It’s commonly believed that Apple® products cannot get viruses. While they’re substantially more secure than other systems, a MacBook® running OS X® is still vulnerable to some forms of malware. If you’re an Apple user, be aware of the potential threats and invest in virus protection for your device. The following guide explains what you need to know.

Explaining the OS X Platform

The OS X platform is the operating system powering every MacBook computer. It is a Unix®-based file system, and the kernel — the key components of the OS that control processes like memory — is more difficult to infect with self-replicating malware. Unix is also more secure than other systems, with several built-in security features that guard against infection.

Unlike with Windows®, the OS X platform doesn’t allow users to run executable code outside of their own protected memory space. Apple products also require the user to agree to run software that hasn’t been digitally approved by Apple, lessening the chance of a file running in the background without your knowledge. Thanks to Mac’s built-in malware scanning tool, Xprotect, users who try to download a corrupted file will often receive a warning if it can damage their computer.

Always Be Cautious

Though Apple products are less vulnerable to malware, they are not immune. Be cautious when downloading third-party software outside of the App Store®; only use trusted sources. You should also install quality malware scanning software to guard against threats. Remember, don’t click on any emails or website links that you don’t know about. If you are not sure, you can always contact Experimac Canton OH. 

If your computer becomes infected with malware, you’re in good hands with the experts at Experimac Canton OH. As Stark County’s leaders in Apple product repairs, their technicians will have your device running smoothly again in no time. The staff members proudly stand behind their work and offer a one-year warranty on their services. For more information about the store, visit them online or call (330) 409-7005 today.