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Semalt Expert: How Do I Protect Myself From Mac Malware?

To begin with, protecting yourself remains the most important aspect when it comes to avoiding malware. Most importantly, keeping your system and all your software up to date. Software companies often find and fix security threats. These threats regularly pave ways for hackers to identify weak points and install malicious software on your machine. At times, people think that upon release of an update to close a security vulnerability, hackers would give up. However, such updates provide hackers with a convenient way to attack computers that have not been updated.

For example, malware (Sabpab) that had appeared in 2012 took advantage of a Microsoft Office threat that had been eliminated by an update in the fall of 2009. Similarly, the Flashback Trojan took advantage of weaknesses that had been fixed.

In this regard, Ross Barber, the Semalt Customer Success Manager, remains how important is to install updates.

Adware

Adware is a fast-spreading vulnerability on the Mac OS. Adware related programs keep on multiplying every day. Notably, anti-virus software such as the Apple's anti-malware protection doesn't detect these Adware. Worse, even if they are detected, the anti-virus programs won't fully remove the virus. However, adware can be easily avoided by trustworthy downloads. Ensure that you pay close attention to the software license agreement displayed by the installers. If you are asked to install something different from the software you planned to download, leave the installer.

Be cautious of java

In the past, Java has been known to be a source of probable vulnerabilities. Fortunately, some updates have been affected to make Java more secure in browsers. Consequently, no new Java problems have been noticed. However, new threats could appear soon. Therefore, use Safari 6.1 or later versions and only permit it to trust Java on websites that must use Java.

Other Internet-based technologies

First of all, the Flash-based exploit is another problem. Such issues have been utilized in the past to infect Mac. Fortunately, HTML5 content has replaced Flash content in the current systems. However, if avoiding Flash is not an option then install ClickToFlash extension in Safari browser which blocks unwanted Flash content. Alternatively, Chrome browser is more secure as it has "click to play" feature.

After that, JavaScript can also download malicious software on your machine, but it cannot open or install it. However, it can find a way of tricking you into installing it. JavaScript supports pop-ups which claim that your system has been infected with a Trojan and require you to call a given phone number to get help. These fake alerts repeatedly try to use JavaScript to stop you from leaving the scam page. Such signals can be avoided by installing AdBlock in Chrome or JavaScript blocker in Safari.

Avoiding Trojans and other security issues

Beyond the matters discussed above, you should be cautious enough to protect yourself from common Trojans. Most importantly, don't open an application or software from an unknown source. Moreover, take care of open wireless networks. An ill-minded person could send you a malicious file through the network.

Finally, maintain a regularly-updated back-up. Preferably, a different external hard drive. This way, if your computer ever gets infected, you will have a variety of options to avert the issue.