A longstanding debate among computer users is which operating system is the most secure between Windows and Mac OS. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, it’s safe to say that cybersecurity threats are lurking across every corner of the web. For that reason, the need to protect yourself as you go about your online life is incredibly important.
One of the best ways to do exactly that is by making use of a VPN service – the perfect solution when it comes to achieving optimal online privacy and security. Thankfully, most VPNs offer cross-platform support, which means that you can enjoy enhanced online safety regardless of your preferred operating system.
Check out this list of VPNs suitable for Windows, and you’ll soon discover just how many great services there are to choose from. Alternatively, here’s another list if you are based on a Mac OS device. Continue reading as we compare the safety of the two most widely used operating systems in the world.
Are Mac OS devices really less vulnerable to online attacks than Windows PCs?
For many years, Mac OS was largely considered to be the most secure of the two major operating systems. But, while this may have been the case many years ago, devices running Mac have become far more widely used in recent times, with cybersecurity threats posing a greater risk to users of this particular operating system.
As devices running Mac OS grew in popularity across the globe, Apple’s operating system became more susceptible to online attacks, including such things as malware and ransomware. Therefore, it’s now clearer than ever that it’s not just Windows devices that need to have a solid internet security package installed in an effort to keep any online threats at bay.
Security of Windows devices
According to data compiled by GlobalStats, Microsoft Windows is by far the most widely used operating system across the globe. By November 2019, it had amassed a staggering 77.21% market share – with Mac OS way behind on 16.79%. So, this just goes to show how hugely popular Windows is despite a growing number of people choosing to make the switch over to Apple’s operating system.
However, given the incredibly large proportion of people using the Windows platform, a countless number of devices running the OS have been targeted by hackers over the years. Because of this, Windows has earned itself a reputation as being the most insecure of major operating systems. Although, when you consider just how many laptops and desktops running Windows there are, this certainly isn’t surprising.
What is the best way to boost security on either operating system?
Regardless of the operating system that you use, the ever-increasing threat of cybercrime is something for you to be concerned about. A growing number of people are having their private data exposed in some way another, which means that you’ll need to act now if you’re hoping to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
Taking this into account, the perfect way to protect yourself is by making use of precautionary software solutions that act as a barrier between your device and the internet. First and foremost, you should always have an antivirus and firewall set up on your system. If you do just that, then you’ll be alerted to any potential threats at the earliest possible opportunity. Then, you’ll be able to take the appropriate action by removing any infected files or software, or perhaps even prevent it from entering your device in the first place.
To go a step further and considerably enhance your online security and privacy, a VPN is undoubtedly the perfect choice. By encrypting your internet connection and hiding your true IP address, you’ll be able to surf the web safely and anonymously. In turn, this means that your personal information will be far less likely to find its way into the hands of online criminals.
Conclusion
Overall, it would be appropriate to suggest that there is no definitive answer as to which operating system is the most secure out of Windows and Mac. After all, users of both operating systems are vulnerable to having their personal information intercepted if they don’t take the necessary precautionary measures.
In spite of the above, Windows appears to be the most susceptible to attacks due to the vast number of users it has across the globe. This makes it a prime target for hackers who are looking to infect as many devices as possible with a form of malware. Yet, with that being said, this certainly doesn’t mean that Mac OS users are totally immune from cybersecurity threats.
Overall, what you should take away from this article is that having a solid internet security package is of paramount importance if you’re looking for a more secure way to go about your online life. Plus, as you’ll now be aware, you can even go a step further and achieve true online anonymity and optimal security by investing in a VPN.