10 tips to boost MAC security

MAC users now needs to take extra care of their device as Kaspersky experts have calculated chances of a malicious program making it into a MAC OS X device. In August the probability of unwanted encounters with malware was about 3%. Compared to the 21% infection risk facing windows users, the situation seems with MAC relaxed.

According to Kaspersky Security Report an active internet user could find malware getting onto a MAC OS X device at least 10 times a year.

• In the first 8 months of 2014, Kaspersky Lab recorded almost 1,000 unique attacks against Mac devices. These attacks are grouped into 25 main families
• There is a roughly 3% chance of a Mac OS X computer becoming infected.
• There are 1800 samples of malicious Mac OS X-files in Kaspersky Lab’s collection.

The most prominent Mac OS X malware in Kaspersky Lab’s collection include Call me backdoor, which gives cybercriminals remote access to the system and, as an additional function, steals the owner’s contacts – probably as a source of future victims. Another backdoor, Laoshu, is signed with a developer’s trusted certificate– apparently, the malware writers were preparing to distribute it through AppStore. The function of Laoshu is to make screenshots every minute. A third notable spy, Ventir, provides surreptitious remote control functions and can log key presses. The collection also includes an iPhone spy, the first file encryptor for OS X and the first Bitcoin-stealing malware for OS X.

10 simple tips for boosting the security of your Mac

1. Create a non-admin account for everyday activities.
2. Use a web browser that contains a sandbox and has a solid track record of fixing security issues promptly.
3. Uninstall the standalone Flash Player.
4. Uninstall Java from your machine.
5. Run “Software Update” and patch the machine promptly when updates are available.
6. Use a password manager to help cope with phishing attacks.
7. Disable IPv6, AirPort and Bluetooth when not needed.
8. Enable full disk encryption.
9. Upgrade Adobe Reader to the latest version.
10. Install a good security solution.