The lack of broader ongoing malware threats on macOS can also be quite appealing for interested buyers. This can often be attributed to the sleek design of Macs, and the “Apple Magic” that is macOS’s ease of use. macOS’s popularity has sky-rocketed from 3.6% in January 2009 to almost 16% in September 2021. However, as Macs have become more popular, they’re taking back some market share from Windows both in enterprise situations and in the home. Paired with many businesses relying on older, more vulnerable versions of Windows on their systems – targeting enterprise or business Windows devices is simply more profitable. It’s no secret that Windows has long dominated the personal computer market (which includes laptops and desktop computers) – holding an impressive 75% market share in September 2021, while macOS holds a tiny in comparison 15.9% market share.Ĭyber-criminals therefore, looking for the best use of their time and resources, tend to spend more time looking for bugs and exploits in Windows than macOS, and this translates into less focus on macOS. Desktop Operating system market share (Image Source: Statcounter) One possible explanation for a higher perceived security in Mac devices lies purely in the numbers. Secondly, Apple’s operating system – macOS – is designed a different way, making it inherently more secure than other popular operating systems. Firstly – Apple’s market share is less than that of Windows, so naturally Mac devices face reduced risk. I’ll also walk you through how you can be best protected on your Mac, because these days our entire lives are on our computers! Are Macs and Apple devices more secure?

So, are you at risk? Let’s first examine some of the factors that surround security on Macs and macOS.

This misconception – paired with Apple’s marketing boasting that macOS is “the most secure consumer operating system” may lull users into a false sense of security. Is an anti-virus still necessary in this day and age? Macs have long had the reputation of being more “secure” than Windows computers, with users believing that Apple devices are impenetrable to cybercriminals and viruses.

Do you need a antivirus for macbook pro