The era of unreachable Apple devices is over. Fortunately, a new app called Moonlock, developed by MacPaw, can help. The company's latest Mac Security Survey found that the perception of Macs being immune to malware is fading, and that Mac users are turning to third-party software providers to strengthen their security.Â
If you're a Mac user, here are five reasons why you should consider taking security into your own hands, along with how Moonlock helps make that possible.
No. 1: Apple's built-in anti-malware only gets users so farÂ
The Security 360 Annual Trends report of Jamf found that macOS users are impacted by stealers, trojans, adware, spyware, keyloggers and zero-day exploits. Some of these threats are known to bypass Apple's own anti-malware for Macs, XProtect. This is why users are looking into software that can detect and shut down these threats.Â
Through its feature Malware Scanner, the Moonlock app can detect popular malware like AMOS, or the new Mac.c, and go even deeper. The scanner uses a database that is continually updated by Moonlock Lab researchers. Even if hackers release new malware, the scanner will flag those samples and send them to Quarantine, keeping users safe. Â
With this feature, Mac users can run deep, quick or customized scans. Scheduled scans are also available.
No. 2: Mac users need something that keeps up 24/7
Some of cybercriminals' favorite techniques include tricking users into replying to suspicious messages, clicking on shady links, visiting phishing sites or downloading malicious files. As users juggle countless interactions online, how can they keep up?
Moonlock features a built-in, real-time threat detection engine designed specifically for this purpose. The real-time engine runs continuously in the background, watching over every file users interact with. It also reacts instantly to any malware trying to sneak through scam links, phishing sites or fake Apple security alerts.
No. 3: Mac users want more supportÂ
The Mac Security survey found users would jump at the opportunity to talk to a macOS security expert, with 68% of respondents saying they would like to talk to someone about online safety, up from 52% in 2023. They believe online security support for Macs is scarce.Â
Responding to these demands, the Moonlock app features Security Advisor and System Protection. System Protection shows users an outline of their macOS system settings and helps them improve them, noting which Mac privacy permissions, sharing settings or encryption settings are not enabled by default.
For users looking for a more hands-on approach, Security Advisor acts as a collection of simple but powerful tips users can take at any time. Some tips are straightforward, like using strong passwords; others are more sophisticated, like learning how to recognize a real encrypted messaging app.
No. 4: Browser safety mattersÂ
For hackers, browsers are a treasure trove often left unguarded. But it's not just cybercriminals that target browsers. Data brokers track user behavior, personal data and activity as well, and may later sell that data without user consent.Â
Moonlock's Network Inspector takes care of those apps and websites that send user data to servers in other countries. With it, Mac users can now cut off connections to the countries of their choice.Â
Moonlock's built-in VPN adds another layer to safe browsing. Using an encrypted tunnel for secure browsing, the VPN ensures data brokers and bad actors cannot see users' IP addresses and what websites they are visiting.
No. 5. Some antivirus tools are still unclearÂ
Traditional antivirus tools are not designed for user transparency. They will move and block threats without alerting users, and rarely give clear explanations about what was detected.Â
To provide transparency and empower users with insight, all threats detected by Moonlock can be found in the Quarantine section. Users can review each threat, see why it was flagged, and choose to either delete it permanently or mark it as a Trusted Item so it won't be rescanned. Any threat removed permanently will still be logged in the Removed Malware tab. This provides users with a clear record of threat removal actions taken by the app, adding another layer of transparency.
Try Moonlock todayÂ
The Moonlock app, through its different features, protects you against both technical malware threats and user behaviors that could put you at risk.
This new holistic approach to macOS security marks a new era in cybersecurity, one in which users can replace modern digital security anxieties with transparent cyber protection that offers support and learning. Â
Ready to take control of your Mac's security? Moonlock is available for purchase at macpaw.com. You can explore several pricing options, or start with a 7-day free trial to experience its full protection.