Malware on MacBook: Here's How to Avoid It
Apple unveils a new MacBook Air during an Apple launch event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on October 30, 2018 in New York City. Apple also debuted a new Mac Mini and iPad Pro. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

In late 2020, giant tech company Apple introduced its new roster of MacBook with improved performance. Apple fans swooned over the slick and classic design of the device and were in awe of its new chip that runs as its processor.

Malware is somehow unusual for Apple computers. Thus, malware writers and hackers are also fascinated with the firm's new roster of computers.

It can be recalled that hackers recently wreaked havoc when they hacked tech giant Microsoft's software called Outlook. Almost 30,000 organizations in the United States were affected by the hacking.

Apple also seems not to be safe as three malware affect their devices and wreak havoc on the system of their consumer's devices.

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Malware and MacBook

Although Apple computers can get a virus, Computer Hope reported that they are less likely to get infected by malware and virus, unlike Microsoft Windows computers.

Three malware affect Apple's devices and the M1 Chip of the company, which they develop to shift away from its device's intel-based structure. The three malware were called XCSETT malware, Silver Sparrow, and Pirrit adware.

Silver Sparrow

Silver Sparrow is one of the viruses that has affected MacBook in recent years. Insider reported that infected machines range from Apple's laptops, including the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The M1 chips from the company power these devices.

Silver Sparrow has infected about 30,000 Apple new devices from United Kingdom, France, United States, and Germany. Despite the range of the affected devices, security researchers have not yet discovered the harm Silver Sparrow may expose.

XCSSET Malware

According to the Tech Republic, this malware targets Mac developers by injecting malicious load into the Xcode IDE projects on the victim's device.

This malware is a bit dangerous because it can inject malicious JavaScript code into different websites, steal an individual's files and information from notes and Skype, encrypt user files, and read and dump Safari cookies.

Pirrit Adware

PC Risk reported that Pirrit Adware is a type of app that displays intrusive, annoying, and deceptive advertisements. Nowadays, this kind of malware can now run actively on M1 Mac and Intel-based Macs.

Protecting Your MacBook

"Developers try to ensure that their software is available for it," security provider Kaspersky noted. Kaspersky added that the anticipation and the popularity of the device is a factor noting that "malware developers are no exceptions."

There are steps on how to make sure that your MacBook is protected from malware. One is to always check for the source of where an application you will use will be downloaded.

Remember that malicious code is usually on the third-party website. Another one is to keep your Mac's software updated to improve its security.

Another important thing to remember is to keep a backup of your important files. That would save you in case malware has deleted all your files and prevent you from starting from scratch.

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