Over the past 12 months, there has been a steady increase in cybercrime. Most likely, the ongoing pandemic was its catalyst. It’s believed that users of Apple devices are less vulnerable to hacker attacks because already built-in programs are what they need for security. Unfortunately, that was in the past.
Due to its growing popularity, the macOS platform has become a prime target for cyber threats, including phishing, viruses, hacks, and malware. In this article, we’ll share with you tips and tricks to ensure the safe use of your computer.
Table of Contents
System Security
The first thing you need to do is go to System Preferences. Disable Auto-Login. If there are multiple users on your Mac, then be sure to specify the List of Users who can log in to the system.
Open the Security & Privacy tab and set a password for the Pref Pane login. Even for in-home usage, it’s recommended to ask for a password after activating the sleep mode or screen saver. This way, you’ll avoid possible breakdowns due to the device being used by children or violation of confidentiality when using it at work.
A laptop is one of those things that can be easily lost. Apple was right when providing its users an option of finding it with a pop-up message. The person who has your device will be able to write about the finding. To enable this option, click on the Set Blocking Message button.
Encryption
One of the most effective ways to fight cybercriminals is to install encryption. Using this setting, you transform information. It becomes inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
FileVault is a built-in Apple tool that converts information on your startup disk and prompts you for a password when you log in.
Unfortunately, only encryption isn’t enough. The type of software you can rely on is an antivirus on your PC that is designed exactly to protect the device from hacker attacks and adware.
VPN
One of the network security solutions is VPN, which improves login privacy. It encodes your traffic and replaces the ID address with a fake one. Using VPN, you’ll protect your computer from a wide range of threats: espionage, theft, Wi-Fi attacks, hacking. This tool gives you the ability to browse Safari safely and remain anonymous.
Two-Factor Authentication
2FA is an authentication method designed to improve the safeness of all online accounts. It provides additional security beyond a simple username and password. The tool ensures that you’re the only person with access to your Apple ID account. And even if someone has your password, they won’t be able to log into your profile.
To enable two-factor authentication on your Mac, follow these steps:
- In System Preferences, choose Apple ID> Password & Security.
- Select the Configure Two-Factor Authentication tab> Continue.
- Answer security questions.
- Click the Check button.
- Enter your phone number.
- Select an authentication method and click Continue.
- Next, you need to enter the code sent to your phone.
This way, you’ve verified your identity and created two-factor authentication. If you log out of your account or delete all data, you’ll be prompt for a code.
Software Updating
To ensure high-quality security on your PC, be sure to update the software. That’s how many hackers exploit vulnerabilities in a non-updated system and outdated applications (for example, browsers or operating systems). Therefore, try to regularly update Mac OS X and its components to avoid being hacked.
Installing the latest operating system version will also improve the device’s performance and stability. Plus, you get a number of the latest options that you might find valuable.
There are a few tools that you definitely won’t hurt to install.
Apple Pay
This tool is a godsend for those who use Apple devices. That’s because it allows you to make secure and confidential payments on any device of this brand. At the same time, you don’t need the physical presence of a credit card or cash.
To add a card, go to System Preferences and open the Users and Groups tab.
Bluetooth
Remember to turn it off when using Bluetooth. This tool is easy to hack, so it’s best to use it strictly as needed.
To turn it on/off, use System Preferences and then open Bluetooth.
Firewall
A firewall is a component of OS X and monitors alien connections to your PC. That’s how unauthorized programs, applications, or services can receive incoming messages. To keep that from happening, we recommend setting the following Firewall Settings:
- Allow the built-in software to accept automatically incoming connections
- Automatically receive incoming connections for downloaded programs
- Use stealth mode.
Geolocation Services
Another tool that allows you to find your laptop anywhere in the world is geolocation. Set the flag next to Location Services, and then deselect all items below it. At the bottom of the list, click on Details and turn off everything except Find My Mac.
What to Do with the Camera and Microphone?
Each PC has a list of applications that use the camera and microphone. For example, Skype, with the help of which you can make a video call.
But many users have become wary of enabling these two options indiscriminately. Therefore, to control the process of turning them on or off, it’s important to pay attention not only to the indicators. Protect the device with manual settings of the camera and microphone. Uncheck the applications which shouldn’t have access.
Conclusion
Recently, the number of hacker attacks has increased significantly, while they have become more sophisticated. Don’t think that the products of the global IT giant Apple are invulnerable. macOS, just like regular Windows or Linux PCs, are susceptible to cyber threats. Of course, the former protection may seem better at first glance. However, as its popularity grows, Macs are becoming a prime target for all sorts of scams and viruses.
In this article, we’ve discussed the main aspects of protecting your computer. After all, now the Mac user cannot delegate the responsibility of securing the device to a manufacturer. Thus, we need to think about the protection of personal data ourselves.