Let’s clear up a term that gets used incorrectly all too often: "virus."
Over the years, this word has become a catch-all for any harmful software, much like how we might refer to a tissue as "Kleenex®" or a photocopy as a "Xerox®." In the digital world, the term "virus" arose from the fact that early disruptive programs were indeed viruses. That’s why the term "antivirus" software made sense back then. However, times have changed, and so has the landscape of malware.
Interestingly, no viruses have been able to infect macOS since the release of OS X. Sure, there were a few for older versions like OS 9, but they were rare and easily dealt with. If you’ve ever read speculation on forums like, "You might have a virus or malware," that’s simply misleading. A virus and malware are different; you should really say, "You might have a virus or other types of malware." In casual terms, "malware" is the better word to use.
To break it down, "malware" stands for malicious software, which includes anything unwanted on your computer. A virus is just one flavor of malware. It’s shocking how many security experts misuse "virus" when discussing threats to Mac systems, calling everything a virus when, in fact, most of the software they mention is a Trojan. This might just be clickbait designed to boost readers and shouldn’t come from reputable sources.
At the moment, antivirus software doesn’t serve much purpose on a Mac. If you’re hoping to prevent attacks from new threats, that’s also a bit of a lost cause. No protective measure can identify something it hasn’t seen before. If you download a new malware type, neither your operating system nor antivirus software will catch it straight away. As for heuristics—again, not very helpful since Trojans, not viruses, are the primary threat to Macs.
Let’s go through some of the key malware types:
Virus: This is a type of malware that can copy itself onto other files and infect them without any user action. Thankfully, these are essentially non-existent on Mac OS systems. Viruses typically require physical presence on another device or a network, which isn’t how Macs operate.
As for what could be termed a "virus," the only candidates are Word and Excel macro viruses, but they’re primarily a Windows issue. Even if you encounter an infected document, unless you allow the macro to run, it won’t affect your Mac.
Trojan: This malware requires user action to install. Trojans often come bundled with legitimate software. They can range from annoying adware to more harmful items like keyloggers and ransomware. Most of the time, if you download something that’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t, and you’re likely getting a Trojan along with it.
You might have seen pop-up alerts that say you need to install a new version of Flash. Never trust these—we all know Flash is no longer in service. Similarly, any messages claiming your device is infected are scams, meant to trick you into downloading something.
Worm: This is a more advanced type of malware that can spread on its own across a network, seeking out vulnerable computers. One of the very few known Mac worms, called Oompa-Loompa, thrived by using a Trojan method and required user installation.
VPNs and Their Risks: While many people think VPNs are the ultimate safeguard for their online privacy, that’s not always the case. Public VPNs often don’t keep your data private. They might log your activities and could even sell your information. The only effective uses of a VPN involve secure corporate connections or when trying to obscure your IP address, but even then, free VPNs aren’t trustworthy.
How to Avoid Malware: The best defense is to avoid downloading software from shady sources like peer-to-peer networks or file-sharing sites. That’s where you’ll encounter the highest risk of Trojans secretly bundled in with desirable software. Your computer will only ask for your password once to allow the entire package to install, malware included.
In essence, think critically about the software you’re installing. Most significant threats to Mac systems are Trojans, and they require user action to be installed. It’s crucial to be cautious and mindful while surfing the web.
For a more detailed guide on preventing malware, check out some reputable sources or forums dedicated to digital security. Stay informed, stay safe.
