While the numbers grew in 2016, the detected instances are still nothing compared to Windows or Android malware

Apr 6, 2017 20:49 GMT  ·  By

Mac computers may still be "safer" than Windows PCs, as less focus is put on them, but the number of attacks is rapidly rising. In fact, according to the recent McAfee Threat Report, macOS malware grew by 744% in 2016, with some 460,000 instances detected. 

Of course, when it comes to comparing macOS infections with those of Windows PCs, Mac numbers are minimal. All malware detected last year rose up to some 600 million instances, with some 15 million being mobile malware.

Thankfully, if you could put it there, most macOS malware was adware, which means it pretty much just annoys victims rather than do a lot of damage, just as is the case with most Windows or Android malware.

This doesn't mean there are no instances of truly malicious infections. In fact, there are plenty of those to go around, such as the Word macro instances where Mac users were targeted, or the Fruitfly malware used to attack computers in biomedical research institutions.

Of course, in order to protect yourself and your device from malware, it's best to only install software from verified sources and avoid suspicious emails and their attachments.

The dangers of IoT

The McAfee report puts the focus on another type of issue - the growing number of malware infections on Internet of Things devices, which enables them to be used as part of botnets for various purposes, like DDoS attacks on websites.

"IoT devices are being hijacked and used to carry out serious crimes in cyberspace. Attackers, after gaining control of IoT devices, can use them to attack business, consumers, or Internet infrastructure. The Mirai botnet is just the beginning," reads the report, setting down an ominous prediction.

This situation, however, highlights the modern problems of the world where more and more devices come with an Internet connection and not enough security to make them safe against attacks. There have been numerous reports in recent months about all types of attacks against IoT devices, including smart toys for kids and smart toys for... adults.