I think I could count on one hand the people I know who have NOT had their email hacked. Maybe they found a four-leaf clover when they were kids! Email hacking is one of the very unfortunate downsides of living in our connected, digital world. And it usually occurs as a result of a data breach – a situation that even the savviest tech experts find themselves in.

What is a data breach?

In simple terms, a data breach happens when personal information is accessed, disclosed without permission, or lost. Companies, organisations, and government departments of any size can be affected. Data stolen can include customer login details (email addresses and passwords), credit card numbers, identifying IDs of customers e.g. driver’s license numbers and/or passport numbers, confidential customer information, company strategy, or even matters of national security.

Data breaches have made headlines, particularly over the last few years. When the Optus and Medibank data breaches hit the news in 2022 affecting almost 10 million Aussies apiece, we were all shaken. But then when Aussie finance company Latitude was affected in 2023 with a whopping 14 million people from both Australia and New Zealand, it almost felt inevitable that by now, most of us would have been impacted.

The reality is that data breaches have been happening for years. In fact, the largest data breach in Australian history happened in 2019 to the online design site Canva which affected 139 million users globally. In short, it can happen to anyone, and the chances are you may have already been affected.

Your email is more valuable than you think

The sole objective of a hacker is to get their hands on your data. Any information that you share in your email account can be very valuable to them. Why do they want your data, you ask? It’s simple really – so they can cash in!

Some will keep the juicy stuff for themselves – passwords or logins to government departments or large companies they may want to ’target’ with the aim of extracting valuable data and/or funds. The more sophisticated ones will sell your details including name, telephone, email address, and credit card details to cash in on the dark web. They often do this in batches. Some experts believe they can get as much as AU$250 for a full set of details including credit cards. So, you can see why they’d be interested in you.

The other reason why hackers will be interested in your email address and password is that many of us re-use our login details across our other online accounts. Once they’ve got their hands on your email credentials, they may be able to access your online banking and investment accounts, if you use the same credentials everywhere. So, you can see why I harp on about using a unique password for every online account!

How big is the problem?

There is a plethora of statistics on just how big this issue is – all of them concerning. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, of all the country’s cybercrime reports in 2024, about 21.9% involved identity theft and misuse. The Australian Bureau of Statistics adds that the identity theft victimisation rate has steadily increased from 0.8% to 1.2% from 2021 to 2024, respectively.

Meanwhile, The Australian Government revealed that at least one cybercrime is reported every 6 minutes, with business email compromise alone costing the national economy up to $84 million in losses. Regardless of which statistic you choose to focus on, we have a big issue on our hands.

How does an email account get hacked?

Hackers use a range of techniques—some highly sophisticated, others deceptively simple—to gain access. It is important to know how these attacks happen so you can stay ahead and prevent them.

• Phishing scams: These are deceptive emails that trick you into entering your login details on a fake website that looks legitimate.
• Data breaches: If a website where you used your email and password gets breached, criminals can use those leaked credentials to try and access your email account.
• Weak or reused passwords: Using simple, easy-to-guess passwords or the same password across multiple sites makes it easy for hackers to gain access.
• Malware: Malicious software like keyloggers can be installed on your computer without your knowledge, capturing everything you type, including passwords.
• Unsecure Wi-Fi networks: Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can expose your data to criminals monitoring the network.

From email hack to identity theft

Yes, absolutely. An email account is often the central hub of your digital life. Once a cybercriminal controls it, they can initiate password resets for your other online accounts, including banking, shopping, and social media. They can intercept sensitive information sent to you, such as financial statements or medical records.

With enough information gathered from your emails, they can commit identity theft, apply for credit in your name, or access other sensitive services. If you suspect your email was hacked, it’s crucial to monitor your financial statements and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus.

Signs that your email has been hacked

• You can no longer log in. The most obvious sign of an email hack is when your password suddenly stops working. Cybercriminals often change the password immediately to lock you out.
• Friends receive strange messages from you. If your contacts report receiving spam or phishing emails from your address that you didn’t send, it’s a major red flag that someone else has control of your account.
• Unusual activity in your folders. Check your “Sent” folder for messages you don’t recognize. Hackers might also set up forwarding rules to send copies of your incoming emails to their own address, so check your settings for any unfamiliar forwarding addresses.
• Password reset emails you didn’t request. Receiving unexpected password reset emails for other services (like your bank or social media) is a sign that a hacker is using your email to try and take over your other online accounts.
• Security alerts from your provider. Pay attention to notifications about new sign-ins from unfamiliar devices, locations, or IP addresses. These are often the first warnings that your account has been compromised.

Steps to email recovery

If you find yourself a victim of email hacking, these are a few very important steps you need to take. Fast.

Change your password

Using a separate, clean device, this is the very first thing you must do to ensure the hacker can’t get back into your account. It is essential that your new password is complex and totally unrelated to previous passwords. Always use random words and characters, a passphrase with a variety of upper and lower cases, and throw in some symbols and numbers.

I really like the idea of a crazy, nonsensical sentence – easier to remember and harder to crack! But, better still, get yourself a password manager that will create a password that no human would be capable of creating. If you find the hacker has locked you out of your account by changing your password, you will need to reset the password by clicking on the ‘Forgot My Password’ link.

Update other accounts that use the same password

This is time-consuming, but essential. Ensure you change any other accounts that use the same username and password as your compromised email. Hackers love the fact that many people use the same logins for multiple accounts, so it is guaranteed they will try your info in other email applications and sites such as PayPal, Amazon, Netflix – you name it!

Once the dust has settled, review your password strategy for all your online accounts. A best practice is to ensure every online account has its own unique and complex password.

Sign out of all devices

Most email services have a security feature that lets you remotely log out of all active sessions. Once you’ve changed your password, signing out from your email account also signs out the hacker and forces them to log-in with the new password, which fortunately they do not know. These, combined with two- or multi-factor authentication, will help you to regain control of your account and prevent further compromise.

Inform your email contacts

A big part of the hacker’s strategy is to get their claws into your address book to hook others as well. Send a message to all your email contacts as soon as possible so they know to avoid opening any emails—most likely loaded with malware—that have come from you.

Commit to multi-factor authentication

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication may seem like an additional, inconvenient step to your login, but it also adds another layer of protection. Enabling this means you will need a special one-time-use code to log in, aside from your password. This is sent to your mobile phone or generated via an authenticator app. So worthwhile!

Check your email settings

It is common for hackers to modify your email settings so that a copy of every email you receive is automatically forwarded to them. Not only can they monitor your logins to other sites; they can also keep a watchful eye on any particularly juicy personal information. So, check your mail forwarding settings to ensure no unexpected email addresses have been added.

Also, ensure your ‘reply to’ email address is actually yours. Hackers have been known to create an email address that looks similar to yours, so that when someone replies, it will go straight to their account, not yours.

Don’t forget to check your email signature to ensure nothing spammy has been added, as well as your recovery phone number and alternate email address. Hackers also change these to maintain control. Update them to your own secure details.

Scan your computer for malware and viruses

Regularly scanning your devices for unwanted invaders is essential. If you find anything, please ensure it is addressed, and then change your email password again. If you don’t have antivirus software, please invest in it.

Comprehensive security software will provide you with a digital shield for your online life, protecting all your devices – including your smartphone – from viruses and malware. Some services also include a password manager to help you generate and store unique passwords for all your accounts.

Consider creating a new email address

If you have been hacked several times and your email provider isn’t mitigating the amount of spam you are receiving, consider starting afresh. Do not, however, delete your old email address because email providers are known to recycle old email addresses. This means a hacker could spam every site they can find with a ‘forgot my password’ request and try to impersonate you and steal your identity.

Your email is an important part of your online identity so being vigilant and addressing any fallout from hacking is essential for your digital reputation. Even though it may feel that getting hacked is inevitable, you can definitely reduce your risk by installing some good-quality security software on all your devices.

Trusted and reliable comprehensive security software will alert you when visiting risky websites, warn you when a download looks dodgy, and block annoying and dangerous emails with anti-spam technology. It makes sense really – if you don’t receive the dodgy phishing email – you can’t click on it. Smart!

Finally, don’t forget that hackers love social media – particularly those of us who overshare on it. So, before you post details of your adorable new kitten, remember it may just provide the perfect clue for a hacker trying to guess your email password!

Report the incident

Reporting an email hack is a crucial step to create a necessary paper trail for disputes with banks or credit agencies. When reporting, gather evidence such as screenshots of suspicious activity, unrecognized login locations and times, and any phishing emails you received. This information can be vital for the investigation.

• Your email provider: Use their official support or recovery channels immediately. They can help you investigate and regain control of your account. Do not use links from suspicious emails claiming to be from support.
• Financial institutions: If you’ve disclosed sensitive financial information or use the email for banking, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. Alert them to potential fraud and monitor your statements.
• Friends, family, and contacts: Send a message to your contacts warning them that your account was compromised. Advise them not to open suspicious messages or click on links sent from your address during that time.
• Your employer: If it’s a work email, or if your personal email is used for work purposes, notify your IT department immediately. They need to take steps to protect company data and systems.
• Relevant authorities: For financial loss or identity theft, you can report the incident to authorities like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or Action Fraud in the UK. This creates an official record and aids in wider law enforcement efforts.

Check if online accounts linked to your email were compromised

• Prioritize critical accounts: Immediately check your online banking, financial, and government-related accounts. Review recent activity for any unauthorized transactions or changes.
• Review social media and shopping sites: Check your social media for posts or messages you didn’t send. Review your online shopping accounts like Amazon for any purchases or address changes you don’t recognize.
• Enable alerts: Turn on login and transaction alerts for your sensitive accounts. This will give you real-time notifications of any suspicious activity in the future.

Should you delete your hacked email account?

Generally, no. Deleting the account can cause more problems than it solves. Many online services are linked to that email, and deleting it means you lose the ability to receive password reset links and security notifications for those accounts.

More importantly, some email providers recycle deleted addresses, meaning a hacker could potentially re-register your old email address and use it to impersonate you and take over your linked accounts.

The better course of action is to regain control, thoroughly secure the account with a new password and multi-factor authentication, and clean up any damage. Only consider migrating to a new email address after you have fully secured the old one.

Future-proof your email after reclaiming control

• Run a full security scan: Before doing anything else, run a comprehensive scan with a trusted antivirus program on all your devices to ensure no malware or keyloggers remain.
• Double-check security settings: Confirm that your recovery email and phone number are correct and that multi-factor authentication is enabled, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS.
• Review account permissions: Check which third-party apps and websites have access to your email account. Revoke access for any service you don’t recognize or no longer use.
• Set periodic reminders: Make it a habit to review your account’s security logs and settings every few months to catch any potential issues early.

• Learn to spot phishing: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails asking for personal information or creating a sense of urgency. Check the sender’s address and hover over links before clicking.
• Keep software updated:Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and security software to protect against the latest vulnerabilities.
• Secure your devices: Use comprehensive security software like McAfee+ on all your devices—computers, tablets, and smartphones—to protect against malware, viruses, and risky websites.

Provider-specific email recovery

Each email provider has a specific, structured process for account recovery. It is vital to only use the official recovery pages provided by the service and be wary of scam websites or third-party services that claim they can recover your account for a fee. Below are the official steps of the major providers that you can follow.

Gmail

1. Go to Google’s official Account Recovery page.
2. Enter your email address and follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked questions to confirm your identity, such as previous passwords or details from your recovery phone number or email.
3. Once you regain access, you will be prompted to create a new password.
4. Immediately visit the Google Security Checkup to review recent activity, remove unfamiliar devices, check third-party app access, and enable 2-step verification.

Yahoo email

1. Navigate to the Yahoo Sign-in Helper page.
2. Enter your email address or recovery phone number and click “Continue.”
3. Follow the instructions to receive a verification code or account key to prove your identity.
4. Once verified, create a new, strong password.
5. After regaining access, go to your Account Security page to review recent activity, check recovery information, and turn on 2-step verification.

Outlook or Hotmail

1. Go to the official Microsoft account recovery page.
2. You’ll need to provide your email, phone, or Skype name, and verify your identity using the security information linked to your account.
3. If you cannot access your recovery methods, you will be directed to an account recovery form where you must provide as much information as possible to prove ownership.
4. After resetting your password, visit your Microsoft account security dashboard to review sign-in activity, check connected devices, and enable two-step verification.

Final thoughts

Your email account is the master key to your digital kingdom, and protecting it is more critical than ever since many of your other accounts are connected with your email. Realizing “my email has been hacked” is a stressful experience, but taking swift and correct action can significantly limit the damage.

By following the recovery steps and adopting strong, ongoing security habits like using a password manager and enabling multi-factor authentication, you can turn a potential crisis into a lesson in digital resilience. Stay vigilant, stay proactive, and keep your digital front door securely locked.

To add another wall of defense, consider investing in a trusted and reliable comprehensive security software like McAfee+. Our solution will help you dodge hacking attempts by alerting you when visiting risky websites, or downloading questionable apps, and blocking malicious emails with anti-spam technology.

The post What to Do If Your Email Is Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.

While Apple goes to great lengths to keep all its devices safe, this doesn’t mean your Mac is immune to all computer viruses. What does Apple provide in terms of antivirus protection? In this article, we will discuss some signs that your Mac may be infected with a virus or malware, the built-in protections that Apple provides, and how you can protect your computer and yourself from threats beyond viruses.

What is a Mac virus?

A computer virus is a piece of code that inserts itself into an application or operating system and spreads when that program is run. While viruses exist, most modern threats to macOS come in the form of other malicious software, also known as malware. While technically different from viruses, malware impacts your Mac computers similarly: it compromises your device, data, and privacy.

Macs are not invulnerable to being hacked

While Apple’s macOS has robust security features, it’s not impenetrable. Cybercriminals can compromise a Mac through several methods that bypass traditional virus signatures. Common attack vectors include software vulnerabilities, phishing attacks that steal passwords, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, malicious browser extensions that seem harmless, or remote access Trojans disguised as legitimate software.

Common types of viruses and malware

Understanding the common types of viruses and malware that target macOS can help you better protect your device and data. Here’s a closer look at the most prevalent forms of malware that Mac users should watch out for.

• Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): These programs hijack your browser, alter your search engine, and bombard you with pop-up ads, severely impacting performance and privacy.
• Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software, such as fake Adobe Flash Player installers or system optimization tools, trojans create a backdoor on your Mac for attackers to steal data, install other malware, or take control of your device.
• Spyware and keyloggers: This malicious software operates silently in the background, recording your keystrokes, capturing login credentials, and monitoring your activity to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
• Ransomware: A particularly damaging threat, ransomware encrypts your personal files, photos, and documents, making them inaccessible. Attackers then demand a hefty ransom payment for the decryption key.
• Cryptominers: This malware hijacks your Mac’s processing power to mine for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It doesn’t steal data but can cause extreme slowdowns, overheating, and increased electricity usage.

Signs that your Mac may be hacked

Whether hackers physically sneak it onto your device or by tricking you into installing it via a phony app, a sketchy website, or a phishing attack, viruses and malware can create problems for you in a couple of ways:

Performance issues

Is your device operating slower, are web pages and apps harder to load, or does your battery never seem to keep a charge? These are all signs that you could have a virus or malware running in the background, zapping your device’s resources.

Your computer heats up

Malware or mining apps running in the background can burn extra computing power and data, causing your computer to operate at a high temperature or overheat.

Mystery apps or data

If you find unfamiliar apps you didn’t download, along with messages and emails that you didn’t send, that’s a red flag. A hacker may have hijacked your computer to send messages or to spread malware to your contacts. Similarly, if you see spikes in your data usage, that could be a sign of a hack as well.

Pop-ups or changes to your screen

Malware can also be behind spammy pop-ups, unauthorized changes to your home screen, or bookmarks to suspicious websites. In fact, if you see any configuration changes you didn’t personally make, this is another big clue that your computer has been hacked.

Browser redirects

Your browser’s homepage or default search engine changes without your permission, and searches are redirected to unfamiliar sites. Check your browser’s settings and extensions for anything you don’t recognize.

Disabled security features

Your antivirus software or macOS firewall is disabled without your action. Some viruses or malware are capable of turning off your security software to allow them to perform their criminal activities.

Check your Mac for viruses and malware

Fortunately, there are easy-to-use tools and key steps to help you validate for viruses and malware so you can take action before any real damage is done.

1. Check activity monitor: Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor and look for any unknown processes using a disproportionate amount of CPU or memory. A quick web search can help identify if a suspicious process is malicious.
2. Review login items: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. Check the “Open at Login” and “Allow in the Background” sections for any apps you don’t recognize and disable them.
3. Inspect system profiles: In System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down to “Profiles.” If you see any profiles you did not intentionally install, aside from those for work or school, remove them.
4. Audit browser extensions: Open your web browsers and review installed extensions. Remove any that you did not add or no longer use.
5. Run a security scan: The most reliable method is to use a dedicated security application. Run a full system scan with a trusted program to detect and remove any malware that manual checks may have missed.
6. Update everything: Ensure your macOS and all installed applications are up to date. Updates frequently contain critical security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.

Built-in antivirus solution

Macs contain several built-in features that help protect them from viruses:

• XProtect and quarantine: XProtect is Apple’s proprietary antivirus software built into all Macs since 2009. It works the same as any other antivirus, scanning suspicious files and apps for malware, then quarantining or limiting their access to the Mac’s operating system and other key functions. XProtect relies on up-to-date information to spot malicious files. However, this information may be outdated, and may not always protect Mac users from the latest threats.
• Malware removal tool: To further keep Apple users protected, the malware removal tool scans Macs to spot and catch any malware that may have slipped past XProtect. Similar to XProtect, it relies on a set of constantly updated definitions to identify potential malware, removes malware upon receiving updated information, and continues to check for infections on restart and login.
• Notarization and Gatekeeper: Apps for Apple devices go through a review before they are distributed and sold outside the App Store. When this review turns up no instances of malware, Apple issues a notarization ticket. That ticket is recognized in the macOS Gatekeeper, which verifies the ticket and allows the app to launch. If a previously approved app is later found to be malicious, Apple revokes its notarization and prevents it from running.
• App Store review: All apps that wish to be sold on the Apple App Store must go through Apple’s App Store review. While not strictly a review for malware, security matters are considered in this process to ensure that all apps posted on the App Store are “reliable, perform as expected, respect user privacy, and are free of objectionable content.”

• Other features: In addition to the above, Apple includes technologies that prevent malware from doing more harm, such as preventing damage to critical system files.

Do I need an antivirus for my Mac?

There are a couple of reasons why Mac users may want to consider additional protection on top of the built-in antivirus safeguards:

1. Apple’s antivirus may not recognize the latest threats. These tools primarily rely on known virus definitions, which may lag behind the latest cyberthreats including “zero-day” incidents. This leaves Mac owners susceptible to attack if they solely rely on XProtect and other features.
2. The Mac’s built-in security measures largely focus on viruses and malware. While protecting yourself from viruses and malware is of utmost importance, the reality is that antivirus is not enough. They don’t block other forms of harmful activity, such as phishing attacks, malicious apps downloaded outside of the App Store, suspicious links, prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, data breaches, and identity theft, among others.

Macs are like any other connected device. They’re also susceptible to the wider world of threats and vulnerabilities on the internet. For this reason, Mac users should think about bolstering their defenses further with online protection software.

Your guide to removing a Mac virus

If you suspect your Mac has been infected with a virus or other malware, acting quickly is essential to protect your personal data and stop the threat from spreading. Fortunately, this can be effectively done with a combination of manual steps and trusted security software:

1. Disconnect from the internet: Immediately disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug the ethernet cable to prevent the malware from communicating with its server or spreading.
2. Remove suspicious apps: Open your Applications folder. Drag any unfamiliar or recently installed suspicious applications to the Trash and then empty it.
3. Delete malicious files: Malware often hides files in your Library folders. Navigate to Finder > Go > Go to Folder and check paths like ~/Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons for suspicious files. Be cautious when deleting system files.
4. Clean up browsers: Remove any unknown extensions from your web browsers and reset your homepage and search engine settings if they were altered.
5. Run a security scan: The safest and most effective method is to run a full scan with a trusted security solution. This will automatically identify, quarantine, and remove all traces of the infection.
6. Restore from a clean backup: If the infection is severe and persistent, your best option may be to erase your Mac and cautiously restore from a Time Machine backup created *before* you noticed signs of the virus. If you restore from a backup version that was already infected, you will re-introduce the malware to your clean system.

Last resort: Reinstalling your macOS

In the most extreme cases, erasing your hard drive and reinstalling a fresh copy of macOS is a very effective way to eliminate viruses and malware. This process wipes out all data, including the malicious software. This, however, is considered the last resort for deep-rooted infections that are difficult to remove manually.

Future-proof your Mac from viruses

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, taking proactive steps now can protect your device, your data, and your identity in the long run. Here are simple but powerful ways to future-proof your Mac, and help ensure your device stays protected against tomorrow’s threats before they reach you:

• Keep everything updated: Enable automatic updates for macOS and your applications. This is the single most important step to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Download from trusted sources only: Stick to the Apple App Store or the official websites of reputable developers. Avoid downloading software from unvetted third-party aggregators or torrent sites.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA): Protect your Apple ID and other accounts with long, complex, and unique passwords and enable MFA to prevent unauthorized access.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: Do not click on links or download attachments in suspicious emails or texts. These are primary methods for delivering malware and conducting phishing attacks.
• Install comprehensive security software: Use a trusted security suite like McAfee+ for real-time protection that goes beyond Apple’s built-in tools, offering features like web protection, a firewall, and anti-phishing technology.
• Back up your data regularly: Maintain regular backups of your important files using Time Machine or a cloud service. This ensures you can recover your data without paying a ransom in a ransomware attack.
• Stay informed: Be aware of the threats out there and take a proactive stance to fill the gaps in protection. Comprehensive security suites like McAfee+ can take care of it for you. Our exclusive Protection Score checks your online safety, identifies any gaps, and offers personalized guidance to seal those cracks.

Best digital habits to practice

Staying safe online isn’t just about having the right software—it’s about making smart choices every day. Adopting strong digital habits can drastically reduce your risk of falling victim to viruses, scams, or data breaches.

• Browse safely: Be wary of unsolicited links, pop-up windows, and urgent warnings. Use a web protection tool to block known malicious websites before they can load.
• Scrutinize downloads: Never install software from an untrusted source. Read installation prompts carefully to deselect any bundled optional software or PUPs.
• Improve email hygiene: Treat emails with attachments or links with caution, even from known senders, as their accounts could be compromised. Verify any unusual requests through a separate communication channel.
• Review app permissions: When an application asks for permission to access your contacts, location, or other data, consider if it truly needs that access to function. Deny any unnecessary requests.
• Enable your firewall: Ensure the macOS firewall is turned on in System Settings > Network > Firewall. This provides a basic but important barrier against unsolicited incoming network connections.

It’s about protecting yourself

An important part of a McAfee’s Protection Score involves protecting your identity and privacy beyond the antivirus solution. While online threats have evolved, McAfee has elevated its online protection software to thwart hackers, scammers, and cyberthieves who aim to steal your personal info, online banking accounts, financial info, and even your social media accounts to commit identity theft and fraud in your name. As you go about your day online, online protection suites help you do it more privately and safely. Comprehensive security solutions like McAfee+ include:

• Personal data cleanup reveals which high-risk data brokers and search sites are collecting and selling your personal information. It then requests the removal of your information, confirms completion, and conducts ongoing scans as your data continues to be collected.
• Unlimited secure VPN automatically connects to public Wi-Fi to protect your online privacy and safeguards personal data while you bank, shop, or browse online.
• Identity theft and stolen funds coverage reimburses up to $1 million in lost funds or expenses, including losses to 401(k) accounts, while restoring your identity.
• Ransomware coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for losses and ransom fees.
• Licensed restoration experts who help repair identity and credit issues, including assistance with the identity fraud of a deceased family member.
• Credit monitoring promptly alerts you about changes to your credit score, report, and accounts and guides you on actions needed to tackle identity theft.
• Credit Score and Report help you stay on top of daily changes to your credit score and report, from a single location.
• Security freeze prevents unauthorized access to existing accounts or new ones being set up in your name with a credit, bank, or utility account freeze.
• Identity monitoring scans for up to 60 unique pieces of personal information on the dark web with timely alerts up to 10 months sooner than competitive products.

FAQs about Mac viruses

Can Macs get viruses from Safari?

Yes. While Safari has built-in security features, you can still get a Mac virus by visiting a compromised website that initiates a drive-by download or by being tricked into downloading and running a malicious file.

Do pop-ups mean my Mac is infected?

Not necessarily. Many websites use aggressive pop-up advertising. However, if you see persistent pop-ups that are difficult to close, or fake virus warnings, it’s a strong sign of an adware infection.

Is adware a type of malware?

Yes. While some consider it less harmful than a trojan, adware is a form of malware. It compromises your browsing experience, tracks your activity, slows down your computer, and can serve as a gateway for more dangerous infections.

How often should you scan for viruses?

If you have a security suite with real-time protection, your Mac is continuously monitored. It is still good practice to run a full system scan at least once a week for peace of mind.

Can iPhones spread malware to Macs?

Direct infection via a cable is extremely unlikely due to the security architecture of both operating systems. The greater risk comes from shared accounts. A malicious link or file opened on one device and synced via iCloud, or a compromised Apple ID, could affect your other devices.

Final thoughts

Current trends show a rise in sophisticated adware and PUPs that are often bundled with legitimate-looking software. Cybercriminals are also focusing on malicious browser extensions that steal data and credentials, injecting malicious code into legitimate software updates, or devising clever ways to bypass Apple’s notarization process. Given these developments, Macs can and do get viruses and are subject to threats just like any other computer. While Apple provides a strong security foundation, their operating systems may not offer the full breadth of protection you need, particularly against online identity theft and the latest malware threats. Combining an updated system, smart online habits, and a comprehensive protection solution helps you stay well ahead of emerging threats. Regularly reviewing your Mac’s security posture and following the tips outlined here will also enable you to use your device with confidence and peace of mind.

The post Can Apple Macs get Viruses? appeared first on McAfee Blog.