For the first time in history, Macs suffer more virus threats than Windows computers.

It become a reality that no one was expecting. Macs suffer more virus threats than Windows. Last Tuesday was International Safe Internet Day (SID). In this context, the cybersecurity company Malwarebytes released its annual report on malware (malicious software) with a revealing fact: there are more threats to macOS (the operating system of Apple computers) than to Windows.

For years, Mac computers and other devices created by Apple were “free” of viruses, malware, etc., and users believed that only Windows users should protect their PCs. But times have changed and it’s time to start having more collections. According to the Malwarebytes survey, malicious programs for Apple computers exist, are more aggressive and are so many that they already surpassed those developed for Windows.

The cybersecurity company estimated that Mac users received an average of 11 malware threats in 2019 per user (an increase of 400% compared to 2018), while in Windows they barely reached 5.8 (almost half).

According to experts, although Windows PCs still dominate market share and tend to have more security vulnerabilities, as Macs were gaining popularity, hackers seem to focus more attention on macOS operating system versions.

From Malwarebytes they warned of a rising tide of threats against users who still believe that “Macs don’t get viruses.” “I still frequently meet people who firmly believe that using any type of security software is not necessary. This makes macOS a fertile ground for the influx of new threats, ”said Thomas Reed, one of the company’s director in charge of the area of relieving Apple devices.

When it comes to protecting equipment, experts recommend not downloading programs that promise to improve device performance or that come from unreliable sources. A greater awareness about internet security is necessary. “People need to understand that they are not safe just because they are using a Mac. They must be careful where they click, what applications they download, from where, and who they are allowed to access their computers,” Reed said.

Computer experts recommend:

– Have updated the operating system or antivirus software and security fix in operating systems such as the WiFi network with advanced encryption methods.

– Use keys that are not easily deciphered.

– Access important information from your own PCs and not from any unknown ones.

– Do not access sites without knowing the origin.

– Do not use public Wi-Fi networks. The scanning and analysis of the data sent by the devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network is vulnerable, a potential attacker could connect and read the traffic sent by all the devices that share the network, and access users and password.

– Do not click on email links whose sender is unknown.

– Avoid providing confidential information on a website that we do not know.

– Use two-step verification to hinder the task of hackers.

– Regarding operating systems, they recommend using those supported by manufacturers, which are not open source.