What Is Malware on Mac

How malware works on Mac?

Apple incorporates various anti-malware protection tools in macOS, including Gatekeeper (a technology designed to verify downloaded apps), XProtect (a technology that detects and blocks malware), and the Malware Removal Tool. Despite these measures, malware can still penetrate your computer and run background processes that can harm the system.

Further in the text, we’ll examine how malware infiltrates your Mac. However, you should know that once it gains access, this malicious software exploits system vulnerabilities to access your data. Some common types of malware are designed to steal sensitive information from users or impersonate them.

One primary way malware enters a system is through email. In these cases, malware often appears in the form of phishing attempts, infiltrating your Mac via infected links and attachments. Each type of malware behaves differently once it’s within the system. It can modify settings, format hard drives, corrupt data, copy information, deny access to certain files, and even take control of the entire system.

If you’ve been using Windows for many years and have recently switched to Apple, you might be wondering if you’ll notice any changes in your computer’s privacy and security. Both operating systems have protective mechanisms in place, whether in the form of tools for verifying app installations, features in their proprietary browsers, or encryption programs.

Important: 

 

Regardless of the operating system you’re using, it’s essential to follow certain practices to avoid malware infection. In fact, learning how to remove malware from your Mac is even more crucial than knowing how it works. Don’t miss our guide on how to get rid of virus on Mac.

Types of malware on Mac

Various types of malware exist that behave and cause harm in specific ways once they infiltrate your Mac. Here’s the most common malware on Mac:

1. Adware
2. Trojans
3. Spyware
4. Ransomware
5. Viruses

1. Adware

We’ll start by discussing adware. As the name implies, this type of malware pushes unwanted advertisements. It’s one of the most common forms of malware because it often disguises itself as free software, which makes it harder to detect. While adware isn’t always extremely harmful, in more severe cases, it can collect data from your system and may also carry more dangerous malware, such as spyware and Trojan horses.

Once adware infiltrates your Mac, you might notice changes in your computer’s behavior. In our experience, this can lead to a decline in your Mac’s performance and speed, as well as browsers that redirect you to unsafe websites. However, the primary symptom of an adware infection is the appearance of intrusive ads on your screen.

2. Trojans

The term “Trojan horse” originates from Greek mythology. Similar to how the Greeks used a wooden horse, disguised as a gift, to infiltrate the city of Troy, Trojan malware infiltrates your Mac by masquerading as legitimate software. Once it gains access, it can reach sensitive information and, even more concerning, it might modify or delete that data.

This makes Trojan malware a particularly dangerous threat. Once you accidentally download a Trojan on your Mac, it can install additional malware or create vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain access at any time. As such, we believe it’s crucial to be cautious when downloading software from the Internet and when clicking on links in phishing emails.

3. Spyware

The name of this type of malware gives you a clue into the damage it causes. When spyware infects your Mac, it does so in a way that allows it to monitor your activities without your consent. It captures what you do on your Mac, tracks your Internet searches, and records your keystrokes. The spyware then collects this information and sends it to a cybercriminal, who can misuse your sensitive data, such as passwords.

The most common consequences of this type of infection are financial fraud and identity theft. In our opinion, this makes it crucial to take steps to protect yourself against spyware. You can contract this infection through system vulnerabilities, downloads from untrusted sources, and infected emails.

4. Ransomware

Ransomware is also one of the most common types of malware infections on Macs. When ransomware infiltrates your computer, it takes control of sensitive information stored on it. After you download this type of malware, it gains access to your data, encrypts it, and demands payment to release it.

While ransomware affects individual users as well, it particularly targets large companies that have significant financial resources. Based on our observations, it typically arrives through phishing scams, often hidden in a disguised link that contains the ransomware. To regain access to your locked information, you need a decryption key that only the attacker possesses.

5. Viruses

The terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, but what is the difference between viruses and malware? Malware is a broad term that encompasses various types of malicious software, including viruses. Viruses are files that can infiltrate your Mac through downloads, compromised websites, or email attachments, and remain dormant until executed.

When you open a malicious file, it triggers harmful code that can cause irreversible damage to your system, including data loss. Viruses can spread rapidly and may even lock you out of your own computer. You may also have heard of worms, which are similar to viruses in the way they damage your Mac. However, unlike viruses, worms don’t require a host program to operate.

A note from our experts: 

 

To feel secure while using your Mac, we believe it’s important to protect your privacy with MacKeeper’s Antivirus. This tool is ideal for preventing, blocking, and removing malware infections. It’ll help safeguard all your files and keep your sensitive information safe and well protected.

 

Follow our instructions to use MacKeeper’s Antivirus on your Mac:

1. Download and launch MacKeeper.
2. Choose Antivirus from the sidebar.
3. Click Start Scan.
4. Wait until the scan is done.
5. Select the detected malware.
6. Move it to quarantine.

How malware gets into Mac

As we mentioned earlier, there are various types of malware, each distinguished primarily by their methods of attack. However, the ways they typically infiltrate your Mac are generally consistent. Here are the main methods of infection in macOS:

1. Social engineering and phishing
2. Malicious downloads and fake apps
3. Exploiting software vulnerabilities

1. Social engineering & phishing

One increasingly sophisticated method we’ve seen used in cyberattacks is social engineering, which involves psychological tactics to manipulate victims. Hackers typically begin by identifying the information they wish to extract and then use manipulation to access that sensitive data. Cybercriminals often impersonate reputable organizations to lure victims. They may use alarming messages to frighten or emotional messages to manipulate.

Phishing is the most well-known type of social engineering. This form of deception often impersonates authorities or banking institutions and is carried out through emails or websites. The main goal remains the same: to persuade the victim to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords or bank details.

2. Malicious downloads & fake apps

Another common method for malware to infiltrate a Mac is through infected software. Based on our experience, cybercriminals often create fake apps that trick users into downloading them, ultimately spreading malicious content. The goals behind this can include blocking access to your Mac, stealing sensitive information, monitoring your online activity, or bombarding you with annoying ads, among other things.

While these infected apps are often distributed through various app stores, this isn’t possible in the Mac App Store, as Apple only permits apps that have been verified and authorized. As such, we recommend that Mac users exercise caution when downloading apps from the Internet, even if they seem completely legitimate, to avoid installing a Safari virus and other types of malware.

3. Exploiting software vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals often take advantage of even the smallest weaknesses in a program’s code to infiltrate systems and access sensitive information. While Apple provides tools to protect macOS and regularly updates its operating systems to address vulnerabilities, these systems aren’t completely foolproof. Skilled hackers can potentially identify weaknesses in the operating system or apps, allowing them to penetrate your Mac.

Cybercriminals frequently create what are known as exploits to target these vulnerabilities, which can open the door to your system, enabling the spread of malware and causing damage. For more sophisticated attacks, we’ve seen hackers utilize exploit kits that can scan for and detect multiple vulnerabilities at once, allowing them to infect a device with various types of malware simultaneously.

Common signs of malware infection on Mac

If you’re worried that your computer may be infected with malware, we explain how to detect malware on Mac:

• A decline in performance, including slow speeds, frequent crashes, rapid battery drain, and excessive fan noise
• An increase in pop-up ads that disrupt your user experience
• Redirects to suspicious websites in your browser or other unusual behavior in Safari
• Files on your Mac that have been deleted or are unable to be opened, or the presence of apps you don’t remember installing
• Receipt of a ransom note or strange messages being sent to your contacts in your name

The ultimate guide to macOS malware

As a Mac user, you should be aware that your computer can still be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Despite the built-in protections that come with macOS, malware can still find its way into the system through common methods. As such, we suggest being on the lookout for signs of infection, such as a decrease in performance, frequent pop-up ads, and corrupted files on your Mac.

To enhance the security of your Apple computer, we recommend installing software like MacKeeper’s Antivirus. This program not only helps you safely remove any existing malware but also adds an extra layer of protection by automatically detecting and blocking potential threats.