What is XProtect on Mac?
Find out What XProtect on Mac is.
i. XProtect is a built-in antivirus technology on macOS that detects and blocks known malware. It is enabled by default, but you can check its status and run a manual scan at any time.
To check the status of XProtect:
Open System Preferences.
Click on Security & Privacy.
Click on the General tab.
Under "Virus & threat protection", check the status of XProtect.
To run a manual scan:
Open System Preferences.
Click on Security & Privacy.
Click on the General tab.
Under "Virus & threat protection", click on "Scan Now".
XProtect will scan your computer for known malware and remove any threats it finds.
You can also check for updates to XProtect by clicking on the "Update Now" button in the Security & Privacy preferences pane.
ii. XProtect is a built-in antivirus technology on macOS that detects and blocks known malware. It is enabled by default, but you can disable it if you need to.
To disable XProtect:
Open Terminal.
Type the following command and press Enter:
csrutil disable
Restart your Mac.
XProtect will be disabled after your Mac restarts.
To re-enable XProtect, open Terminal and type the following command and press Enter:
csrutil enable
Restart your Mac.
XProtect will be enabled after your Mac restarts.
It is not recommended to disable XProtect unless you know what you are doing. Disabling XProtect will make your Mac more vulnerable to malware attacks.
iii. Here are the pros and cons of XProtect:
Pros:
It is free and comes pre-installed on all Macs.
It is constantly updated with new signatures to protect against new malware threats.
It is very efficient and does not slow down your Mac.
It is easy to use and can be enabled or disabled in System Preferences.
Cons:
It is not as comprehensive as some third-party antivirus software.
It can sometimes block legitimate files as malware.
It does not offer real-time protection, so it can only detect malware that is already on your Mac.
Overall, XProtect is a good antivirus solution for most Mac users. It is free, efficient, and easy to use. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive antivirus solution, you may want to consider a third-party option.
iv. There are a number of known malware that have bypassed XProtect. Some of the most notable examples include:
Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. Some ransomware, such as KeRanger, have been able to bypass XProtect.
Spyware: Spyware is a type of malware that can steal your personal information, such as your passwords, credit card numbers, and browsing history. Some spyware, such as WireLurker, have been able to bypass XProtect.
Adware: Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted ads on your computer. Some adware, such as MacKeeper, have been able to bypass XProtect.
It is important to note that XProtect is not a perfect solution. It is constantly being updated with new signatures to protect against new malware threats, but it is not always able to detect all malware. As a result, it is important to take other precautions to protect your Mac from malware, such as using a firewall, keeping your software up to date, and being careful about what you download and open.
Here is some examples of a malware that bypassed XProtect:
KeRanger
KeRanger is a ransomware that was first discovered in February 2016. It was able to bypass XProtect by disguising itself as a legitimate software update for Adobe Flash Player. Once installed, KeRanger would encrypt the user's files and demand a ransom payment in order to decrypt them.
KeRanger was able to bypass XProtect because it was constantly changing its code. This made it difficult for XProtect to keep up with the latest version of the malware.
KeRanger was eventually stopped by Apple, but it is a good example of how malware can bypass XProtect. As a result, it is important to take other precautions to protect your Mac from malware, such as using a firewall, keeping your software up to date, and being careful about what you download and open.
Silver Sparrow
Silver Sparrow is a backdoor trojan that was first discovered in January 2022. It was able to bypass XProtect by exploiting a vulnerability in the macOS kernel. Once installed, Silver Sparrow would communicate with a command and control server, which could then be used to control the infected Mac.
Silver Sparrow was able to bypass XProtect because it was specifically designed to exploit a vulnerability in the macOS kernel. This made it difficult for Apple to patch the vulnerability before Silver Sparrow was able to spread.
Silver Sparrow is still active and is being used to target government and corporate entities. It is a good example of how malware can bypass XProtect and how important it is to keep your software up to date.
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