When you attempt to install an app without such an ID (or have been altered since obtaining the ID), Gatekeeper will block the app. Developers can get an ID from Apple to digitally sign their app. Gatekeeper blocks you from installing apps outside of the Mac App Store that haven't been approved by Apple. They work in the background to prevent you from installing malicious code on your Mac. MacOS has two built-in tools to protect itself from viruses: Gatekeeper and XProtect. OK, fine, what can I do to protect my Mac? But as the above exhibits show, Macs are occasionally targeted. Secondly, hackers often buy malware-writing tools to create their attacks because it's easier and cheaper than building malware from scratch, and there are more of these tools out there for Windows platforms. You fish where the fish are - Windows owns a much larger percentage of market share than MacOS. Hackers get more bang for their buck by targeting Windows machines for the simple fact that there are more of them.

Why do they happen less often than PC attacks? Earlier attacks include Flashback in 2012 and an adware Trojan in 2013.

And last year, KeRanger, the first real-world ransomware to target Macs, made the rounds. Earlier this year, the same Russian hackers believed to be behind the hack of the DNC during last year's presidential election released the Xagent malware that went after Macs to steal iPhone backups. Before Mac users become too comfortable or smug, you should know that although Macs are less frequently the target of cyberattacks than Windows PCs, they have been attacked in the past and will undoubtedly be targeted again. Macs were immune to the widespread WannaCry ransomware attack, the huge cyberattack last month that targeted older versions of Windows.

How to scan for viruses mac