Security experts suggest an increase in cyber attacks on Apple systems imminent

Apple is on guard as experts from the security company Symantec Corporation warn of increasing cyber attacks on Apple computers in 2016. Symantec released a report suggesting that more malware will target Apple computers and devices, and they are currently giving a heads up to businesses and consumers.

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Apple products have seemed impervious to malware in the past, but in 2015, cyber attacks on iOS devices doubled. Attacks on Mac computers also increased.

Risks of malware attacks are still low in comparison with those of other operating systems. Still, experts warn that attacks are becoming more frequent. “Last year, an average of between 10,000 and 70,000 Mac devices were infected with malware each month,” reports Tech Times Dec. 11. The number of different OS X computers infected with malware in 2015 was seven times more than it was in 2014.

The BBC reports that systems such as Apple Pay could be targeted, as it provides monetary incentive for cybercriminals. In 2015, the security firm FireEye found malware XcodeGhost had not only found its way into iOS, it had also made its way into 210 American businesses, causing a lot of damage before the malware was removed.

Windows and Android devices are still more frequently targeted, but cybercriminals will target Apple products because of their popularity amongst consumers. Symantec reports that jail broken devices are more susceptible to attacks.

To read more about the possible cyberattacks, read the Symantec Corporation Security Response report.

*originally published on the now defunct Examiner.com