Macs are undeniably cool. Their sleek and stylish design makes users feel like tech experts. Plus, they come with built-in security features that give you that feeling of safety. But let’s not get carried away. Are those default Mac security settings enough to keep your business safe in this wild west of cyber threats? Not a chance.
While macOS gets a rep for being super secure, it’s not bulletproof. Hackers are after data—plain and simple. And in enterprises, a lot of that critical data sits inside MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis used across teams and geographies.
Mac malware incidents have risen by 73% since last year. So, organizations must treat Mac security as a proactive and essential strategy.[1]
This guide explains how businesses should approach Mac security, layer by layer.
Enterprise Mac security: Why securing Macs is non-negotiable for businesses
The truth is, security threats in businesses don’t arise because of poor hardware or operating systems. They arise because of:
- Human error
- Misconfigurations
- Lack of visibility
- Poor device management
- Insider threats
- Sophisticated cyber attacks targeting endpoints
Why Enterprise Mac Security Is Critical in 2025
1. Macs are often outside traditional IT perimeters
Macs are favored by creative, leadership, and mobile teams. They often avoid traditional IT restrictions. This is different from legacy systems or locked-down Windows endpoints. This flexibility, without proper security controls, increases shadow IT risks.
2. Macs have security features, but they need correct configuration
Features like FileVault, Gatekeeper, or Privacy Controls protect the device only if IT ensures they’re enabled, enforced, and monitored. Misconfigured Macs are low-hanging fruit for attackers.
3. Mac devices coexist in multi-OS environments
Most enterprises use a mix of Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. Without a consistent security strategy for Macs, they become isolated security weak points in an otherwise protected environment.
4. Phishing & malware targeting Macs are on the rise
The prevalence of Macs among executives makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks. Sophisticated malware, such as Banshee Stealer, shows that attackers are targeting macOS. This type of malware is designed to bypass macOS security.
5. Remote Mac users need enterprise-grade security, not just consumer protection
Remote employees often use MacBooks that connect to public Wi-Fi, personal hotspots, or untrusted networks. This situation often goes unnoticed by IT teams.
Top macOS threats impacting enterprise security
macOS devices might have advanced built-in security tools, but threat actors are equally advanced. They design attacks that exploit user behavior, misconfigurations, outdated systems, and unmanaged endpoints.
Here are the key threat categories every business’s Mac environment must be prepared for:
1. Malware built for macOS
Attackers actively build malicious code targeting Mac environments from adware and spyware to advanced backdoors.
Examples:
- Shlayer Trojan
- OSX/Dok
- Silver Sparrow
- MacStealer
2. Ransomware targeting Mac users
Ransomware on Macs used to be rare. Now, it’s rising, especially among business users. This malware often exploits third-party apps or tricks people through phishing. Ransomware encrypts business-critical files and demands payments — even if you’re on a Mac.
3. Phishing & social engineering
Phishing doesn’t care about the OS; it targets humans. Executives and employees using Macs are often subject to:
- Credential harvesting
- Fake Apple ID login pages
- Business email compromise attacks
4. Misconfigurations & weak device security
A powerful device is only as secure as its configuration. Macs without:
- FileVault enabled
- Gatekeeper restrictions
- SIP protection
—are vulnerable to unauthorized access, data leaks, and privilege escalation attacks.
5. Unsafe networks & unsecured remote access
Remote Mac users connecting to public Wi-Fi, using personal hotspots, or working without business VPN protection are exposed to:
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
- Data interception
- Network spoofing
6. Supply chain & third-party app vulnerabilities
Even trusted apps from third-party sources can be risky, especially if they’re installed outside the App Store. They could contain hidden malware or backdoors. Additionally, using unapproved software or not knowing where apps come from can lead to compliance issues, particularly for industries with strict data protection laws like HIPAA, GDPR, or ISO standards.
Apple’s built-in macOS security architecture
Apple has built advanced security measures in macOS. These features work together to protect your data and systems.
- System Integrity Protection (SIP): SIP shields critical system files and processes. It blocks unauthorized modifications by apps or malware. This prevents many common exploits from harming your Mac.
- Gatekeeper: Gatekeeper checks every app before it launches. It verifies the developer’s credentials and code integrity. This helps keep untrusted software out of your system.
- XProtect: XProtect works silently in the background. It scans for known malware and suspicious behavior. Regular updates improve its ability to detect threats.
- Privacy controls: macOS offers strong privacy controls. Users manage app permissions for location, contacts, photos, and more. This reduces the risk of unauthorized data access.
- Data protection and encryption with FileVault: FileVault encrypts your entire disk. It uses strong encryption algorithms to secure your data. Even if your Mac is stolen, your files remain protected.
- App notarization: Apple verifies apps through a process called notarization. It ensures that software is checked for malware before it reaches your Mac. This adds another layer of trust and safety.
These macOS security features provide a solid foundation, but they’re not perfect. This is true, especially without centralized visibility and control.
Native macOS security tools for Mac admins
- Apple Business Manager: Apple Business Manager simplifies device enrollment and control. IT admins can register devices quickly and assign them to MDM solutions. It streamlines setup and reduces manual tasks. It is an essential hub for managing company-owned Macs.
- MDM Controls: Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions let you manage policies and settings from one place. Through Apple MDM, admins enforce password policies, configure network settings, and remotely update devices. It also manages app installations and ensures that only approved software runs on Macs.
- System Policies: Using system policies, admins set precise rules that govern device behavior. They can control access to applications, restrict certain settings, and enforce password complexity. These policies empower IT teams to tailor security settings to an organization’s needs.
- Security Auditing & Reporting: Admins can use built-in tools to check device health and security status. Regular audits and status reports help identify risks early. This oversight makes sure that any security policy issues are fixed quickly.
Native macOS security features are helpful, but they aren’t enough for businesses. IT teams need extra tools to manage and monitor many devices at once.
Role of Scalefusion UEM in Mac security
Scalefusion UEM fills the critical gaps left by Apple’s native tools, making it easy to secure Macs in the enterprise with centralized management, deep automation, and enterprise-grade security, all from a single dashboard.
Here’s how Scalefusion strengthens Mac security for enterprises:
- macOS App Catalog – Distribute, manage, and control business apps on Macs from a centralized dashboard. Enforce app whitelisting and blacklisting for better security.
- Automated compliance – Set up policy-based automation to enforce security standards across all Macs. Instantly detect non-compliance, auto-remediate issues, and generate audit-ready reports without manual tracking.
- Application management – Manage the full app lifecycle on Macs. From silent installation and updates to remote uninstallation, ensure only authorized software runs on enterprise devices, reducing exposure to unvetted or risky apps.
- Remote Access – Enable secure remote troubleshooting and support without user intervention. IT teams can fix issues faster, reducing downtime.
- OS Update & Patch Management – Automate macOS updates and patch deployment across all devices. Ensure every Mac is up-to-date with the latest security fixes.
- Shared Devices – Configure Macs for multiple users while maintaining data privacy and security between sessions.
- PIN Rotation – Auto-rotate FileVault recovery keys and device passcodes regularly for added security.
- Reports and Workflows – Automate security checks, generate compliance reports, and set custom workflows for faster security operations.
- FileVault Encryption & Gatekeeper Management – Remotely enforce FileVault encryption and configure Gatekeeper settings to block untrusted apps.
- Passcode Policies – Set strict passcode requirements — length, complexity, and expiry rules — to prevent unauthorized access.
- I/O Device Access Control – Limit access to devices like USBs, Bluetooth, and external drives. This helps stop data leaks.
- AirThink AI – Scripting – Leverage AI-driven scripting to automate repetitive security tasks, custom configurations, and device commands at scale.
- Web Content Filtering – Block harmful or unrelated websites. This keeps users safe from online threats and ensures secure browsing.
- Email Management – Set up and protect business email accounts on Mac devices. Use encryption and enforce policies for added security.
Strengthen Mac security with the right strategy
Macs built-in security alone might not be enough. A layered security approach is the way forward, combining Apple’s native controls with advanced Mac MDM solutions like Scalefusion UEM.
With the right tools in place, IT teams can secure every Mac, enforce compliance, and stay ahead of evolving threats, without compromising user experience or productivity.
To know more about Scalefusion macOS device management, contact our experts and schedule a demo.
Sign up for a 14-day free trial now.
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