For Mac Users, The Security Bubble Has Burst

Apple’s Mac operating systems are known for their resistance to malware, viruses, hackers and ransomware, which is one reason many people opt for Mac computers.

Still, they’re not invincible, and as a security company recently reported, Mac users should be aware of potential threats. Researchers at Palo Alto Networks reported finding “the first fully functional ransomware seen on the OS X platform,” according to a March 6 post on their site.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is what it sounds like: Cyber criminals infiltrate your computer and hold it (or more specifically, its data) hostage. They demand you pay them if you ever want your files back. They often want payment in digital currency like Bitcoin, because these transactions are difficult to trace — and it’s a hassle for the victim to acquire and transfer.

Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment on the reported attack. However, Palo Alto said in its blog post that, after it reported the occurrence to Apple, the Mac maker shut down the infiltration and updated its anti-virus system.

How to Protect Yourself

Ransomware attacks can be particularly stressful for consumers if the stolen data includes personal information, work data or irreplaceable files (think photos). Not only is this a case to back up your hard drive, it’s also a reminder that you may want to install anti-virus software or malware protection on your computer, no matter how secure you think it is.

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Guarding your personal information is no joke. Losing your sensitive information to a criminal puts you at risk for identity theft. It can take a lot of time and money to recover from identity theft, not to mention the credit damage you might suffer. On top of that, if someone gets access to your Social Security number, the risk of fraud never goes away, because the Social Security Administration rarely changes numbers.

Protecting your devices goes hand-in-hand with habits like reviewing your financial accounts for unauthorized activity and monitoring your credit for signs of fraud. (You can see a free summary of your credit report, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)

Taking steps to prevent cyberattacks is important, but so is having a plan for how to deal with one if it happens. Ideally, such planning will make the incident less stressful and less costly. You can report cyber crime to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and go here to learn what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.