Top Five Mac Security Tips To Improve Online Protection

Contrary to popular belief, Macs are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as PCs. The notion that macOS is more secure boils down to a simple numbers game. Windows PCs are more widespread than Macs, and hackers are more likely to target them for maximum damage. Let’s not forget that, like Windows 10, macOS is still a commercial consumer operating system. As such, Apple’s desktop OS will always be a target for malicious actors. 

MacOS threats can include anything, from deliberate attacks to unintentional incidents that cause a breach in security. Luckily, you can take a few steps, including tweaking some built-in settings, to mitigate the threat of a breach. If you want to stay safe online and ensure that your data is secure in case your Mac is stolen, here are a few tips. 

Use Antivirus for macOS

MacOS’s built-in security is quite good at detecting and keeping threats at bay. However, it’s not enough to protect your computer from the increasingly common macOS-focused threats. Coupled with healthy security practices, Mac antivirus can keep your computer safe from malware threats. There's an array of options to choose from when it comes to antivirus software for macOS. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane and click the Firewall tab to enable the firewall for maximum protection.

Install a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a web-based service designed to help users keep their online activities private and anonymous. A VPN conceals your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic to provide complete privacy and anonymity on the internet. It will also hide your IP address and replace it with a fake one to keep your location hidden. Use a VPN on Mac to increase protection against a plethora of cybersecurity threats, including hacking, spying, identity theft, and Wi-Fi attacks when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.  

Keep FileVault Turned On

One of the most reliable ways to keep sensitive data from the hands of hackers and other cybercriminals is to encrypt it. MacOS comes with a robust built-in encryption tool known as FileVault. When enabled, FileVault will encrypt all the data on your start-up disk to keep it secure from unauthorized access. You’ll be required to enter your password when waking your device from sleep or screensaver. Go to System Preferences-> Security & Privacy and toggle the Lock icon to activate FileVault.

Block Apps from Unknown Sources

One of the biggest threats facing macOS users is malware. In the last few years, the number of Mac users experiencing malicious and potentially unwanted software attacks has increased dramatically. These apps get into your system via third-party installations. MacOS offers options to authorize which apps run on your device. You will find these options under the General Settings tab. Use this feature to block apps from unknown sources from running on your Mac.

Keep Your Device Up To Date

One of the most important steps you can take to keep your Mac safe is to ensure that your software is always up to date. Update macOS regularly to reduce the risk of a successful attack. Cyberattacks and other online threats are constantly evolving to take advantage of potential security weaknesses in your operating system. Apple puts out regular security updates to patch newly discovered vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. To stay secure, ensure that your device is running the latest version of macOS at all times. 

MacOS is not impervious to cybersecurity threats. Believe it or not, your Mac is still very vulnerable to various online threats and cyberattacks. While macOS threats are not as prolific as the threats targeting Windows users, they are still dangerous. Use these tips to mitigate these threats and keep your Mac computer secure.