Skip to Content

MythBusters: "Macs Don't Get Viruses"

MythBusters: "Macs Don't Get Viruses"

🍏 MythBusters: “Macs Don’t Get Viruses” – Think Again

It’s one of the oldest tech myths in the book:

“You don’t need antivirus on a Mac. Macs don’t get viruses.”

Like most myths, it started with a grain of truth—but it hasn’t aged well.

At Red Barn, we often hear this line from business owners who’ve switched to macOS for perceived security. While Macs are built on a robust Unix-based foundation and come with some thoughtful protections out of the box, they are far from immune.

In this post, we’ll break down where the myth originated, why it’s no longer valid, and what practical steps your business should take to keep Mac users safe.

🧠 Where the Myth Originated

Back in the early 2000s, Mac computers held a small share of the market—too small for cybercriminals to focus on. Most malware was aimed at Windows, simply because that’s where the users (and money) were.

As a result, many Mac users assumed their devices were inherently “safer.” Apple also leaned into this perception with marketing that highlighted their clean design and resistance to common PC problems.

However, a lot has changed since then.

⚠️ The Reality Today

Fast forward to now: Macs are more popular than ever—and attackers have taken notice.

What we see today:

macOS-targeted malware and adware is now commonplace

Phishing attacks don’t care what device you’re using—they target humans

Malicious browser extensions, supply chain exploits, and rogue apps affect macOS too

Cross-platform malware is growing—designed to infect Windows, macOS, and Linux alike

Ransomware variants have specifically targeted creative and design studios that often run Mac environments

And let’s not forget: Macs still rely on human behavior. An untrained employee can install a dangerous app, click a malicious link, or expose a cloud-based system just as easily as a PC user.

🔐 Built-in Protections—Good, Not Complete

Apple includes some great security features like:

  • Gatekeeper, which blocks unsigned software
  • XProtect, a background malware scanner
  • System Integrity Protection, which locks down system files

But these tools are reactive and limited. They don’t replace:

  • Centralized threat monitoring
  • Managed detection and response (MDR)
  • Patch management across your device fleet
  • Data backup and recovery strategies
  • User education and phishing simulations

Why Microsoft Office 365 Still Leads the Pack for Business Productivity