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|description=In a fashion similar to Windows platforms, Apple operating systems also pose many security and privacy threats.
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[[File:logo-apple-500x500.png|thumb|link=|class=hide-enlarge|200px|macOS]]
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In a fashion similar to Windows platforms, Apple operating systems also pose many security and privacy threats.
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In a fashion similar to Windows platforms, Apple operating systems also pose many security and privacy threats.

'''Table:''' ''macOS Threats'' <ref>https://www.gnu.org/proprietary/malware-apple.en.html</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col"| '''Category'''
! scope="col"| '''Description'''
|-
! scope="row"| Backdoors
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* Files on devices can be deleted if they were downloaded from sources competing with Apple companies. <br />
* Intentional backdoors allow remote root privileges, wipes and deletion of applications.
|-
! scope="row"| Design Flaws
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* An insecure design allows execution of malicious code by applications and the extraction of messaging history.
|-
! scope="row"| Device Bricking
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* Devices are bricked if fixed by an "unauthorized" repair shop. <br />
* Devices are bricked that were unlocked without permission.
|-
! scope="row"| Personal Information
|
* Biometric markers like fingerprints are used for device authorization. <br />
* Extensive personal information is sent to Apple servers, such as: <br />
** Automatic uploads of photos and videos used by certain applications; and <br />
** Unsaved documents and program files (without permission). <br />
* Search terms and location information are sent to Apple. <br />
* System files are scanned.
* OSX phones home with info about the Date, Time, Computer, ISP, City, State and Application Hash when any program is executed, by default. <ref>https://sneak.berlin/20201112/your-computer-isnt-yours/</ref> <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20210125023629/https://appleterm.com/2020/10/20/macos-big-sur-firewalls-and-vpns/</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| User Control and Freedoms
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* Allowable programs like media, political, bitcoin and health-focused applications, and games are censored. <br />
* Arbitrary limits are imposed on the use of software. <br />
* Digital restrictions mechanisms are imposed. <br />
* System upgrades are forced without consent. <br />
* Older versions of operating systems cannot be installed. <br />
* It is impossible to manually fix system security bugs that Apple have not addressed. <br />
* User interfaces are designed to make specific options hard to find and enable/disable.
|}

See [https://www.gnu.org/proprietary/malware-apple.en.html this write-up] by the FSF for further detailed information. <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180331212528/https://fix-macosx.com/</ref>

In public talks, ex-Tor developer Jacob Appelbaum who had access to the Snowden files, hinted that Apple devices in particular were easy to infiltrate by the Intelligence Community.

= References =
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[[Category:Documentation]]