers’ and businesses’ systems to suspicious programmes infiltrating their networks.
Keep macOS by Reducing the Risk of Attack
A business or consumer can keep their macOS, but they need to reduce their risk of cyber attacks or breaches.
Once a business’s system is online and public, it must always put security measures in place beyond macOS’s basic inherent security features. Otherwise they are likely targets.
Here are 3 steps any business, regardless of its size, can take to reduce its risk of cyber attack.
1. Enhance Your Mac Security.
Enhancing macOS security means a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. One that includes scalable encrypted VPNs, like Clarity Mac VPN solutions. Especially, with more people working remotely.
Plus the inclusion of a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Mitigation plan. This is critical for any business with a website. Businesses should look for the fastest Time-to-Mitigation (TTM) response of 3 seconds or less.
Finally, any enhanced Mac security plans means customized firewalls. When it comes to macOS, full scale firewall customization for the Mac environment reduces a business’s risk. By customizing the firewall for a Mac environment it prevents unauthorized users, stops unwanted access to a company’s cloud or dedicated servers, filters traffic and more.
2. Safeguard Data with a Data Protection Plan.
A macOS data protection plan is similar to a Windows data protection plan, it’s about the backups. However, the critical difference is ensuring your IT security team has a deep knowledge of Apple Infrastructure and Mac Security.
With macOS systems, businesses have the flexibility of customized Mac Backup options. But identifying which backup and recovery option is best means an integrated understanding of Apple infrastructure and cybersecurity needs.
3. Employee Education plus Solid Cybersecurity Habits.
Employee cybersecurity awareness education coupled with solid cybersecurity habits goes a long way to protecting your macOS environment. Cyber threats take advantage of human error and habits. Such as when an employee uses easily guessed passwords or opens emails with malicious attachments or links. Awareness education mitigates a business’s risk.
A cybersecurity aware user can stop a cyber attack before its launched. Simply by being aware.
Educate your employees on importance of:
- creating complex passwords and distinctive passphrases.
- spotting adware and/or malicious emails.
- using approved software and mobile applications.
- practicing social media and online safety habits such as not sharing personal information or corporate data to unauthorized persons.
Reducing your risk of cyber attack doesn’t mean getting rid of macOS. It means working with technology solutions providers with a deep understanding of Mac hosting, Mac cloud and Mac security.
If your business or organization uses macOS, connect with Clarity. We offer the full spectrum of technology solutions, including leading Mac security and cybersecurity expertise.