There are various forms of viruses like trojans, spyware, worms, phishing, ransomware, etc. Let’s see what types can harm the Macs more.

• Spyware:

Spyware can allow attackers to steal private information like your credit card passwords or social media account info. This kind of Malware uses keyloggers that copy everything you type. So, spyware is pretty dangerous to your overall privacy and security.

For instance, spyware called OpinionSpy stole personal information from hacked Mac devices. In another instance, Apple was reported last year about a loophole in the operating system that could allow hackers to access the webcam and spy on the users through the camera. Though Apple fixed this issue in almost three months, this posed a huge threat to Mac users’ privacy, integrity, and security. 

• Trojan:

There are further many kinds of trojan viruses. The specialty of trojan is that it disguises itself as a legitimate source. It can install itself after you click on email links you think are sent by someone you actually know or download some software from a legit website, only to know later it was a fake one. Trojans can be extremely tricky and challenging to track as they can stay dormant without the user knowing their device is infected.    

For example, a Trojan (botnet) called Flashback infected a couple of hundred thousand Macs back in 2012. Once the antivirus companies detected it, Apple was informed and came up with a fix.

• Malicious Cryptomining:

In malicious crypto mining, the hackers hijack computers and use them for mining cryptocurrencies, affecting the RAM and slowing down the system’s performance. In this case, the hacker can use your Mac’s resources to earn cryptocurrency, putting a heavy load on both the processor and the RAM, making your system unusually slow.

• Ransomware:

Ransomware is used for encryption. The hackers can encrypt your data and ask for money for decryption. This is disturbing for most people if their data isn’t backed up or sensitive information is at stake.

Ransomware named KeRanger infected Macs back in 2016. It encrypted users’ files and demanded a transaction of a bitcoin (valued at $400).

• Transmission through ports:

One thing you must know is that the viruses do not only spread through the web but also can invade the device through the USB ports. That’s why you can’t plug a random USB into your device. The same goes for the Thunderbolt port. Exploits like BadUSB and Thunderspy can harm your Mac, so you must be careful.

Signs by which you can tell your Mac is hacked:

• System running slow:

If your system runs slow, the apps continuously crash. Also, the web pages take an excruciatingly long loading time; your Mac device could be infected.

• Browser add-ons:

Installation of browser add-ons or toolbars without your knowledge is a common symptom of a device having a virus.

• Webcam light turns on:

If you find recordings in your Macbook that you didn’t record or see the webcam’s light being turned on, it could indicate the presence of spyware in the system.

• The popup ads:

Seeing many popup ads, one after another, could be Malware’s doing. Popup ads can also download more viruses into your system by redirecting you to bad sites.

• Can’t log in to accounts:

If you can’t log in to your social media accounts due to the password being changed, it could also mean your Mac computer got hacked.

• Notice suspicious activity in a credit card bill:

Getting an invoice completely different from your spending could mean someone else is using your card information by hacking your computer.

• Check Activity Monitor:

Checking your activity monitor can also help you notice any suspicious activity in your Mac. Focusing on the network activity can reveal if a strange network is connected to the device. Likewise, if you go to “Sharing” via the “System Preferences,” you can ensure that nothing suspicious is connected to the device or has access to it.  

Here’s the list of some of the popular Malware that could infect and harm your Mac computer in 2022.

• Silver Sparrow
• gravity
• DOK
• ThiefQuest
• CSS
• LoudMiner
• GoSearch22 (Pirri)
• CrescentCore