Apple Devices Have a Significant Vulnerability (So Here’s How to Fix It)

Do you remember the “Hello, I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC” commercials that aired from 2006 to 2009? These ads, which featured actors Justin Long and John Hodgeman as Mac and PC, respectively, were put out by Apple to promote their line of computers, highlighting the advantages that Macs had over the PC. One advantage the ads referenced repeatedly was the idea that Macs “don’t get viruses,” something that research conducted by Elastic Security Labs has disproved beyond any doubt.

Let’s examine what Elastic Security Labs has discovered, and what can be done about it.

Macs Can Get Malware, Albeit Less Often

According to Elastic Security Labs’ research, 54% of malware impacts Windows devices, as compared to 6.2% being found on machines running macOS. However, a full 48% of macOS devices are infected via the same app.

Somewhat ironically, the app responsible is MacKeeper—a utility that provides assorted tools to help maintain a computer’s privacy and security, which requires it to have somewhat nebulous access permissions. 

MacKeeper is legitimate software, but it has been hijacked and used for malicious intentions.

For this reason, it is likely wiser to remove it.

Here’s how to do so:

Deleting MacKeeper from macOS

• Navigate to the Finder app
• Select Applications
• Locate MacKeeper
• Make sure you have This Mac selected and click the plus sign
• Open the dropdown by selecting Name
• Select Other
• Tick the checkbox next to System Files
• Click Name and select System Files
• Change aren’t included to are included
• Right-click and select Move to Trash for all files in the folder
• Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash

Hopefully, this will help eliminate a big source of threats from your macOS device. We can help you with the rest of your technology as well. Give us a call at (703) 821-8200 to learn more about our managed services.