MacPaw's Survey Finds Mac Immunity Myth Fading Amid Rising AI Fears

The latest survey from Moonlock, MacPaw's cybersecurity division, reveals a sharp decline in the belief that Macs are immune to malware, alongside growing user anxiety over AI threats

KYIV, Ukraine, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Moonlock, a cybersecurity division of MacPaw, today released the findings of its Mac Security Survey 2025. The study, held in June 2025, reveals that only 15% of users now believe macOS is free from malware, a sharp drop from 28% in 2023. This growing awareness comes as 66% of Mac users report facing at least one cyber threat in the past year.

This changing perception may be driven not only by existing threats but also by anxieties over new technologies. The emergence of generative AI has introduced new fears, with 72% of respondents worried it could accelerate the creation of cyber threats.

The results of the survey also show a disconnect between perceived and actual risks. While 31% of users have been affected by malware, it does not rank among their top five concerns, which are led by identity theft.

"Mac malware detected by Moonlock Engine rose by 20% last year compared to 2023. AI is accelerating this trend, making it more critical than ever for users to be aware and for security providers to innovate," said Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO of MacPaw.

The report also found that while users are losing faith in the "untouchable Mac," many still place excessive trust in software alone, with 64% believing it can offer complete protection. This is contrasted by risky personal habits, such as 48% of users reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

These findings point to a need for user education and accessible support. Combining reliable security software with safe online habits is essential for comprehensive protection.

To explore the full findings of the Mac Security Survey 2025, please visit: https://moonlock.com/2025/09/Mac-Security-Survey-2025.pdf

About MacPaw 

MacPaw is a global software development company that creates innovative and beautifully designed solutions for millions of macOS/iOS users worldwide. Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a subsidiary in Boston, MacPaw is building off the success of its flagship products CleanMyMac and Setapp by helping lead the shift into Software 3.0. MacPaw aims to empower individuals, teams, and developers by driving the next generation of human-computer interaction through Eney, an AI-powered "Computerbeing" that harnesses machine intelligence.

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SOURCE MacPaw