6 Essential Tips to Improve Your Mac’s Security

Since Mac is known for its top-notch security, most users make the mistake of assuming their device is immune to cyber threats. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Though Mac might be more secure than Windows PCs, it’s not invincible and can be affected by attacks such as malware, phishing, and man-in-the-middle, to name a few.

Whether you’ve just purchased a shiny new Mac or have already been using one for a while, there are some measures that you need to take to better secure and protect it. Otherwise, you risk exposing your device along with the data stored on it to outsiders. Without further ado, let’s take a look at 6 essential tips to take your Mac’s security to a whole new level.

1. Control Your Privacy & Security Settings

Your Mac provides a plethora of built-in privacy and security features to help keep your device safe and sound. But not many users know about them, which is alarming to say the least. Make sure that you’re using the following settings:

Disable Automatic Login

When Automatic Login is enabled, you’re able to access your Mac without entering a password. Though convenient, it’s important to remember that a password is often the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Therefore, you should disable Automatic Login and add a password requirement as it’ll make your Mac more difficult to access.

Don’t Allow Third-Party Apps

For additional security, it’s highly recommended that you choose to allow only the installation of apps from the App Store. Are you wondering why? Because unofficial app stores usually contain dangerous malware threats.

Activate FileVault

You need to turn on the FileVault feature as it automatically encrypts all the data stored on your Mac’s hard drive. In this way, if someone is able to get their hands on your device, they won’t be able to walk steal your personal files.

2. Keep Your OS & Apps Up to Date

Updating your operating system is vital to the security of your Mac. After all, the updates come with fixes for known vulnerabilities and bugs – if these are not patched, your system is at risk! Similarly, updating your apps on a timely basis keeps them working securely and smoothly. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of installing these changes manually, you can always enable automatic system and app updates.

3. Secure Your Web Browser

The standard browser for Mac is Safari, but many users opt for third-party browsers such as Firefox, Opera, and Chrome as well. Regardless of the browser you’re using, you must know which settings to use on to make your surfing sessions more safe. Some prominent ones include deactivating tracking and regularly deleting the cookies stored by your browser.

4. Use a VPN

A Mac VPN is a useful tool that protects your online activities from prying eyes such as ISPs, advertisers, and hackers. Using military-grade encryption and IP address masking, it enables you to browse securely, privately, and freely on your Mac. However, don’t just settle for any VPN provider – not all of them are created equally!

Ideally, the VPN should cover the following aspects to be worth investing in:

• A global server network (the more locations on offer, the better)
• Tried and tested no-logs policy (they can’t share what they don’t have)
• Security & privacy features like 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection
• Apps for all major desktop and mobile platforms
• Unlimited bandwidth (stream, download, and browser as much as you want)
• Simultaneous logins

5. Back Up Your Data

Backing up your important data can save you from major headaches in the event of theft or a ransomware infection – you’d just have to download all your files again and that’s about it! There are many cloud storage services that can be used for this purpose and you can even automate the process to avoid the back and forth dragging-and-dropping of files.

6.  Turn On Find My Mac

Last, but not the least, you should activate the Find My Mac option (if not done already). It’s incredibly useful if your Mac gets stolen or you leave it somewhere on the bus. Not only does it let you find where you device is located, but also you can lock it or erase the contents remotely if you’re worried about data theft.

Wrapping Things Up

Apple products have made a name for themselves worldwide as they’re typically safe from the invasion experienced with other products. That said, not taking your Mac security seriously could result in devastating consequences such as loss of data or privacy invasion.

By following the tips mentioned above, though, you can rest assured that your Mac as well as the data stored on it will remain protected from outsiders.