Using a Mac is safer than using a computer running Windows. That’s not to say it is not possible to inadvertently install a virus or malware on a Mac. It is just that hackers tend to focus more on PCs. From a hacker’s perspective, it is better to try to infect as many devices as possible and more people own PCs than Apple devices.
According to research conducted by IDC, sales of Macs have increased by just over 16% this year. However, while accurate figures are difficult to find, approximately 90% of computers use Windows software. This makes the operating system much more likely to be attacked. If you were a hacker would you concentrate on the 90%?
That does not mean that Mac users are immune to attack: BlackHole RAT, OS X Pinhead, Mac Flashback, and Mac Defender all targeted Mac users.
Mac users do face risks and must be cautious when using the Internet. They may not face such high risks, but they can just as easily fall for scams. Phishing websites will also work just as well on Macs users as they will on everyone else. That’s because phishing techniques are employed to fool the user of the device. It doesn’t matter what device is being used to access the Internet.
New phishing scam alerts iTunes users to account limitations
Mac users have recently been targeted by a campaign claiming iTunes accounts have been compromised. Most recently a phishing scam has been launched advising iTunes account holders that their accounts have been limited for security reasons.
They are informed of this by email and are provided with a link. If the link is clicked they are directed to a scam site and must enter information to lift the account limitation. A number of data fields must be completed and a credit card number entered.
This is an easy scam to identify as, even when accounts have been compromised, a service provider would not typically ask for a credit card number for identity verification.
If in doubt, just access your Apple account directly and check to see if there is a problem with your account. Never use the link supplied in an email.
Mac Internet scam reported offering urgent tech support
A Mac internet scam warning was recently issued after the discovery of a new tech support scam. A woman visited a webpage which flashed a warning that her Mac had been infected with malware. She was required to call a phone number to call to speak with tech support. On calling the number she was told she was speaking to an Apple employee, and she was required to pay for tech support to remove the infection. When asked for payment she tried to pay by AMEX, but was told American Express could not be used. This alerted her to the scam. Apple doesn’t have a problem taking AMEX as payment.
If you are warned of a virus infection, you can always visit an Apple store. They will be able to confirm if your Mac has really been infected.
Mac Internet scam warning! Your Mac is Infected with Malware!
Phishing scams targeting Mac users are far more common than malware infections targeting their devices, but malware is always a risk no matter what device is used. However, this year Apple has been targeted. A Mac Internet scam warning was issued earlier this year, again relating to Mac malware infections.
The scam is common with PC users, especially those using illegal file sharing websites, streaming services, and porn sites. However, a number of legitimate websites have been hijacked and are displaying pop-up windows announcing a virus infection has been detected.
The warnings come as a shock to Mac users and many will be convinced to click on the links. They direct the user to malicious websites offering fast and effective disinfection using Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware solutions. A click of a link will download a program called MacDefender that will conduct a full system scan.
The MacDefender Anti-Virus program is nothing of the sort. Instead of removing malware from the Mac, it is a form of malware. The fake Anti-Virus software appears to conduct a scan of the system and identifies apps that have been infected. Popup windows are launched to porn sites and other websites as a scare tactic.
In order to remove the infections, the user is required to purchase a license for the software. To do that a credit card is required. Once the license has been purchased the program stops launching browser windows. It also advises the user that the malware has been removed.
Unfortunately for the victim, they have just given their credit card details to the scammers. Card purchase can be made and the criminals can run up thousands of dollars of debt.
No matter what device you use to access the Internet or email, you are always at risk of falling for a phishing scam or inadvertently installing malware. Fortunately, the risk can be easily managed. WebTitan is available for Windows and OS X, and offers protection from malware, malicious websites and phishing campaigns.
To find out how WebTitan can protect you and your company’s employees, call the sales support team today.