The false sense of security is crumbling. Mac owners have long smugly declared their immunity to the digital diseases plaguing Windows users. That bubble has burst. Hard. Recent data shows a staggering 101% increase in macOS infostealers during the last half of 2024, with Poseidon alone accounting for 70% of these detections.
This isn’t exactly new—Mac Defender was scamming Apple devotees for credit card info back in 2011, and ChronoPay was peddling fake antivirus software to Mac users in 2009.
The tactics are progressing, and they’re clever. Fake browser updates, deceptive pop-ups screaming about “infected” systems, malicious ads redirecting to scam sites—they’re all part of the playbook. FrigidStealer, Atomic macOS Stealer, PyStealer—these aren’t comic book villains. They’re real threats targeting real Macs.
The cyber wolves aren’t just at Mac’s door—they’ve installed backdoors, grabbed the keys, and emptied the fridge.
Even North Korean hackers are getting in on the action with SpectralBlur. Impressive, considering their internet infrastructure.
Distribution methods have become sophisticated. Compromised websites, malvertising campaigns, phishing emails, search engine manipulation. The works. Half of Mac users now report being affected by malware or threats. Bet they didn’t see that coming when they dropped two grand on that shiny aluminum status symbol.
What’s changed? Business adoption. As more companies embrace Macs, they’ve become juicier targets. Cybercriminals follow the money, and corporate Macs hold valuable data. The universal password model in macOS makes these systems particularly vulnerable once an attacker gains initial access. The threat environment has shifted from annoying adware to sophisticated infostealers and APT malware.
Attackers are exploiting AppleScript and legitimate Apple services to bypass security controls. The scareware shift from Windows to macOS users marks a significant trend. Many Mac users continue to neglect installing proper security tools because they believe these solutions will impact their system’s performance. As browsers implement anti-phishing defenses, attackers adapt.
They’re hosting phishing pages on high-reputation domains, using randomized subdomains, and tailoring messages specifically for Safari users. The campaigns are persistent, adaptable, and increasingly sophisticated. Mac users’ complacency is now their greatest vulnerability. Implementing tactical intelligence can help identify these threats before they compromise your system.
