While malware for macOS is rare, it’s good to be aware of the risk it poses
!
MALWARE TAKES A number of forms. Viruses
are one of the most insidious, capable of hiding
on a computer and replicating themselves into
unrelated files, causing corruption. Spyware can be even
worse, relaying your data or keystrokes to hackers. Don’t
panic, though: to do their dirty work they have to be able to
execute code, and macOS is very good at preventing this.
In practice, there’s little risk from malware unless you type
in an admin user account’s username and password to give it
permission to install, or choose to bypass Gatekeeper to run
it. This is where Trojans come in. Like the wooden horse, they
look like one thing — an app you want to use — but contain
something less friendly.PROTECT AND SURVIVE
Apps on the Mac App Store are approved by Apple and can
only run “sandboxed”, meaning their ability to affect your
system is limited even if they contain malicious code. But
from other sources fake installers may be hard to spot. Don't
run anything unless you trust its source and it’s up to date.
If you like to try a lot of apps, or you’re setting up a Mac for
someone who isn’t a confident computer user and might be
confused into authorizing actions they shouldn’t, there are
comprehensive security monitoring packages. Intego’s well–
established Mac Premium Bundle ($70/year, intego.com)
offers a free trial. If you prefer a completely free solution,Avast Security (avast.com) blocks viruses, spyware and
Trojans, and can scan your Mac for any already present.
The $59.99 Pro version protects against ransomware, which
locks up your files. Again, you needn’t fear this if you avoid
authorizing malware, but it’s yet another reason to have
backups — ideally separate from your Mac. Never install
anti–malware apps from search results: they may be fake,
plague you with ads, or open the door to hackers.
Worried something may be on your Mac already?
Malwarebytes (bit.ly/mfmy) will check; the free version cleans
infected files; the Premium version ($29.99/year) can stop
attacks in their tracks. Objective–See (objective-see.com)
offers free tools to check what Mac apps are up to.Malware and your Mac
Your Mac shows a warning if you try to open an app downloaded
from the internet.
Personal info online
REQUESTING PERSONAL DATAover
an insecure connection is always
suspicious. Your bank may text you
notiĽcations if you’ve agreed, but
they should always come from the
same number, and will only ask you
to text back a yes/no reply. Emails
from banks or payment services only
include minimal personal data, and
won’t ask you to send info back.
It’s okay to send your sort code and
account number to someone you
trust in plain text – they only enable
money to be transferred into youraccount – but never your PIN or
other passcodes.
When entering debit or credit card
details to pay, be sure you know
which website you’re on and check
for the https padlock. Nobody except
Apple should ever ask you to sign in
with your Apple ID.
Security questions about
birthplace, mother’s maiden name
and so on are seen as bad practice;
while sites persist in using them,
consider keeping details like these
oļ social media.36 AUG 2019 maclife.com
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