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Despite its long-standing reputation as a more secure operating system, macOS users reported higher rates of malware infections and phishing attacks than Windows users, according to a recent global survey by cybersecurity company Kaspersky.

The study found that 12% of macOS users said they had been infected with malware over the past year, compared with 9% of Windows users. At the same time, only 35% of Mac users reported using dedicated cybersecurity software, versus 42% of Windows users.

Mac Users Report More Cybersecurity Incidents

According to the survey, Windows users are more likely to adopt several core cybersecurity practices, while macOS users hold only a slight advantage in some privacy-related behaviors.

The findings were reflected in reported security incidents over the previous 12 months, with macOS users experiencing higher rates of several types of cybercrime.

Among the most notable differences was phishing awareness. While 62% of Windows users said they avoid opening suspicious emails and links, only 51% of macOS users reported following the same practice.

Mac users also reported higher rates of:

  • Phishing attacks: 12% vs. 9% for Windows users.
  • Investment scams: 16% vs. 13%.
  • Privacy breaches: 11% vs. 8%.
  • Personal data theft: 12% vs. 7%.

Security Habits Lag Behind

The survey also found that Windows users were more likely to follow recommended password security practices.

Among Windows users:

  • 38% use a unique password for every account, compared with 35% of macOS users.
  • 52% create strong, complex passwords, versus 45% of Mac users.
  • 51% enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA), compared with 46% of macOS users.

Kaspersky said the relatively low adoption of dedicated cybersecurity software among Mac users is a particular concern, as cybercriminals continue developing increasingly sophisticated malware, spyware and credential-stealing software alongside more convincing phishing techniques.

Dedicated Protection Still Recommended

According to Kaspersky, specialized cybersecurity software provides an additional layer of real-time protection against malware and phishing attacks, complementing macOS’s built-in security features.

The company also recommends using a dedicated password manager, which securely stores login credentials behind a single master password and supports modern authentication methods such as passkeys, reducing the risk of account compromise following data breaches.

The survey was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research team in March 2026 and included 7,200 respondents across 18 countries, including Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.