Are Macs really more secure than Windows PCs?

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MacBook on desk with glasses and monitor displaying Windows in background.

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Macs have long had a reputation of being more than "secure" than Windows PCs, with users believing that Apple tree machines are bulletproof to cybercriminals planning to carry out malware attacks.

But the reality is less clear-cut. Information shows that both platforms are plenty vulnerable to security threats.

According to the most recent State of Malware Report from information-security company Malwarebytes, in 2019 the boilerplate Mac faced more malware attacks than the average PC did, for the first fourth dimension ever.

Non only was there a significant increase in the overall prevalence of threats against Macs in 2019, merely the number of attacks per Mac was near double that of PCs.

Mac vs. Windows PC security

One possible explanation for the perception that Macs are more secure than Windows PCs lies in another number. Machines running Windows have long dominated the personal figurer marketplace, and it was only in 2018 that Macs globally topped 10% of user share. For cybercriminals looking to get the most bang for their cadet, attacks on Windows PCs have held higher value.

Some other gene, as security expert and software developer Charles Edge explained, is that Apple's closed platform has express how developers tin can interact with the operating system, while Windows has mostly given developers more flexibility.

Only Border notes that over the by few years, Windows has closed off elements of its platform, bringing it closer to Apple tree's security.

"For a while, I would have simply responded that the Mac was more secure, for sure," Border told Tom'southward Guide. "Only these days, consumers get to benefit from the all-time of security practices that each platform copies from the other."

The lesser line: Macs and PCs both have flaws and vulnerabilities, albeit in slightly different means. For example, cybersecurity company Kaspersky suggests that Windows requires more active security upkeep, while Apple has been less proactive with security updates and patches.

How to secure your computer

No matter which operating organisation yous may exist using, don't get lulled into a false sense of security. Privacy settings and proper digital hygiene should be practical across the board, and Edge notes that users have pretty granular command of these options on all platforms.

"The more than knowledgeable we are of these settings as consumers of devices, the more nosotros are able to make devices usable while staying safe," he said.

Here are a few security considerations for both Macs and Windows PCs.

Go on your software, both applications and operating systems, up to date. Cybercriminals exploit security flaws, which updates are designed to patch. Enable automatic updates on your automobile to minimize opportunities for hacks.
Utilize strong, unique passwords for your Apple and Microsoft accounts. You lot should always follow countersign best practices, but they're specially of import for your Apple ID or Microsoft login, both of which can grant access to your operating system.
Limit app access. Applications that access your camera or file system create opportunities for bad actors to access your data. Edge recommends granting access to an awarding only if you demand the feature it enables and revoking privileges that aren't actively in utilize.
Use antivirus software and consider a VPN. Windows' built-in antivirus protection is good, only you lot tin up your defenses with some of the all-time antivirus software, free or paid. The built-in defenses on Macs are a bit more haphazard, and we strongly recommend using one of the best Mac antivirus programs.
Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to the cyberspace, especially when using Wi-Fi when away from home or piece of work. A VPN encrypts all your traffic and prevents hackers on the aforementioned local network from intercepting your data.
Follow digital-hygiene best practices. Don't share personal or identifiable data online, don't click links sent via email or text, ignore popular-ups, don't reuse passwords (and consider one of the best password managers) and question letters that sound urgent or need that you take action.
On Windows, create and use a limited-privilege user account for day-to-24-hour interval tasks. Utilize accounts with administrative privileges (the default setting on both Mac and Windows) just when installing, deleting or modifying software. Doing this volition profoundly limit the amount of impairment a malware infection can do.
On a Mac, pay attending when a popular-upwardly window asks for your permission. Malware often can't exercise much on a Mac until you let it, so don't just blindly click "OK" every time you're asked to authorize something. Examine what each pop-up window says, and if it looks strange, don't grant permission.
Stay curious. Investigate anything that seems off or unusual.

Emily Long is a Utah-based freelance writer who covers consumer technology, privacy and personal finance for Tom'due south Guide. She has been reporting and writing for most x years, and her work has appeared in Wirecutter, Lifehacker, NBC Better and CN Traveler, among others. When she's non working, you lot can find her trail running, instruction and practicing yoga, or studying for grad schoolhouse — all fueled past coffee, obviously.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/mac-vs-windows-security

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Are Macs really more secure than Windows PCs?