MIT IS&T
MIT IS&T
Yes, you should protect your Mac, too
October 29, 2019
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Image: Shutterstock

Do you need to worry about malware on macOS? Yes, you do.

Macs can be compromised. Malware often hides in fake software installers. You may not even notice what it's doing in the background on your devices.

MIT has seen an increase in malware on macOS:

  • Rogue browser extensions inject invisible hidden links pointing to ads and inappropriate material into outgoing emails and viewed web pages
  • Adware disguised as "helper" apps redirect searches to advertising and/or malicious sites
  • Fake Adobe and Firefox installers can include malware along with the intended software

What can I do to protect my devices?

  • Only obtain software from reliable sources (e.g., Apple Store, ist.mit.edu)
  • Keep your operating system and software up to date: Patch, Patch, Patch!
  • Install both Sophos and CrowdStrike anti-malware software

Sophos and CrowdStrike are licensed for macOS, Windows, and Linux for the MIT Community. Install both for maximum threat protection. Sophos and CrowdStrike Falcon work together to detect and remove viruses and malware from your devices based on known threats and suspicious behavior, often before you even realize you have them.

Questions? Contact the IS&T Security team.