Mac Users Finally Wake Up to Malware Threats, New Report Finds

For years, Mac users clung to the comforting myth that Apple computers were immune to malware. It was a belief born in the early 2000s, when Macs held a sliver of the market and most cybercriminals simply ignored them in favor of Windows machines. But times have changed — and according to a new survey, so have user attitudes.

Shifting Perceptions

Moonlock, the cybersecurity division of MacPaw, has released its Mac Security Survey 2025, offering a snapshot of how nearly 2,000 macOS users perceive digital threats today. The results are striking.

Only 15 percent of respondents now believe Macs are immune to malware — nearly halving from 28 percent in 2023. The drop reflects a growing recognition that Apple’s expanding market share has made its devices a more enticing target.

Two-thirds of Mac users (66 percent) admitted facing at least one cyber threat in the past year, ranging from malware infections to phishing attempts and data breaches. The once-comfortable assumption that “Macs don’t get viruses” appears to be fading.

The AI Factor

If malware is keeping users awake at night, artificial intelligence may be adding fuel to the fire. The survey found that 72 percent of respondents fear AI is increasing cyber risks, while only 34 percent believe AI makes them safer.

Much of the anxiety centers on the role of AI in helping bad actors. Tools such as ChatGPT have been observed being used to draft malicious code, and more than half of Mac users say they feel they lack control over the data collected by AI systems. For many, the technology represents as much a threat as an opportunity.

Confidence Slipping in Apple’s Built-In Defenses

Apple has long promoted its layered security approach, from Gatekeeper to XProtect, as robust protection for everyday users. But confidence in these measures alone appears to be slipping.

Nearly half of Mac users (46 percent) now say they rely on additional security software because they don’t believe macOS is strong enough on its own. At the same time, 64 percent still believe software alone can protect them — a sign that while awareness is improving, too many may still overlook basic security practices like timely updates, strong passwords, and network vigilance.

Growing Awareness, Lingering Risks

The Mac Security Survey 2025 paints a nuanced picture. On the one hand, Mac users are finally taking malware seriously, abandoning outdated myths and investing more in security solutions. On the other, many remain overconfident in software fixes and underprepared in their personal habits.

What’s clear is that the conversation has shifted. With Macs no longer a niche product, users can no longer afford complacency. Cybercriminals have noticed the platform’s popularity — and Mac users, at last, are beginning to notice them back.

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