McAfee predicts more cyber threats for Apple users

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

After several years of avoiding being a primary target of cyber criminals and malware attacks, Apple's near-invulnerability may finally be coming to an end, according to recent predictions from IT security provider McAfee.

With the increased prevalence of the iPad and the iPhone in business environments, cyber criminals are no longer ignoring Apple's presence. According to McAfee, 2011 will see more botnets and Trojans specifically designed for Apple products than ever before.

"Historically, the Mac OS platform has remained relatively unscathed by malicious attackers, but McAfee Labs warns that Mac-targeted malware will continue to increase in sophistication in 2011," the report states.

Additionally, Mac users' lack of knowledge regarding cyber security will increase their vulnerability as well, McAfee asserts.

Apple-based products represent a relatively small portion of the total computer market, compared to Windows devices.

McAfee's report reflects a separate study by TrustDefender, which predicted 2011 will see an increase in malicious malware threats. According to TrustDefender, U.S. businesses spend an average of $3.8 million dealing with cyber attacks.