Maintaining privacy while accessing data online is one of the prime concerns for users all over the world. Although Mac devices are much safer than Windows devices, the same is true for them also.
Mac users also look for the best methods to stay safe from hackers while working on the Internet. It is not just about hackers, even authorities are keeping an eye on whatever you are doing online.
Tips to Keep Your Mac device Safe and Secure
Below we have highlighted a few security tips for Mac users to stay safe and secure while accessing data online.
1. Automatic Updates
In order to ensure complete protection of your mac, it is important to ensure that it stays up to date. The Apple system developers keep on launching new updates. They fix the bugs and try to secure users from emerging attacks. Hence, it is important to allow automatic system updates so that your device can stay tuned to the latest fixes without waiting for your permissions.
To enable automatic updates on macOS, go to the System Preferences section, here you can customize the settings for automatic updates.
2. Set Strong Passwords
One of the most important thing to ensure higher privacy in this insecure world is using strong passwords.
Experts always advise creating unique combinations of capital and small letters along with numbers and symbols. You can change your password by going to Security and Privacy settings in the General Section of your Mac device.
3. Use Firewall
When you turn on the firewall on your Mac system, it automatically blocks the unwanted network connections. To be always sure that Apple uses the firewall as its default security setting, users are responsible to adjust it. In order to turn on your firewall on Mac, follow these simple steps:
- Go to System Preferences section and then click on Security & Privacy option.
- Now visit the Firewall tab and further click on the padlock icon.
- Enter your login credentials to configure this option.
You can also protect your activities on the public networks by switching to the Stealth Mode on the Mac system.
4. Disallow Unsafe Applications
One should always have better control on what apps must run on Mac system and which one should be blocked. We only recommend allowing access to apps that are powered by App Store only.
If you want more freedom, allow apps that are created by developers recognized by Apple and App Store. It will help you keep your content safe on your macOS.
5. Use VPN for Enhanced Security
Even if they claim, never assume that Mac systems are completely safe to use. It is important to adjust a few settings to make them secure.
When you spend more time online while streaming content from different websites, it is better to use a trusted VPN service for Mac. It is also a good practice to use a VPN extension for Safari while you are browsing the internet.
VPNs encrypt all the traffic and make downloading and browsing tasks more secure. No matter whether you are using public Wi-Fi or streaming content at home, VPN can protect you everywhere. Once you start using a VPN, no one can track your activities on the network.
6. Use FileVault
This feature is really essential for all Mac users. It can help you to encrypt all files saved within your user account. In order to recover them, you may need to enter your Mac account password or a specific recovery key that is created while enabling FileVault feature.
7. Disable Java
Reports reveal that Java leads to numbers of security vulnerabilities; hence, it is better to disable it to ensure safe operations on MacOS.
When you don’t need Java on a routine basis, it can be turned off. When it is disabled, it cannot compromise the security of your Mac system by running some faulty or malicious codes.
To turn off Java on your macOS, you can simply go to the Safari and then choose Preferences. Further, go to Security and then disable Java by simply unchecking Enable Java tab.
8. Set Password on Screen Saver
It is better to put a password on the screen so that unauthorized people cannot access your device when it has gone to sleep mode. Your Mac must ask for login credentials to wake up.
Those who have a MacBook can go to the Security & Privacy settings in the System Preferences section and then set the ‘immediately’ option in the Required Password field.
9. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication makes your Mac device more secure as it provides an extra layer of security behind a normal password. The system sends a numeric code to your contact number either via phone call or text message or mobile app.
The system can be accessed only after entering that secret code. This service is more useful for online services such as Gmail, Dropbox, and Microsoft sites.
10. Use Malware Protection
Many hackers are continuously making efforts to target Mac systems. So, users need to tune to top security features. It is better to install a trustworthy malware protection tool on your macOS to fight with the hacker attacks.
11. Check What You are Sharing
When you are working in a team, you may need to share the screen for remote operations with other members of the group. But this activity must be secure and protected. Moreover, it is better to turn off sharing service when it is not in use.
You can go to the System Preferences and then click on the Sharing icon. Now look at all the boxes with ticks and disable the one that you don’t need.
You may find different settings for file sharing, screen sharing, Bluetooth sharing, Internet sharing, and many more. Adjust them to make your device safe to use.
