Home » Technology » macOS is not as immune to cyber attack as you think; less successful in fighting adware and malware compared to Windows – Economic Times
macOS is not as immune to cyber attack as you think; less successful in fighting adware and malware compared to Windows – Economic Times
Apple’s line of laptops is larger than its Windows counterparts, due in part to the perception that they are less susceptible to cyberattacks.
MacBook is considered to have greater immunity to viruses, Trojans, malware, and other strains of infections. However, a new report suggests that Apple hardware, like the proverbial forbidden fruit, is increasingly being targeted by different types of attacks.
The 2020 State of Malware Report, published by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, revealed that there was a 400% increase in malware infections in 2019, compared to 2018.
This is likely due to the corresponding increase in the total number of Mac systems running Malwarebytes software. Mac endpoint malware detections increased from 4.8 in 2018 to 11.0 in 2019, almost double that of Windows computers, which faced 5.8 malware attacks per endpoint .
Another likely cause for this statistic is that Macs have gained ground over Windows computers in terms of market share, implying that malicious actors have been forced to target devices running macOS despite its resilience to attack.
But the security mechanisms inherent in macOS have not been as successful in the fight against adware as with malware, allowing questionable programs to infiltrate operating system defenses.
Adware has become more aggressive over the years, evolving to be a more serious threat. Malwarebytes found 24 million adware infections on Windows in 2019. During the same period, 30 million were detected on Mac computers.
“The number one Mac detection, a family of adware called NewTab, itself generated 28 million detections,” said the report.
Tech that stole the show at CES 2020: rotary TV, AI camera, versatile hearing aid
Take a bow, innovators!
Jan 10, 2020
There is only one day left for one of the biggest technology conventions, CES 2020, to end. This year we have seen flying cars, rolling robots and everything that is smart – from kitchens to plant pots. The biggest innovators, like Samsung, LG and others, did their best and really redefined what technology means to us, but some technologies were so revolutionary that they captured the heart of the show. To keep you posted, we’ve put together a full list of technologies that really stole the show at CES 2020.
Withings ScanWatch
Jan 10, 2020
ScanWatch is Withings’ first hybrid smartwatch that combines a medical-grade EKG and sleep apnea detection. The clinically validated watch is designed to help users and their physicians monitor overall health and early identify largely underdiagnosed cardiovascular and sleep problems. It is waterproof and comes in a stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal dial.
Samsung SelfieType
Jan 10, 2020
SelfieType is a virtual keyboard using the front-facing selfie camera. Its AI engine analyzes finger movements from the front camera and converts them to QWERTY keyboard inputs. SelfieType requires no additional hardware and is adaptable to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
NextMind Brain-Sensing Wearable
Jan 10, 2020
NextMind introduced its latest gadget, which the company says is the world’s first portable (non-invasive) brain-sensing device that provides real-time device control using only the user’s thoughts. The lightweight device rests gently on a user’s head.
LE Audio
Jan 10, 2020
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has a new wireless audio standard, LE Audio, which will allow new functions – hearing aids with Bluetooth functionality. LE Audio will enable the development of Bluetooth hearing aids that will bring all the benefits of Bluetooth audio to the hearing impaired.