We’ve all heard that hindsight is 20/20. While it’s pointless to place blame after an attack, it’s possible to learn from the incident to improve security. These are some of the biggest reported attacks on Macs. There are plenty more, and malware designed to attack Macs specifically have risen dramatically over the past few years.
These examples give insight into some critical weaknesses.
2013 Apple Attack
This attack compromised computers in Apple’s very own headquarters, debunking once and for all the idea that Macs were invulnerable to attacks. What makes this attack so embarrassing was the fact that Apple wasn’t even the first target. The hackers first used a flaw in Java to get inside computers at the Facebook headquarters the month before the attack on Apple. These attacks were carried out essentially the exact same way. They exploited the same weakness and left behind the same malware. In this case, the primary responsibility for the incident falls on Java’s shoulders. The program frequently suffers security weaknesses and has a reputation. To prevent such incidents in the future, businesses need to have a rapid communication network designed to combat virus and cyber attacks. No business wants to reveal their own sensitive information, but there are ways to warn other vulnerable businesses without compromising data. More information on the previous attack and a faster response from Java would have prevented the second incident.
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2016 KeRanger Ransomware
Ransomware is a kind of malware that locks down your computer until you send money – a “ransom” – to the criminals behind the virus. It’s been a problem for PC users for a long time, but last year, it hit Macs for the first time. The malware hid inside a downloadable program called Transmission. Mac reacted swiftly to prevent users from being able to download the program. The program’s developers also addressed the problem very quickly. These steps helped mitigate the results, but some users still suffered.
In this case, the only ones who could have completely prevented the attack were the users themselves. Until extremely recently, Mac users believed themselves to be all but invulnerable to these kinds of attacks, and they behaved accordingly. While PC users typically have several layers of protection on their computers, Mac users are less likely to take an extra step to mitigate their risk. As a downloadable app, Transmission could have been scanned, and the problem potentially identified, before it had a chance to infect users’ Macs. This attack is still the responsibility of the hackers, but Mac users are coming into an age where their preferred operating system is no longer a guarantee of security against these kinds of attacks.
Reporting incidents immediately will limit their impact and result in faster solutions for everyone. The only way to truly prevent an attack is to stop the criminals behind these assaults, but the right steps can prevent their success in the future.The best way to avoid future attacks is to keep all your apps, plug-ins, and other programs updated. Scan downloadable content before you open it, and delete it immediately if there is any sign of a potential threat. Reporting incidents immediately will limit their impact and result in faster solutions for everyone. The only way to truly prevent an attack is to stop the criminals behind these assaults, but the right steps can prevent their success in the future.
