If you\u2019ve purchased a Mac expecting to never have to be concerned with malware or hacking, think again! \u00a0A recent exploit is targeting Mac users. \u00a0The good news? \u00a0It\u2019s preventable.<\/span> Mac users have long touted the fact that Apple computers are much less likely than computers running Microsoft Windows to be hacked, but that era may be coming to an end. \u00a0With four times as many Windows 10 computers currently in the marketplace than Macs, it\u2019s not surprising that hackers choose to attack the system that is much more prevalent in the marketplace overall. \u00a0A recent ransomware attack may be cause for Mac users to stop their taunts of the platform being hacker-proof, however. \u00a0The good news is that by taking a few simple precautionary steps, you may be able to stop cybercriminals from locking you out of your expensive Mac.<\/span><\/p>\n For more than a decade, there\u2019s been a rumor that Apple products are hacker proof, but the reality is that no operating system or data structure is completely airtight. \u00a0Historically speaking, there are fewer viruses and malware that are targeted to Macs than to PCs, but that doesn\u2019t mean that any Apple OS is immune from threats. \u00a0There have been more attacks in recent years as ransomware has leaked to the dark web. \u00a0While Android and Windows will likely always receive a higher percentage of malware than Apple devices, the threats continue to multiply as Apple becomes ever more popular in the marketplace. \u00a0It\u2019s only a matter of time until specific devices are targeted with browser-specific hacks that bypass some of the security that is baked into OS X.<\/span><\/p>\n Phishing emails and third-party exploits of software such as Java or Adobe are also some of the current crops of attacks against Macs, but they\u2019re not the only ones. \u00a0Macs have been plagued by adware and bloatware \u2014 whether malicious or just annoying \u2014 that can float pop-up ads on your system to tempt users to download non-essential software tools. \u00a0These problem spots can slow down the system overall or spawn additional pop-ups, and generally aren\u2019t dangerous. Malicious iOS apps are another form of malware that is likely to be found on a Mac. \u00a0It\u2019s important to stick with only downloading apps from the official App Store, as others could potentially include subsets of code that can steal user information or infect the device in a much more widespread fashion. \u00a0While buying from within the App Store helps combat nearly all malicious software, the ever-diligent app reviewers don\u2019t catch everything. \u00a0In the last 24 months, XcodeGhost was able to introduce a framework into legitimate apps that hijacked back-end servers and ultimately infecting the third-party advertising network.<\/span><\/p>\n Hackers are always looking for new ways to hold your device hostage, essentially locking you out of your device until you pay a ransom which is generally requested in nearly-untraceable Bitcoin currency. \u00a0With ransomware up nearly 250 percent in 2017, cybercriminals have discovered that there is significant money to be made in locking down computers both for individuals and for businesses. \u00a0Ransomware has often targeted PCs in the past, but mobile devices and Macs are a growing part of the threat landscape. \u00a0The U.S. has been hit particularly hard, most likely due to the high number of available computers and relatively high per capita income \u2014 which translates into funds available to pay for ransom demands. \u00a0Ransomware often completely disables the boot-up process for your computer, a crippling effect on any system.<\/span><\/p>\n This recent risk is related to the Find My Mac application, or FMM, which is being targeted by hackers who then request Bitcoin payments in order to provide renewed access to the system. This particular app makes it simple to pinpoint the current location of your device and is helpful in the case of a lost phone or stolen Mac computer. \u00a0Apparently, hackers have illegally obtained a large quantity of iCloud passwords and usernames, and are leveraging these assets to lock people out of their Macs and mobile devices. \u00a0The good news is that there\u2019s a relatively easy fix that doesn\u2019t involve paying the ransom, but only if you\u2019re willing to lose all of the data on your device by doing a hard reset. \u00a0This can also be accomplished by bringing your Mac to an Apple store and verifying your identity.<\/span><\/p>\nAre Apple Products \u2018Hacker Proof\u2019?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Mac Attacks<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Rise of Ransomware<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Find My Mac<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Reducing the Risk of Loss<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n