malware spyware ransomware protection mac

#MALWARE SPYWARE RANSOMWARE PROTECTION MAC SOFTWARE#

According to MacWorld, ‘Malware writers are less likely to target Mac users because of the perception that it has a far smaller market share than Windows.’ However, a recent Gartner report shows around 11 percent of all devices (including smartphones and tablets) are running iOS or OS X, so it’s little wonder attention is turning to Apple. So how ‘Virus Free’ are Macs?Īpple’s Macs have always been thought of as ‘safe’. However, KeRanger waits three days before it activates, so many more users could be affected. Most frighteningly, KeRanger attempts to encrypt Time Machine backup files - so those affected can’t recover.Īpple has responded swiftly to the reports and revoked the abused certificate and updated XProtect antivirus signature, which should prevent further spread. Although most malware is caught by Apple’s Gatekeeper protection, KeRanger has a valid app development certificate which allowed it to slip through. This is just the latest ransomware threat to make headlines, after news of Locky, a new form of ransomware that was infected 90,000 machines a day, as well as a hospital in California hit with ransomware forcing them to pay $17,000.Īccording to Palo Alto Networks, this is a first for Macs. According to CNET, KeRanger carries a ransom of about $400. The latest form is known as KeRanger, which infiltrated Macs through an infected program known as Transmission, used for programming data through BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing. According to Reuters, the attack was downloaded more than 6,000 times before the threat was contained. Until now.įor the first time, ransomware has found its way to Mac computers.

#MALWARE SPYWARE RANSOMWARE PROTECTION MAC SOFTWARE#

Ransomware software has been the scourge of Windows users for the last three years and those running Macs have got off scot-free. We all know the saying - ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ - but that may no longer apply in the IT world.

Malware spyware ransomware protection mac