Can Macs get viruses or are they really safe from malware?

For years it’s been generally accepted that Macs have been much safer than PCs when it comes to malware and virus attacks. So much so, that it’s commonplace for Apple users to have no cybersecurity protections running on their machines other than what’s already built-in to macOS. But, this vulnerability seems to have caught the attention of hackers, as malware attacks (especially those powered by new AI software) have begun to appear which target Macs and their users. So, how can you make sure you stay safe from the new threats?

Are the protections in macOS strong enough to protect my data?

Apple includes tools like Gatekeeper and XProtect to scan for potential threats and stop them getting onto your system. These can be effective, but they’re not foolproof. If you only use modern Macs and download everything from the App Store, then they are probably ok. But if you download things from websites, handle sensitive data, or use older Intel Macs, then a dedicated antivirus solution is recommended. In fact, with the landscape of cybersecurity now changing so fast, and our lives becoming increasingly digital, all Mac users would benefit from an extra layer of safety.

Cybersecurity that’s simple and works with your Mac

One of the things that can put people off using security software is the intimidating language and the feeling that you need to understand everything for it to work. Also, there’s the worry that it will clash with the built-in macOS tools and cause a headache for the user.

That’s why the developers at MacPaw (famous for its excellent CleanMyMac optimisation software) have developed Moonlock. This antivirus is designed from the ground-up to work only with Macs, search for macOS-specific malware, and integrate harmoniously with Apple’s own security software. Best of all, the interface is elegantly laid out and simplifies the whole process so you can easily understand what it’s doing and how to make use of its wide-ranging features.

For example, if you notice that your Mac is slowing down or acting differently, just open Moonlock and click the Scan button to sweep for potential malware. There are real-time protection capabilities too, that scan files automatically whenever you interact with them. This can prevent phishing emails trying to get you to install malware, something that is a rising threat thanks to AI software that can create convincing copies of official documents and communiques to fool unsuspecting victims.

Moonlock has plenty of easy-to-understand tutorials and guides that help you set up your system to be as safe as possible. These include step-by-step instructions for Apple’s built-in cybersecurity tools, so no stone is left unturned.

There’s also a Virtual Private Network (VPN) included, which encrypts your data when you’re online. This helps prevent any data breaches that can occur with websites or networks being hijacked or faked by hackers. Moonlock also employs a network inspector to ensure that sites don’t send your data to servers in other countries that could put you at risk. When it detects this being attempted, it immediately shuts down access to those apps or sites to keep you safe. You don’t need to do anything, Moonlock is constantly working to keep you safe.

A free trial and affordable plans to protect your data and bank balance

To see how Moonlock works, as well as try out the various security advice it has to offer, you can sign up to a 7-day free trial.

After that, there are a wide range of subscription models available. These include $4.50/£3.25 per month for 1 Mac, $7/£5.25 for 2 Macs or $14/£10.25 to protect up to 5 Macs.

Cybersecurity always needs to be powerful and complex, but that doesn’t mean users should have to become experts to protect their data. Moonlock makes this possible, taking care of all the technical aspect so you can rest assured that your system is being kept safe.