It’s a widely propagated myth in the tech world that Apple computers can’t contract viruses. In addition to being misleading to potential Mac buyers, this claim is simply untrue. As Apple products continue to grow in popularity, viruses makers across the globe are taking notice and stepping up their game. So if you’re considering making the jump from PC to Mac, make sure to keep an eye out for the following viruses.
Mac Defender
Originating in 2011, the Mac Defender is the first widespread Trojan to affect Apple computers. This virus typically manifests itself in the form of a popup ad that informs Mac users that their computers have been infected by viruses. The ad provides a download link for a program called Mac Defender, which boasts the ability to rid computers of the aforementioned viruses. However, once installed, Mac Defender steals your personal information and sends it to shady third parties. Clicking on popup ads is never a good idea, but Mac users should be particularly wary of ads claiming they can protect your computer from viruses. A dependable antivirus program for Mac computers can help stop devastating Trojans like Mac Defender in their tracks.
BackDoor.Flashback
Another hard-hitting Trojan for Apple computers, the Back Door. Flashbackfinds its way onto Macs through a security flaw in Java. Once the BackDoor.Flashback takes hold, you’ll be forcefully redirected to a website that installs malicious code on your computer. Strangely, if your computer features multiple user accounts, only the account that was initially infected with be affected by the virus. If a reliable antivirus program hasn’t been installed on your Mac, reformatting the infected drive is the only way to get rid of BackDoor.Flashback. Staying current with Java updates is aneffective way to protect your computer from this type of virus.
Codec Pack Spyware
Codec packs are a necessity for people who watch a lot of movies or do a fair amount of editing on their Mac computers. With this in mind, hackers have created a number of spyware-laden fake codec packs. While installing one of these packs, you will be asked to provide the username and password associated with your computer. Once this information has been provided, spyware will take hold of your computer and collect emails, IM conversations, account passwords and other pieces of confidential information. To avoid falling victim to this scam, never install codec packs that require you to provide sensitive info. There’s no reason a reputable codec developer would need to know these things.
Boonana
These days, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t belong to at least one social network. In an effort to use social media’s popularity to their advantage, virus makers created Boonana– a Trojan virus that targets Facebook users. The Boonana virus initially manifests itself as a link to a video on your Facebook page. Oftentimes, the question “Is this you?” will appear alongside the link. Once this link is clicked, the virus will forcefully install itself on your Mac computer, collect sensitive information and send it to cyber criminals. Ignoring links from sources you don’t recognize can go a long way in protecting your Mac from the Boonana virus.
As Forbes’ Tim Worstall reports, even Apple has grudgingly acknowledged that its computers are susceptible to virus infection. While Macs are great computers in their own right, it’s important for both novice Mac users and Apple devotees to realize that their favorite machines are far from invincible.
A professional content writer and blogger. Technology advocate. I combine my passion for new technology and innovation in my writing to share news and updates about the latest gadgets and tech options on the market with my followers.
