Security & Privacy

Imagine watching a thriller where a hacker takes control of an entire city’s power grid or hospital system, demanding millions in untraceable cryptocurrency to restore operations. It’s the kind of plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat in a suspense film. But ransomware isn’t just the stuff of Hollywood anymore; it’s a real, growing threat to businesses, hospitals, schools, and even home users.

Ransomware attacks have made headlines around the world, causing billions in damages and compromising everything from medical records to fuel supplies. While most people associate these attacks with large corporations or governments, the reality is that everyday users are increasingly becoming victims too, especially as cybercriminals cast wider nets using automated tools.

Mac users, in particular, may believe they’re safe thanks to Apple’s reputation for strong security. But that belief is no longer grounded in reality. With ransomware strains now targeting macOS specifically, and more people storing sensitive data on their laptops than ever before, it’s critical to understand what ransomware is, how it works, and what you can do to stay protected.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks you out of your files or even your entire system. It encrypts your data, making it unreadable without a decryption key that only the attacker holds. In exchange for the key, you’re asked to pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Monero.

The idea of ransomware dates back to 1989 with the “AIDS Trojan,” which demanded payment via snail mail. But it wasn’t until the mid-2010s that ransomware took off, thanks to anonymous digital payments, mass phishing campaigns, and vulnerabilities in standard software. Today, it’s a billion-dollar industry that thrives on fear, urgency, and poor cybersecurity hygiene.

Ransomware doesn’t just infect large organizations. It can target individuals, encrypting family photos, tax records, work documents, and more. Worse yet, some variants don’t just threaten to lock your data; they threaten to leak your personal files online, a tactic known as “doxware” or “leakware.”

Why Are Macs More at Risk Than Before?

Macs used to fly under the radar because attackers focused on Windows, which has always had a larger user base. But that’s no longer true. As Apple’s market share has grown and as more professionals, students, and creatives rely on macOS, hackers have followed the money.

Mac users are also sometimes more vulnerable due to a false sense of security. Many don’t use antivirus software or ignore prompts to update their systems, making them prime targets.

One of the first real warnings came in 2016 with KeRanger, the first fully functional ransomware targeting macOS. Since then, other strains like EvilQuest have shown that attackers are actively investing in malware designed specifically for Apple’s ecosystem.

How Ransomware Infects Your Mac

Ransomware often relies on social engineering and human error. Here are the most common ways it makes its way onto your Mac:

• Phishing emails mimic legitimate companies or contacts and entice users to click malicious links or download infected attachments.

• Fake software installers pose as browser updates, cracked apps, or helpful utilities and can quietly install ransomware.

• Malvertising hides in legitimate websites and can carry infected ads that silently redirect you to malicious pages or download ransomware.

• Attackers scan the internet for vulnerable systems via unpatched software. If your macOS or apps are out of date, ransomware can exploit known weaknesses.

• Malware can spread through shared devices like USB drives and external devices, especially when auto-mount or sharing features are enabled.

Are Windows Users More at Risk?

Statistically, yes. Windows systems have historically been the most common targets for ransomware, and here’s why:

• With over 70% of desktop operating systems worldwide, Windows provides the largest attack surface.

• Many institutions and individuals still run outdated or unsupported versions of Windows (like Windows 7), which lack crucial security patches.

• Many high-value targets, such as hospitals, banks, and government agencies, rely on Windows systems, making them particularly lucrative.

For example:

• The WannaCry attack in 2017 affected over 200,000 systems across 150 countries, exploiting a vulnerability in Windows’ SMB protocol.

• Ryuk, another notorious strain, caused over $61 million in damages in the U.S. alone, primarily by targeting Windows-based infrastructure.

That said, Macs are catching up as a target. Modern ransomware can spread through shared cloud environments or cross-platform tools, meaning your Mac can be affected even if the initial breach was on a Windows system. And as more Macs are used in mixed environments (home offices, schools, companies), the risks increase.

Types of Ransomware

Here are the main types of ransomware and what they do:

Notorious Ransomware Attacks in History

WannaCry (2017)

WannaCry was a global ransomware outbreak that leveraged a leaked NSA tool called EternalBlue to exploit unpatched Windows systems. Within 72 hours, over 200,000 computers in 150 countries were locked, including those at the UK’s National Health Service, FedEx, and Deutsche Bahn.

Impact: The NHS was hit particularly hard, with hospitals forced to cancel surgeries and divert emergency patients. Estimated damages ran into hundreds of millions of dollars.

Lesson: Always apply security patches promptly. Microsoft had released a fix for the vulnerability months before the attack.

NotPetya (2017)

Initially appearing to be a variant of Petya ransomware, NotPetya was later revealed to be a data wiper disguised as ransomware. It was distributed through a compromised update to a Ukrainian accounting software called MeDoc.

Impact: Multinational companies like Maersk, Merck, and Mondelez suffered catastrophic losses. Maersk alone needed to reinstall 4,000 servers and 45,000 PCs.

Lesson: Supply chain attacks are devastating, and even trusted vendors can become weak links.

Colonial Pipeline (2021)

DarkSide, a ransomware gang, launched an attack against Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline operator in the United States. The company was forced to shut down operations, leading to fuel shortages across the East Coast.

Impact: The attack disrupted nearly half of the fuel supply to the eastern U.S. The company paid a $4.4 million ransom, part of which was later recovered by the Department of Justice.

Lesson: Infrastructure is a prime target. Even companies outside the tech industry must prioritize cybersecurity.

KeRanger (2016)

KeRanger was the first known ransomware specifically built for macOS. It was distributed through a compromised version of the Transmission BitTorrent client.

Impact: It encrypted users’ personal files and demanded 1 Bitcoin for their return. More than 7,000 Mac users were affected.

Lesson: Macs are vulnerable. This attack shattered the myth of Apple’s invincibility.

What To Do If You’re Hit With Ransomware

If your Mac has been infected, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do:

Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

1. Disconnect from all networks. Immediately disable Wi-Fi and unplug Ethernet cables to contain the infection.

2. Do NOT pay the ransom. Paying does not guarantee recovery and may be illegal in some cases, especially if the attackers are linked to sanctioned entities. Law enforcement agencies advise against it.

3. Boot into Safe Mode. This disables third-party background processes, making cleanup easier.

4. Run a reputable antivirus scan. Choose a solution that includes ransomware-specific detection and removal tools.

5. Restore from a clean backup. Use Time Machine or another backup solution to revert your system if available.

6. Look for decryption tools. Some ransomware strains have known weaknesses and decryption keys that security researchers have published online.

7. Seek professional help. If you cannot recover your files or determine the extent of the infection, consult cybersecurity experts.

How to Protect Your Mac from Ransomware

While no system is completely immune to threats, you can dramatically reduce your risk by combining smart digital habits with robust protective tools. Here’s how to build a solid defense against ransomware on macOS.

Keep Your Software Updated

Cybercriminals often rely on known vulnerabilities to distribute ransomware. These weaknesses are usually patched by software developers quickly, but if you don’t apply updates, your system remains exposed.

• macOS: Always run the latest version supported by your device. Apple frequently releases security patches alongside new features.

• Browsers: Safari, Chrome, and Firefox push out updates to close holes in JavaScript engines, plug-ins, and cookie handling. Enable auto-update or check regularly.

• Apps: Applications like Microsoft Office, Zoom, or Adobe tools can also be exploited. Use software that supports auto-updates or manually update them every month.

Use Antivirus Software with Ransomware Protection

Even on a Mac, antivirus software is essential, especially one that includes ransomware-specific defenses. When choosing a solution, look for:

• Real-time scanning: Monitors your system continuously, flagging and stopping malicious activity before it causes harm.

• Behavior-based threat detection: This method identifies suspicious behavior patterns (like rapid file encryption) even before the malware is officially known.

• Quarantine and rollback tools: Isolates infected files and can revert your system to a pre-infected state, minimizing damage.

• Scheduled scans: Automates the scanning process so you’re protected even if you forget.

• Web filtering and phishing protection: Blocks access to malicious websites and detects phishing attempts in emails and pop-ups.

Backup Your Data—Properly

Backups are your ultimate insurance policy. If ransomware does slip through, a secure backup allows you to restore your data without paying the ransom.

• Time Machine: macOS’s built-in tool can back up your entire system hourly. Store your Time Machine backups on a separate drive that’s disconnected when not in use.

• Cloud backups: Use reputable services that offer file versioning. This way, even if a file is encrypted by ransomware, you can revert to a clean version.

• Offline backups: Ransomware often searches for connected drives to encrypt. To prevent it from being compromised, keep at least one backup drive completely offline (disconnected from your system).

Practice Safe Browsing and Email Habits

Human error is the number one cause of ransomware infections. Phishing emails and compromised websites are common attack vectors.

• Email attachments: Never open files from unknown senders. Even if an email appears to come from someone you know, double-check the sender address and ask if you’re unsure.

• Pop-ups and fake alerts: Avoid clicking on software update pop-ups from websites. These often disguise malware downloads. Instead, go directly to the developer’s site.

• Link verification: Hover over links to preview URLs. If the address looks strange or unrelated to the sender, don’t click.

Avoid Pirated or Unverified Software

Pirated apps are frequently bundled with malware, including ransomware. They’re attractive to hackers because users who install them are unlikely to report the infection or seek help.

• Download only from the Mac App Store or trusted developer websites.

• Avoid “cracked” versions of expensive software or utilities from forums, torrent sites, or third-party download hubs.

Disable Macros and Script Execution

Macros in Microsoft Office documents and automated scripts (like AppleScript or Terminal commands) can be exploited to run malicious code in the background.

• Office Files: Never enable macros in documents unless you’re certain they come from a safe and known source. Disable them by default in your Office settings.

• System Preferences: Review and limit what apps have permission to control your Mac via Accessibility and Automation settings.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Ransomware is no longer an edge-case scenario. It’s a mainstream, evolving threat that targets individuals, businesses, and infrastructure alike. While Windows users remain a major target, Mac users can no longer assume they’re safe.

The good news? You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself.

Update your software, back up your files regularly, and use security tools designed to stop ransomware before it starts. And if the worst happens, don’t panic, have a recovery plan ready.

Your data is valuable. So is your time and peace of mind. Take steps today to ensure you’re not the next victim of a preventable ransomware attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can ransomware spread to other devices on my network?

Yes. Especially if you share folders, use network drives, or sync cloud storage across multiple devices.

Can antivirus software stop ransomware before it encrypts my files?

Yes, if it has real-time scanning and behavioral analysis, it can detect suspicious activity before damage is done.

Is it illegal to pay a ransom?

It depends. In the U.S., it may be illegal to pay a ransom to groups or countries sanctioned by the Department of Treasury. Always report ransomware to authorities before taking any action.

Can Time Machine backups be affected by ransomware?

Yes, if the drive is connected during the attack. Keep backups disconnected when not in use, or use cloud backups with version history.

How do I know if the ransomware has been removed?

Run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus tool. Monitor your Mac for unusual behavior, and consider getting a second opinion from a professional.

About Shira Stieglitz