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I was recently talking to someone about what it was like in the early days of Apple's second act with the iPod, and I mentioned that Mac users had flexibility against PC users: no viruses and malware. This was a time when PC users could become infected with a virus simply by breathing in the wrong direction. The main argument at the time was that once Macs became popular, they too would be filled with viruses. The Mac became popular (especially at work), but there were no massive virus attacks. Here's the 2024 question: Do you need macOS malware protection at work?
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers managed the corporate IT network from 2009 to 2021. With experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, MDM, enterprise Wi-Fi, thousands of Macs, and thousands of iPads, Bradley shares how Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, and train users, stories from the IT management trenches, and ways Apple can improve its products for IT departments.
What does Apple do about malware?
Apple leaves you alone to deal with malware as they do a lot of things behind the scenes in macOS to prevent malware from getting in. Apple has a threat intelligence protocol to identify and neutralize malware threats. Apple's anti-malware system is built on three main layers:
- Prevent malware from running or executing: Uses App Store, Gatekeeper, and notarization to prevent malware from running.
- Interrupt malware operations on user systems: Uses Gatekeeper, notarization, and XProtect to stop malware.
- Reduce the amount of malware executed: XProtect is used to eliminate malware after execution.
The initial line of defense is aimed at stopping the spread of malware and preventing activation through the App Store, Gatekeeper, and notarization. The next layer of protection quickly identifies and blocks malware on any Mac system, using XProtect, Gatekeeper and notarization to stop the spread and eliminate infections. XProtect is designed to eliminate malware that manages to run, ensuring system integrity.
There are additional security measures, especially on Apple-based Macs, to minimize the impact of any malware that may execute. macOS also includes features to protect user data from malware and maintain the integrity of the operating system.
Notarization Description h3 >
Notarization serves as Apple's malware scanning service. Developers who distribute macOS apps outside of the App Store must submit their apps to be scanned for malware. If no malware is detected, a notarization ticket is issued that developers attach to their app, allowing Gatekeeper to verify and run the app even without an Internet connection.
Apple can revoke notarization for apps determined to be malicious. ensuring that Gatekeeper has the latest information to quickly block such applications. This system allows you to quickly respond to new threats, covering previously and not previously certified applications.
XProtect Details
XProtect, macOS's built-in antivirus, uses YARA signatures to detect and remove malware. Apple continually updates these signatures regardless of system updates to help protect Macs from malware. XProtect actively blocks known malware and alerts users by offering the option to remove malware.
XProtect's signature-based detection is broad and capable of identifying variants of known malware. It scans applications at startup, after changes are made, and after signatures are updated. XProtect also includes anti-malware engines, delivering updates from Apple to remove infections without rebooting the system.
Automatic XProtect security updates
Apple automatically updates XProtect based on the latest threat intelligence, and macOS checks for updates daily. Notarization updates happen even more frequently with CloudKit synchronization.
Apple's response to malware discovery
Includes XProtect Is that enough?
Apple XProtect is a key part of the company's commitment to user security: it runs smoothly in the background without user intervention and doesn't slow down your device. I XProtect is a powerful tool in the macOS security arsenal, providing a level of protection that many users rely on without even realizing it.
However, when it comes to the enterprise IT and security world, security requirements are often beyond the capabilities of XProtect. While XProtect provides a strong foundation for threat detection and remediation, businesses today face a variety of complex threats that require a more comprehensive security strategy and deployment. This is where Apple's Endpoint Security platforms come into play, allowing security companies to develop endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that improve and extend the core security provided by XProtect anddo it in a way that does not allow for quality impacts End User Experience (Key Part!)
EDR tools designed using Apple platforms offer advanced features that are especially important to businesses, including some of the following:
- Monitoring of all files and applications
- Process management capabilities
- Real-time file scanning and quarantine capabilities.
- Customizable alerts and notifications for IT professionals.
- Apply a custom list of allowed/blocked files.
- Additional security controls and protection against data loss or sensitive company data, including measures to secure USB ports and other external connection points.
TL;DR: While Macs are inherently secure, XProtect provides a robust level of protection against dynamic and complex threats The landscape facing enterprise IT teams today requires additional tools. These tools ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies, and provide the advanced logging, reporting, and policy management capabilities needed to tailor security practices to each organization's unique needs.
For enterprises, use EDR solutions that integrate with Apple's Endpoint Security platform are a key part of protecting the user experience while maintaining security.
Wrap up
Although XProtect is a key part of macOS security, and the unique needs of enterprises to manage and mitigate risk in today's cybersecurity environment provide a compelling reason to adopt additional, more sophisticated EDR tools. . These tools complement the built-in capabilities of XProtect, giving businesses the comprehensive level of security they need to stay secure in 2024.
Apple @ Work introduces Kolide by 1Password, a device trust solution. this ensures that if the device is not secured, it will not be able to access your applications. Close the zero trust access gap for Okta. Find out more or watch a demo.
