Given the existence of malware that targets Apple Silicon Macs, and the possibility of malware written for Intel-based Macs running via Rosetta 2 if this is installed, AV-Comparatives have researched which antivirus programs are currently compatible with Macs that use the Apple Silicon M1 processor. Thus, users who run Intel Apps on Macs with M1 processors might feel that installing an antivirus program is particularly advisable.ĪV-Comparatives investigate anti-malware programs for M1-based Macs An unfortunate and unintended side-effect of installing Rosetta 2 on an Apple Silicon Mac is that this might allow some malware written for Intel Macs to run as well. There is also another means by which cybercriminals might be able to attack Mac systems with M1 chips. Whilst the number of such malicious programs was very low – and one of the first ones to emerge appeared to be merely a harmless proof-of-concept experiment – it was clear that the new Mac platform would not be immune to threats.
As early as March 2021, just a few months after the first M1 Macs were released, reports emerged of malware specifically targeting the new platform being found in the wild. Sadly, cybercriminals were quick to find ways of attacking Macs that use the new processors. Please note that any references to “Intel Apps” in this report simply mean that the app was intended to run on Macs with Intel processors they are NOT intended to imply that the Intel company was involved in developing them. However, these may be able to run on Macs with M1 processors by using Rosetta 2. Intel Apps are written for Intel-based Macs only. The correct version to be installed will be selected automatically by the setup wizard.
They are called “Universal” because the installer file normally contains two separate versions, one for older Intel-based Macs, and one for the new Apple Silicon Macs. Universal Apps are specifically written to run natively on Apple M1 chips.
These are defined by Apple as “Universal Apps” and “Intel Apps”. Once Rosetta 2 has been installed, any additional programs designed for Intel Macs will be able to use it, without any further action being required of the user.Īs a result of Apple developing Rosetta 2, there are two types of app that can work on Apple Silicon Macs. Installation is extremely simple, and completes in seconds.
MALAWARE FOR MAC AVAST INSTALL
However, as soon as the user tries to run a program designed for Intel Macs, they will be prompted to install it. Rosetta 2 is not installed by default on macOS Big Sur. This is an emulation layer that translates instructions for Intel processors into the commands that are used by Apple Silicon processors, and vice-versa. However, many apps written for Intel-based Macs can also run on Apple Silicon Macs, by using Apple’s Rosetta 2 software. Not only the operating system, but also applications for Apple Silicon Macs need to use a different instruction set from the versions designed for Intel-based Macs. The operating system looks and works exactly the same on both types of Mac, with one minor exception, explained below. In practice, many users will not notice the difference. Consequently, macOS 11, also known as Big Sur, was adapted so that it would work on both Intel-based Macs and the new Apple Silicon models. This is because they use a different instruction set from Intel-based Macs. The change in processor architecture meant that Apple’s current operating system, macOS 11, had to be modified to work with the new Apple Silicon CPUs. M1 processors and the macOS operating system It also means that users will not be irritated by fan noise whilst working. This leads to further advantages without the need for a fan, it is easier to make very thin and light laptops such as the MacBook Air. A knock-on effect of this is that the new M1 processors do not get so hot in use. This not only makes them more environmentally friendly, but also means that Mac laptops will provide better battery life for the same performance. Secondly, they are more energy efficient. However, the new M1 processors bring a number of technical improvements as well.įirstly, they are faster than comparably-priced Intel processors. The change from Intel processors is believed to be partly so that Apple had complete control of their entire manufacturing process. It is expected to be the first in a whole new range of such CPUs, collectively known as Apple Silicon. In late 2020, Apple started selling laptop, desktop and all-in-one Mac computers with a new type of ARM-based processor, called the M1.
0 kommentar(er)
