Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting Apple apparatus like iPad and iPhone as the products gain popularity among consumers around the world, including India, says a report by security alternatives company Symantec.

“Apple apparatus have experienced a surge in popularity recently. Based on IDC, the business currently accounts for 13.5 percent of worldwide smartphone shipping and 7.5 percent of worldwide PC shipments. This escalation in use hasn’t gone undetected by attackers.

He added that even though the variety of threats targeting Apple operating systems stays rather low compared to the organization ‘s major challengers like Android and Windows, the number uncovered has grown in the past couple of years.

“In tandem with this, the degree of Apple-related malware infections has spiked, especially in the previous 18 months. Apple users must not be complacent about security and alter their understanding that Apple apparatus are ‘free from malware’ – this understanding opens up chances for cybercriminals to benefit from these users,” he said.

He added that security researchers also have given a greater focus on vulnerabilities in Apple applications using several high profile flaws uncovered in the previous year. The findings are part of Symantec’s forecasts for 2016.

The variety of iOS malware threats found to date, though modest in amount, has started to grow with seven new hazards found to date in 2015, up from the prior high of three in 2014.

Discussing the authorities and business sections, Kaura said cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) points may also rise.

Motivations for critical infrastructure assaults are criminal and political, with political organisations running and states

Cyberwarfare efforts, and offenders assaulting for gain or ransom,” he said.

The industrial IoT is getting more linked due to requirement and demands for coverage and improved through connectivity with added services.