There are millions of people around the world who are using Mac OS X and the numbers of these users are growing with a great speed. This growth is expext3ed to be continued in the future. Recently attacks of fake Anti-Viruses for Mac OS X which became popular in 2011. The very first version of Mac OS X Trojan Flashback came in September 2011. But it didn’t become popular until March 2012. The data collected by the Kaspersky lab shows that in the beginning of April the number if users who were infected were almost 700,000 and it is expected to be higher in the future.
Following steps could be taken to avoid these attacks which are growing.
Create a Non-Administrator User
Malware writers can take an advantage from your default account on Mac OS X by infecting your computer. A non-admin user should be created for everyday activities and when there is a need to perform any administrative task then you should log in as administrator and for that just go to the “Accounts” panel of “System Preference” from their a non-administrator user could be created. This could help you to minimize the damages.
Use of a Web browser with Sandbox
Due to so many reasons Google Chrome is recommended rather than Apple’s Built in Safari browser. One reason is that it updates more than Safari. Chrome Chips with a version of Sandboxed Flash player blocks the malicious exploitations. Security vulnerabilities could be removed by the automatic update mechanism of Google Chrome. But you have to make sure that the new browser which you are using is set as the default browser.
Flash player becomes targeted by hackers
Unfortunately, hackers have targeted Adobe Flash Player to take control of your computer completely. When you are browsing Internet the old version of Flash Player will put you in a risk.
Uninstall Java from Browser
Just like Flash Player, Java is also targeted by hackers to plant malware on your system. Therefore, it is recommended to uninstall it from your computer completely. Oracle is not allowed by Apple unfortunately to update java for Mac directly if you have to use Java for some important reasons. Java should be disabled from the Safari or other web browsers which are in use.
Software should be updated when updates are available
Outdated or old software become the victims most of the time. The most commonly exploited apps are Oracle’s Java. But still there are other applications which could be affected as well. From a security aspect office for Mac 2011 is more suitable than office for Mac 2008 that’s why it is recommended to update to 2011.
Use of password Manager
Mac has a built-in password manager. Try to create new and unique password and keep it in a key-chain instead of remembering because cybercriminals hack one of your account, they used to try the same password everywhere. That’s why a strong and unique password on each resource provides you with great online security.
Turn off Connectivity Services
The connectivity services should be turned off when there is no need. Three services which are Bluetooth, Airport and IPv6 become the entry point for the cyber- criminals.
Up gradation of Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is preferably the most targeted application by the hackers and still ranks high among the software which is highly exploited in the world. The version 10 of Adobe Reader is much safer than previous version.
Enable Fire Vault
The encryption solution has been updated by the Apple in Mac OS X lion, which added complete encryption of disk. It is called “Fire Vault 2“. The entire disk becomes secure due to this instead of your home folder and it is also very useful when someone steals your laptop.
If the above-mentioned tips are followed the user will face fewer chances to become victim of these attacks by cybercriminals because these attacks become possible just because of the outdated versions of software and lack of user awareness.
