The company has since doubled down on its message of device safety. However, it did not go unnoticed when Apple quietly dropped the claim. Considering that Windows software (and therefore, a Windows virus) does not work on the Mac operating system, that’s a tough claim to argue with. Official marketing by Appleįrom 2006-2012, Apple’s official marketing claimed that Macs “Don’t Get PC Viruses,” noting that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.” They ran with the gimmick in a series of commercials personifying the differences between PC and Macs. This leaves users with an even greater risk of getting a malware infection on their MacBook. In terms of profit for hackers, it’s more lucrative to create malware for Windows than for Macs.ĭespite the growing number of threats targeting Macs, most users don’t have a solid defense against cyberattacks, believing they’re safe just because they use a Mac. In sharp contrast, Mac accounts for less than 15% of computers. Windows remains the most popular platform, commanding about 75% of the global operating system market share worldwide. While there’s nothing implicitly safer about a Mac, a lower volume of threats exists compared to Windows. Why do people say Macs can’t get viruses? Low volume of threatsĪlthough Macs can get viruses, there are some numbers that work in the favor of Mac users. Macs can get viruses just as easily as any Windows PC through the very same methods. That’s a lie, however, one proven false time and time again over the years. If you’re even asking the question, “Can Macs get viruses?”, you may be one of the many consumers led to believe that Apple makes it too hard to create a virus for the Mac. Yes! Of course Macs can get viruses a Mac is still a computer.

But why does this rumor continue to spread if there’s no credible evidence? How do you protect your Mac from a virus or any other malware threat? Like most anecdotes on the internet, this myth is easy to dispel.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the question of “Can Macs get viruses?”, the answer is an emphatic yes. Mac debate, with Apple’s privacy-first features and marketing supporting this rumor. This is an old talking point in the classic Windows vs. There’s a long-running myth among consumers that Macs don’t get viruses.

How can i check my mac for viruses