Today, organizations use a mix of Apple and Windows computers, with some leaning towards either type. When looking to acquire or update their computer inventory, organizations ask a common security question: are Apple computers more secure than Windows? Read our blog to learn more about the security of these operating systems—and which might be best for you.
Are Apple Computers More Secure Than Windows? A Deep Dive
Keeping your information systems secure is essential to safeguarding sensitive data environments. To some extent, data security may depend on your operating system.
To answer the question, “are Apple computers more secure than Windows?” this blog will cover:
- The differences between mac OS vs Windows security
- Pros and cons of Macs’ and Windows’ security settings
- Cyber threats that target mac OS and Windows computers
- Best practices for securing your Mac or Windows devices
Comparing the security configurations of mac OS vs Windows will help you decide which computers will meet your organization’s needs, especially when guided by a web filtering services partner.
Mac OS vs Windows Security: What They Offer
Unfortunately, both Mac and Windows computers are prone to various cybersecurity threats. So, is Mac more secure than Windows, or vice versa? Understanding the differences between mac OS and Windows security starts with a review of their security configurations:
Mac OS Security
The macOS security architecture comprises three layers:
- Bottom security layer – In the bottom stack, macOS computers contain an open-source Berkely Software Distribution (BSD), which controls access to files and networks. Another component, the Mach, abstracts the system hardware and routes communication between Mach ports.
- Mid security layer – CDSA forms the middle layer of the Mac security configuration and the Common Security Services Manager (CSSM), which contains modules that enable cryptography and security trust policies. The CDSA also comprises plugins for operating system security.
- Top security layer – The macOS security services reside within the top layer of the Mac security configuration and contain mac-specific security application programming interfaces (APIs).
These three layers interface to ensure users enjoy a high degree of security, regardless of the application in use.
Windows PC Security
On the other hand, Windows PCs use a security architecture based on the Local Service Authority (LSA). Each time a user logs onto a Windows computer, the LSA requires a user to enter login credentials before it can authenticate the request and start a Windows session.
To authenticate user access requests, Windows security functions via hashing cryptography.
Upon entering a user’s credentials, Windows creates a one-way hash of the user’s password. The LSA then compares this password to the hashed password stored in the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database. Upon validating the access request using the SAM database, the LSA matches the user account’s security identifier (SID) to that of each group the user belongs. Doing so creates an access token for these SIDs.
User access to resources is also verified using the Security Reference Monitor, which compares listed access control entries with tokens to evaluate user permissions.
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Mac OS vs Windows Security: Pros and Cons
Broadly speaking, both the Windows and mac OS security architectures seem equally sophisticated and implement robust access control. However, the question remains: are Apple computers more secure than Windows? Let’s review the pros and cons of each operating system’s security configuration:
Apple Security Pros and Cons
In terms of pros, the mac OS is known for its robust isolation of the kernel from security threats. The kernel is essential for the mac OS to function because it manages hardware-critical resources processing speed and memory.
In general, Apple releases less frequent security updates to its macOS devices, which could place them at risk for cyber attacks. And, most users think that Apple devices are more secure since they are less targeted by cybercriminals.
Windows Security Pros and Cons
When it comes to security updates, Microsoft releases these more frequently for its Windows devices—helping users keep their computers’ security configurations up-to-date. At the individual or organizational level, users can optimize device-specific security policies on their Windows computers to meet their needs.
However, Windows devices tend to retain redundant legacy components. Although these components can be updated, they can still pose vulnerability risks to individual users and organization-wide networks if compromised.
Mac vs. Windows: Which is Better?
When comparing Mac vs. Windows for cyber security, there isn’t a definite better solution per se.
It all depends on the specific user’s needs. Whereas both operating systems have reliable strengths, their respective weaknesses could influence user preferences.
For organizations with large numbers of employees, Windows computers may be more suitable since their security updates are deployed more frequently. However, Windows devices are also frequent cybercrime targets. However, some organizations might prefer the ease of use and lower target rates that come with using Apple computers.
Cyber Threats Targeting MacOS and Windows
Both macOS and Windows computers are targeted by cyber threats such as:
- Viruses – When users visit malicious websites or delay installing critical security updates, they are prone to viruses infecting their computers.
- Phishing attacks – Users can be manipulated into providing criminals access to sensitive data environments or clicking on malicious links.
These attacks can impact your organization when cybersecurity solutions like web filters have not been installed or updated to industry-standard configurations.
How to Secure Your Computer From Malware and Other Cyber Threats
Many of the threats impacting both Windows and macOS users come from poor Internet security practices for web and email applications. For instance, users may be prone to phishing attacks or malware. These threats will affect any computer, regardless of its operating system.
Implementing tools like web filters will help mitigate these risks by preventing users from accessing malicious web content. However, security awareness training is also essential in helping users practice secure Internet hygiene.
How RSI Security Can Help
So, are Apple computers more secure than Windows? It depends on the user’s perspective. However, any computer can be at risk for cyber threats. RSI Security has experience developing effective controls to mitigate social engineering scams and web application security risks.
To learn more, contact RSI Security today!
FAQs About Mac vs Windows Security
Do Mac Computers Get Hacked?
Yes, Mac computers can get hacked. In fact, any computer can get hacked if a cybercriminal bypasses its access controls. However, Mac computers are less likely to get hacked than Windows ones.
Why Does Windows Get More Viruses Than Mac?
Looking globally, more people tend to use Windows computers than Mac ones. With a higher market share, Windows devices are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. At the level of attack, viruses are typically easier for cybercriminals to deploy than other attacks, since users might click on malicious links or download infected files onto their computers.
Is Mac Better Than Windows For Privacy?
In terms of privacy, MacOS is designed to operate strictly on Macs whereas Windows can be installed on computers produced by various manufacturers. As such, Apple controls the privacy standards for Mac computers whereas Windows computers may have varying privacy standards—even when regulated by similar frameworks. Although macOS is a closed-source platform, Apple’s leadership is emphatic about its deep commitment to data privacy.
Do Macs Need Antivirus?
In general, Macs have built-in anti-malware protections like Notarization and XProtect. These safeguards identify potential malware threats to Apple computers and remediate them before they can impact users’ device security. However, any vulnerabilities in these safeguards—such as delayed updates—can place a Mac at risk for virus infection. Investing in antivirus solutions will keep Macs fully protected, especially when they are connected to your organization’s sensitive networks.