Many believe that Apple devices are safe from viruses and hacker attacks thanks to their advanced operating systems. How true is this belief?

Previously, "Mac" devices were characterized by the level of superior security and not subjected to cyberattacking attacks, unlike the "Microsoft Windows" computers, which were vulnerable to penetration by viruses and Trojans, but with a large increase in the number of fake e-mails, which include malware and codes Malicious, the myth of "Mac" and "iPhone" phones is at stake.

The security system of the Mac OS and IOS operating systems is based on a very simple principle, which is the presence of a closed system that the American company determines the type of software and the "hardware" used.

On the other hand, the system "Microsoft Windows" and "Google Android" system depend on an open approach, where anyone can configure these systems themselves or develop their own programs and publish them, and this means more freedom in dealing with operating systems, and also more risks, which Exposed to it.

While the Windows system keeps the gates somewhat open, which allows threats to enter the architecture of the operating system, we find that Apple is constructing high fences to protect the user and its operating system.

However, these walls may show gaps that allow the leak of viruses and malware, similar to what happened in 2017 when a serious security vulnerability was discovered in the MacOS operating system, which allowed anyone to access the rights of a manager The system, even without knowing programming or using any special programs.

In addition to the security feature in the closed system, Mac users were previously relying on the fact that hackers care more about Windows computers than Mac computers.

"The Mac computers have always been vulnerable to cyberattacks, but Windows computers have been the biggest and easiest target," explained Kay Schwerke, of the German specialized magazine "Mac & I".

This is related to the fact that Windows computers spread more widely than Mac computers, which means the high number of potential victims of cyber attacks, but with the proliferation of Mac computers in recent years, hackers have focused on these devices as well.

Schwerke added: "We note the increase in attacks, targeting Mac devices specifically in recent times."


According to security experts, the integrated security systems "Mac OS" do not work well with advertising programs, which work is not limited to display ads only, but it may in most cases transmit user data without noticing it, as well as it may be a gateway Electronic hacking attacks.

In addition to the fact that the user may not trust blindly in the mobile operating system "iOS", Kay Schwerke pointed out that the applications available in the application store, which the American company is examining, may include viruses and malicious codes.

The German expert said: "With millions of lines of instructions, which must be examined by the company" Apple "in the application store, it is not excluded the presence of malicious codes that are not observed during the examination process."

Kay Schwerke advises the user to pay close attention to the app's permissions, for example the application of cooking recipes in no way needs access to the address book or the microphone.

However, the biggest danger remains the legend of the company "Apple" itself; the user always believes that the American company's operating systems are not threatened by viruses and malicious codes, and therefore he deals with them negligently. "Like other companies, people are the biggest security hole in (Apple)," David Bute, of the Internet Security Institute, warned.