With increasing number of Apple users, cyber criminals are now targeting this platform to perform their attacks. Security firms have predicted the possible increase in the cyber attacks against Apple devices in year 2016.
We have analyzed the reports published by Symantec and FireEye. Both reports say similar things. Mac OS X and iOS both users are at risks. Apple Pay could be the main target of attackers. Apple’s iOS platform will see more numbers of attack because smartphone infection is more beneficial for attackers.
“A rising number of threat actors have begun developing malware designed to infect devices running Mac OS X or iOS,” said Dick O’Brien, a Symantec researcher.
Also Read: Do you think iOS apps are safer than Android? You are wrong
According to Bryce Boland, chief technology officer at FireEye, attackers are increasingly “finding ways into Apple’s walled garden, and that will ramp up next year”.
Mac OS X saw huge increment in the malware attacks. Last year, average of infected computers was around 10,000 and this year, it has increased to be around 35000 monthly infected counters. March 2015 was very bad and around 65000 infected Mac computers were reported.
Attacks against iOS devices have also been increased in past. FireEye recently discovered that XcodeGhost iOS malware. It forced Apple to rethink its security strategy. It was first large-scale attack on Apple’s app store.
Apple should take these reports as alerts to improve security of its Mac OS X and iOS platforms. It has enough time to protect its users and prevent any kind of embarrassing moment.
If you still think that Apple devices are “free from malware”, you must change your perception now. For past few months, researchers have found vulnerabilities in various apps and software. Most of these vulnerabilities were serious.
If you are Apple user, you should also beware and take extra precautions.
Source: Symantec
