Are Mac computers more secure than Windows?

I think many of you think that Mac computers are safer than Windows because we rarely hear about Macs being infected with viruses or errors. Unfortunately, this is a serious misconception among most people who think that Macs have a secure system and cannot be infected with any malware.

Why do many people think Mac is more secure than Windows?

There are many reasons behind why many people think Mac is more secure than Windows:

1. Macs do not allow users to install untrusted applications or software.
2. Some software will not run when you sign out of your Apple ID.
3. Users cannot download any external files on the web if they are marked as untrusted.

And there’s so much more.

These features definitely make Mac more secure than Windows. However, there are plenty of other ways to avoid malware!

Does Mac have a virus?

Despite these protections, Macs are also vulnerable to attacks, as exemplified by events in the Mac’s past:

• Charlie Miller, a security researcher, once participated in a computer hacking contest (‘PWN2OWN‘), cut off a Mac’s security in just 2 minutes, and years later, he broke another Mac in just 10 seconds. By the way, Miller is also a Mac user!
• In early 2012, nearly 600,000 Macs were damaged by a malware attack. This is one of the most notable attacks of all time.
• In 2020, the Malwarebytes Malware Report found that the level of threats on Mac devices increased 400% year over year.

Macs at launch claimed ‘Mac computers are virus-free’ but after a few years this claim changed to ‘built to be most secure’.

There is a comprehensive list of Viruses that can attack Mac and security flaws that is updated every year, because nowadays cybercriminals are developing some new viruses that are more dangerous. So the story of MAC being safer than Windows has become a thing of the past.

Why is Windows facing more attacks?

There is an obvious reason for this problem: Windows users are more than Mac users.

Mac only accounts for about 8% of the entire market share, while Windows accounts for more than 88% of the market share in the operating system segment.

Therefore, the number of cybercrimes and attacks targeting Windows is significantly more than that of Mac because the revenue generated from phishing or any other method targeting Windows will also be more than Mac. From there it is easy to deduce why people think Mac is safer than Windows.

How to stay safe when using Mac

Cyber ​​attacks happen regardless of the operating system you are using.

Here are some ways to protect your privacy and security:

• Encrypt packets when using the Internet – By use Virtual Private Network (VPN), you will keep your connection secure from start to finish, and significantly limit security risks. Why? Read this article to understand more.
• Restrict unnecessary permissions – Don’t grant any excess permissions until the software actually needs them. A music player application does not need permission to use contacts or camera, right?
• Remove unused or no longer supported software – You should remove software that is not in use or has not received any updates for a long time.
• Always visit encrypted URLs – Never click on a link sent to you from an unknown source. Phishing methods often use fake website links to steal your information. HTTPS links are more secure than HTTP.

Finally, don’t think that Hackers target MAC less and conclude that MAC is safer than Windows.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mac really more secure than Windows?

The notion that Macs are more secure than Windows is a common misconception. Although Macs have some built-in security features, they are still vulnerable to malware. The higher number of attacks targeting Windows is mainly due to the much larger number of Windows users compared to Mac.

Why do I rarely hear about viruses on Mac?

macOS’s smaller market share compared to Windows results in fewer Mac users being attacked, thus fewer virus reports. This does not mean that the Mac is immune to viruses.

How do I keep my Mac safe?

Keeping your software up to date, downloading software only from trusted sources, using a VPN, and being careful with links and email attachments are important measures to protect your Mac.