macOS and Windows cybersecurity vulnerability comparisons

Research regarding cybersecurity risks across macOS and Windows platforms has presented differing perspectives on vulnerability.

A Kaspersky study conducted in March 2026 reported that macOS users experienced higher rates of certain security incidents than Windows users. The study found that 12% of macOS respondents reported malware infections, compared to 9% of Windows users. It also noted higher rates of phishing, financial fraud, privacy violations, and data theft among macOS users, suggesting that Apple users may adopt fewer protective habits and utilize security tools less frequently.

Conversely, a Surfshark report analyzing malware detections from January to July 2026 found that Windows systems were approximately six times more likely to be affected by malware than macOS devices. According to this data, Windows accounted for 92.1% of all threats despite representing 66% of the analyzed user base. While Trojan activity was identified as a dominant threat on Windows, the report noted that phishing remained a significant risk for macOS, accounting for 14.9% of its detections.