The macOS security myth is on the decline... Is it becoming more vulnerable to threats?

Macs have long been associated with a strong reputation in the security industry. Security: Many users believed that macOS was less vulnerable to attacks than Windows. But a recent study conducted by the cybersecurity company Kaspersky paints a different picture, after it revealed relatively higher rates of some security incidents among macOS users over the past year.

Study reveals an unexpected gap

The study conducted by Kaspersky's Market Research Center included about 7,200 people from 18 countries, including Egypt. Saudi Arabia, the United States, France, Germany, India, China, and Brazil.

12% of macOS users reported that their devices were exposed to malware during the past year, compared to about 9% of Windows users. Mac users also recorded approximately the same percentage of exposure to phishing attempts, compared to 9% among Windows users.

These results do not necessarily mean that macOS is less secure than Windows from a technical standpoint, as exposure rates may be affected by user behavior, the nature of attacks, and the way devices are used, and not by the operating system alone.

Windows users are more committed to some procedures Protection

The study showed a clear difference in digital security behaviors between users of the two systems. 62% of Windows users said they avoid opening suspicious links or emails, compared to only 51% of macOS users.

42% of Windows users also rely on specialized security programs, compared to 35% of Mac users.

These results indicate that the level of protection is not determined solely by the capabilities of the operating system, but also depends largely on the user’s awareness and commitment to basic security practices.

Fraud and data theft threaten Mac users too

The gap is not limited to malware and phishing. 16% of macOS users reported exposure to investment fraud or deception, compared to 13% of Windows users.

11% of Mac users reported privacy violations, compared to 8% of Windows users, while the percentage of personal data theft was 12% of macOS users, compared to 7% of Windows users.

These numbers show that cybercriminals do not always need to hack the operating system directly; Phishing messages, social engineering, and theft of login credentials may be enough to gain access to sensitive accounts and information.

Passwords reveal another difference

Differences have also emerged in the way digital accounts are protected. 38% of Windows users said that they use a different password for each account, compared to 35% of macOS users.

52% of Windows users also use complex passwords, compared to 45% of Mac users, while the percentage of activating two-factor or multi-factor authentication reaches 51% of Windows users, compared to 46% of macOS users.

Reusing the same password across multiple sites is one of the most prominent risks, as hacking one account may give the attacker an opportunity to try to gain access. To other accounts.

Why is the Mac no longer a low-risk target?

The belief that Macs are less important to attackers is no longer relevant to today's threat landscape.

As Apple devices become more widespread and the value of the data on them rises, macOS users have become an attractive target for cybercriminals. As system-specific malware has evolved, threat families have emerged designed to directly target Mac devices.

Modern attacks do not depend only on the type of operating system, as attackers can use phishing, social engineering, credential theft, and supply chain attacks to reach victims across different systems.

Built-in security does not mean complete protection

macOS provides a set of built-in security tools that help detect applications and files

Continuously updating the system and applications, avoiding suspicious links, using multi-factor authentication, and creating strong, unique passwords are among the most important steps a user can take.

Specialized security solutions may be especially useful for users who handle sensitive data or use their devices for work, but they do not replace security awareness.

How do you protect your Mac from attacks?

macOS users can reduce risks by following a set of simple measures, most notably installing system updates as soon as they are available, not downloading software from untrusted sources, and being wary of unexpected files and attachments.

It is also important to activate multi-factor authentication for important accounts, use a password manager to create strong and unique passwords, and enable backups.

Messages that request banking or login information or prompt the user to take urgent action should also be treated with caution, even if the message appears to be coming from a trusted company or organization.

Is macOS less secure than Windows?

The study's findings cannot be reduced to a statement that macOS has become an insecure system or that it is more technically vulnerable than Windows. The study measures the security incidents and behaviors reported by users, and does not alone represent a direct technical test of the level of protection of the two systems.

But it does provide an important message: Owning a Mac does not mean that the user is immune to electronic attacks.

With the development of fraud and malware methods, digital security has become a shared responsibility between the operating system, developers, and the user himself. Therefore, the best protection for Mac and Windows users alike starts by updating devices, securing accounts, checking links and messages, and not assuming that any operating system provides absolute protection.

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