The Apple macOS Blog

Despite a prevalent myth, macOS is not immune to malware and spyware. Recent reports from Malwarebytes and other cybersecurity experts paint an alarming picture, especially for macOS users.Today I'm going to give you tip on how to avoid becoming infected and also how you can scan your Mac for viruses so your data and privacy stays protected.

An alarming trend

Every year, organizations like Malwarebytes release detailed reports on the state of malware and viruses. For macOS users, the trends are concerning. In the past, Macs were less targeted, possibly due to their smaller market share. However as Apple products become more popular, so does the attention they get from malicious actors and scammers. At iBoostUp, we run an active and specialized research lab, devoted to researching and identifying new macOS spyware and malware infections for inclusion into our comprehensive anti-spyware database. The malware and adware infections we see on a daily basis are a stark reminder that your Mac is not entirely safe from cyber threats.

Understanding certification

OPSWAT certification is a benchmark in cybersecurity that assesses and recognizes the most effective anti-malware solutions. Recently iBoostUp's Spyware Doctor achieved the coveted OPSWAT Platinum certification joining the ranks of top security solutions like Avira Mac Security, Bitdefender, and ESET. This achievement is significant especially when compared to other Mac specific tools that have only attained gold certification.

Secure your Mac

Your first line of defense is cautious behavior. Follow these tips to keep your Mac secure:

1. Only download and install software from the App Store or directly from verified developers.
2. Do not disable macOS's built-in security features like gatekeeper.
3. Keep macOS up-to-date by regularly running "System Preferences" → "Software Update". Always run the latest versions from Apple as they regularly patch security vulnerabilities.
4. Be skeptical of apps in general, particularly apps heavily promoted on youtube and forums; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

How to use iBoostUp's Spyware Doctor

Now, let's talk about how to use iBoostUp's Spyware Doctor for virus scanning:

1. Download and install iBoostUp with Spyware Doctor from its website or the App Store.
2. Open the application and click "Spyware Doctor" from the sidebar, then click "Scan my Apps".
3. Allow the app to scan your system; this may take some time depending on the amount of data and applications on your Mac but is generally pretty quick.
4. Review the scan results and follow the recommended actions to remove any detected threats.

The great thing about Spyware Doctor is that it works by using a combination of state-of-the-art scanning techniques, meaning it is able to determine whether even previously unseen apps might exhibit malicious behaviour or be a risk to your privacy. In fact, iBoostUp even contains tools to detect and protect your Mac against tampered hardware devices!

In conclusion

Regularly scanning your Mac for malware is important to maintain the privacy of your data. You can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections by combining vigilant behavior with reliable tools like iBoostUp's Spyware Doctor.

✌ Charlie