Technology has continued to evolve so as digital threats, malware, and viruses. While macOS is known to have a formidable security defense against these common threats, it doesn’t guarantee total security for all your digital footprints. The real question is ‘if it’s possible to acquire a virus when you visit certain websites?’
Can A Virus Attack Your Device When You Visit A Website?
Just like any device connected to the internet, whether using Apple devices or not, your defense from viruses and malware is always at risk when you browse unprotected. Apple computers are also vulnerable to these pesky threats. Be it a Mac Minis, MacBooks, iMacs, or iPhones; your device can still acquire viruses like regular PCs, laptops, and desktops.
These common vulnerabilities—ransomware, spyware, and adware- are present not just with Windows operating systems but also with iOS. Understanding how these viruses enter your secure network allows you to be more cautious about your actions. Installing recommended mac security software should be taken into consideration to ensure security not just with your device but also with your device with your privacy and sensitive files on your devices.
With Apple providing strict security to ensure your protection, getting a virus while visiting a website depends on your online activity. While macOS offers tough protection, viruses and other threats have been evolving to challenge your security. Visiting a website doesn’t get the virus bypassing your safety unless you download unregistered third-party applications from unreliable sites and software.
- Besides downloading applications, you can also get infected with viruses if you potentially download unsecured files, documents, emails with embedded links, PDFs, or visiting malicious and unsecured websites.
- Whether you are using Apple or Android products, the risk is always at stake if it’s connected to the internet. Though Apple products tend to be more secure than Windows, you should not procrastinate your privacy and security.
Types of Viruses On Macs And Vulnerability Level
Some viruses can trigger frustrations, and others are somewhat damaging. Being aware of the various types of cyber threats and viruses is essential.
- Ransomware
As the name of this virus implies, it has been one of the new viruses you’ll experience if your device gets infected. This virus type gives users a deadline to decide whether you’ll pay for a fee that will unlock your macs or individual files and re-access sensitive data or personal files. The risk can be damaging, and you can lose access to those files or the device itself.
- Macro Viruses
While macro viruses have been an ancient virus that continues to affect PCs, getting into your Mac operating system can be frustrating. It’s a type of virus that gets active and remotely accesses your webcams or takes screenshots of your digital activities.
These viruses can;
- Create new files
- Send files
- Corrupt your data
- Format hard drives
- Move text
- Insert images and more
Aside from the said damages, macro viruses can deliver damaging malware and viruses too.
- Trojan Horses
Common viruses for PC’s and Macs are trojan horses, often dubbed as a reliable apple product for your Macs. It can be malicious software that hides an update to your PC, but it certainly is fake. This malware damages your device while stealing sensitive information such as personal data, keychain, passwords, store usernames, credit card details, PINs, etc.
- Adware
Adwares are unwanted programs that can be annoying as it fills your browsing experience of ad pop-ups. It can be benign and malicious, and at times connectivity works with spyware, which records and soy on all your digital activities.
Malicious advertising pop-ups can send you to various malicious sites that can deliver software that steals your information. Indeed, data collected on you can be used on fraudulent acts, extortion, and identity theft.
How Do You Keep Macs Secured?
While others opt for keeping their software up-to-date, some choose to use antivirus software for added security.
- Ensure that your macOS is updated at all times.
- Never install Flash
- As much as possible, avoid free WiFi networks or public WiFi
- Ensure that your Flash and Java are updated
- Don’t fall on any social media scams
- Avoid phishing emails
When is your Mac Infected with Virus?
There are a few things that help you determine whether your Mac is virus-free or not. Have a closer look if you experience any of this;
- There are aggressive website or page banners, pop-ups, and software advertisements.
- Some programs started to appear even if you didn’t download or authorized them.
- Your Mac starts crashing.
- Website pages text turning to hyperlinks.
- Your Mac is running hot.
- Your Mac suddenly speeds up without any reason whatsoever.
Conclusion
While macOS is more secure than Windows, it doesn’t mean you’re not at risk and won’t be cautious with anything online. If you feel or in doubt about your device performance, you can check your activity by opening the ‘Activity Monitor’ and clicking the CPU tab. You’ll see which software is currently running or if anything is hogging your resources.
