Elastic Security Labs has recently released its Global Threat Report 2022, which includes internet security trends. Shared data revealed that while the macOS platform is relatively well protected against external threats, almost half of malware originates from a single application.Malware rates by operating systems are ranked as 54.4% on Windows, 39.4% on Linux and 6.2% on macOS. This is already expected given Apple’s priority on security on its platform and macOS’ small share of the desktop market.
Watch out for the MacKeeper app!
What’s really interesting is that 48% of all malware on Macs comes from a single source. We’re talking about an app called MacKeeper. What’s even more ironic is that this app is designed to “protect” Macs. However, MacKeeper is often used by attackers to infect the system with malware due to its extensive permissions and processes, as well as access to files.
MacKeeper has a rather controversial reputation, although Elastic Security Labs hasn’t gone into too much detail on the matter. Many users describe MacKeeper as a “malicious antivirus” while saying that it is very difficult to completely remove the application from the computer.
In 2014, a lawsuit was filed against Zeobit, the former developer of the product, on the grounds that MacKeeper unnecessarily charged fees to detect and remove viruses that did not actually exist. It was alleged that the app attempted to extort money from users with fake virus alerts.
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