8 Tips To Improve The Security Of Your Mac
For most Mac users, Mac is the ultimate computer, fast, reliable, and yes, secure – which is all partly true. Mac computers have, over the years, proven to be among the best and most secure systems in the market.
Nonetheless, with the rise and advancement of cybercrime, no computer is completely secure. Not even Mac. In fact, a new report now shows a 400% increase in cyber threats on Mac in 2019, now outpacing windows!
This is why you need to work on the security of your Mac. Start with learning about the
Among the most prevalent cyber risks now riding on the Mac users include:
Malware and Viruses
For a long time now, Mac users have lived by the ‘Mac has no viruses’ argument to avoid working on their security. And that is true, Mac pays more attention to their security, which may be the reason for the low malware threats on their systems.
However, as it has continued to gain popularity in the computer world, cyber attackers have now exposed numerous flaws in their security and are using this to their advantage.
The attackers are using adware, spyware, and trojans to collect your data including passwords, login details, and bank data, then send it back to their hackers.
Ransomware
In a time when ransomware cases are drastically decreasing, Mac users have a big reason to worry about their security. Experts have discovered new sophisticated ransomware targeted explicitly to Mac computers. The malware dubbed, ThiefQuest, has proven to have more than just encrypting your private files.
The ransomware also possesses spyware capabilities. It can infiltrate your files looking for your cryptocurrency wallet details, passwords, credit card details, etc.
Phishing scams
As you probably guessed, phishing attacks don’t discriminate between computers and operating systems. This is because most phishing attacks are now based on social engineering – which means exploiting a person’s weakness to access their personal data.
The number of phishing attacks among Mac users has been drastically rising over the years. Attackers are getting smarter with their phishing emails and their scams.
For instance, instead of the typical scam, claiming that ‘your Apple account is locked,’ hackers have switched to Covid-19 related phishing scams over the past few months. These scam campaigns look so real that you may just as easily fall victim to them without the right security on your Mac.
As cybercriminals continue to expose the security vulnerabilities on Mac devices, you need to layout a few measures to protect your Mac against these attacks.
8 Ways to secure your Mac device
Here are some of the things you can do to secure your Mac device.
1. Always run your updates
Updating your Mac should always be a priority every time Apple releases a new update. This is because most of these updates contain patches to the vulnerabilities exposed on the Mac system by attackers.
Without them, a cybercriminal will have a backdoor to access your Mac and steal most of your private files and information. Additionally, update all your software as well, to ensure your computer runs on the most secure versions of the software.
2. Use a VPN when browsing
With the alarming surge in the number of malware infecting Mac computers, you need to ensure that your network has zero vulnerabilities. Using a Virtual Private Network allows you to take advantage of packet encryption to encrypt your data and tunnel it through a secure tunnel.
A VPN on your Mac also grants you anonymity while browsing, especially on unsecured public networks, by hiding your IP address.
3. Use a good anti-virus/anti-malware software
Despite the robust security Mac uses for its Apple store, some developers have still found ways to add their malicious apps on the App store. This means that some malware may have already found their way to your device.
Having an antivirus or antimalware ensures that your system is scanned, and all the malicious files located are deleted. An antivirus also detects some malware and viruses attached to downloads from third party sites.
However, most attackers have become smarter and now know how to hide their malware such that it’s not discovered in scans. You, therefore, can’t rely on it alone.
4. Enable Apple’s FileVault
Every Mac computer comes with an inbuilt disk encryption tool known as the FileVault. This is a crucial tool you should start using to increase the privacy of your data.
Whether it’s images, passwords, or even your banking details, encrypting your disk with this tool ensures that nobody can access your data without your user password.
It offers adequate protection against physical breaches. Keep in mind that if you lose the vault password, you can’t recover it.
5. Secure your Mac passwords
Even with the best security tools, poor password habits can easily cost you everything. That’s why you need to be conscious when setting your passwords. Ensure that all your account passwords are strong, i.e., combine letters, characters, numbers, and uppercases; and never use one password for multiple accounts.
Moreover, never share your passwords with anyone and keep changing your passwords from time to time to protect your accounts.
6. Avoid public wi-fi
Free wi-fi at your local restaurant may be fast, but it’s not worth risking your personal data. You’ve probably heard of the numerous attacks that happen over unsecured public wi-fi – your Mac isn’t superior.
Attackers use Man in the Middle attacks to listen to your traffic and redirect you to malicious sites where they can steal your information. So, avoid public wi-fi whenever you can. If you have to use it, then browse lightly and don’t log in to any website.
7. Make sure your firewall is on
Your Mac’s firewall is usually your first and biggest defense against attacks. The firewall filters through the incoming traffic, deciding what goes through and what is blocked. However, some malicious codes may pass through your firewall, and that’s why you need an antivirus or anti-malware.
8. Limit access to your Mac
If you share your Mac with multiple people, ensure that you’ve created accounts for each person to limit the number of people who have access to your personal data. Ensure that each account uses a different passcode and disable the automatic login for users.
Final thoughts
Mac computers have, for a long time, been the safest computers in the market. But times have changed. You, therefore, have to start paying more attention to the security of your device. By practicing the tips mentioned above, you can be sure that you’ll always be a step ahead of cybercriminals!