Introduction
There’s a common belief, held by many Apple users, that their devices are immune to malware and attacks. However, a recent study conducted by Mobile Device Management firm, Jamf, warns this may not be the case. The report indicates that there’s a sense of complacency among macOS users when it comes to cyber hygiene, which is concerning given the intricate attack methods used by hackers today.
The study, popularly known as the “Security 360” report, is a reflection of the last quarter of 2023. It has gathered data from 15 million desktops, tablets, and smartphones across 90 countries.
According to Jamf’s findings, Mac Trojans – types of malware targeting Apple users – are on the rise, making up approximately 17% of all malware products aimed at the platform. At present, Jamf is tracking an alarming 300 malware families under macOS, with a total of 21 new ones discovered in 2023. However, it’s worth noting that these figures are still considerably lower than the number of malicious software aimed at Windows and Android users.
Interestingly, one key issue that the report highlights is the lackluster update policy followed by many organizations. About 39% of the surveyed organizations were found to be running devices with known security flaws. It was also revealed that about 40% of mobile users have devices with similar security vulnerabilities.
Another alarming issue is the growing success rate of phishing attacks, especially on iPhone and similar Apple devices. In fact, according to the report, such attacks have a 50% higher success rate on these devices when compared to their macOS counterparts.
The Threat of Third-Party App Stores
There’s an apparent danger lurking around Sideloading or third-party app stores, which are now becoming accessible on iPhones. Although the intent behind using these alternative app stores might seem harmless at face value, they are oftentimes filled with misleading apps that coax users into downloading suspicious applications.
Interestingly, the report also highlighted the fact that about 57% of the users are under the impression that macOS is immune to malware or refuse to believe otherwise. Clearly, these misconceptions and a misguided sense of security put users at a higher risk of cyber threats.
Conclusion
While the figures raised by this report might seem alarming, Jamf suggests that many of these problems can be resolved by practicing basic secure behaviors. Regular updates, strong passwords, and activating 2-Factor Authentication are some of the simple yet effective steps that can significantly enhance the security of a device. It’s also crucial that end-users are adequately educated about the vulnerability of their devices to fend off potential cyber attacks effectively.