Home Technology Beef up your Mac’s security with these tips

Beef up your Mac’s security with these tips

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Due to the high demand for Macs, Apple launches a new lineup of Macs every year, where each product comes equipped with new and better components and functionalities. Powered by macOS, Macs are great for performing demanding computational functions. Creative professionals, IT experts, and individuals from numerous other professions love using Mac for their work. Besides being top-tier devices for work purposes, Macs are also great for entertainment, such as consuming content online and playing online games. Thanks to such top-notch features, Macs are immensely popular among the masses. According to TechRadar, Apple Macs were among the most sold devices in 2021. 

Another reason that sets Macs apart from other devices is that they are highly safe and secure. Compared to PCs, they are less susceptible to malware and viruses. However, since new types of malicious software are being created and distributed through numerous channels every day, Mac users should ensure that their Mac stays extra safe and secure by following the given tips:

Install An Outbound Firewall

Even though macOS’ native firewall protection is very effective, it may not be able to protect your Mac against advanced varieties of malware and viruses. Hence, it would be best to opt for an outbound firewall, a defense system that features multiple layers of security. It prevents any hidden malware from connecting to the web and prohibits any major damage or loss. Outbound firewalls alert users when any application or software tries connecting to the Internet. There are numerous varieties of outbound firewalls readily available in the market, which you can choose from to enhance your Mac’s safety quotient. 

 Set a Password

Setting a password is one of the most effective ways of protecting your Mac’s data from external threats. For instance, even if your password-protected Mac gets stolen or goes missing, the chances of your data getting compromised get very low unless the individual who has stolen your device knows your password. Furthermore, if your friends or family members use your Mac, setting a password would allow you to be in charge of the device. You can conveniently set a new login password for your Mac by navigating to your Mac’s “Users & Groups” section present under “System Preferences”. When you click on the “Change Password” option, you will be prompted to enter your current password and type the new one in the “New Password” dialog box. 

Even though setting up a password can enhance your Mac’s security, you may find it difficult to keep it in mind, especially if the password is a complex one consisting of special symbols and numbers. If you forget your password, you will be locked out of your Mac. However, an effective way around the Macintosh forgotten password problem is resetting the password. There are numerous ways following which users can reset their Mac’s password. For instance, if you own an Intel-based Mac, you can reset your password by enabling the “Recovery Mode”. Besides this, you can also use your Apple ID to reset your Mac’s password or do so by using another account. 

Keep Your Mac Up-to-Date By Installing the Latest macOS Updates.

Every year, Apple rolls out a major macOS update that features tons of new and improved features and visual elements. Besides this, developers keep releasing minor patch updates throughout the year to ensure no minor issues bother users. New software updates also feature updated security protocols and other safety features which strengthen Mac’s safety and security. Hence, if you wish to keep your Mac from internal threats, you should frequently download and install new updates. 

Use a Virtual Private Network

If you use your Mac extensively to browse the Internet, shop online, download files, etc., you should get a good-quality Virtual Private Network software or VPN. VPNs encrypt data from a device and protect them from cybercriminals who scour the web actively to steal passwords, card details, and other forms of sensitive information.

Besides this, VPNs also keep your IP address hidden from websites, which significantly enhances your Mac’s security. While using public WI-Fi, having a VPN is a must since public networks are the most common place where cyber crimes occur. Furthermore, using a VPN also prohibits your Internet Service Provider from accessing your browsing history since it encrypts your online activities. There are numerous free as well as paid VPN software available online. Free VPNs feature limited functionalities and can be used to perform basic online tasks. On the other hand, paid VPN applications offer numerous extra features for better safety and security. 

If you are someone who uses their Mac device daily to work online and offline, you should seriously consider implementing the tips mentioned above to solidify your Mac’s security. In addition to securing your Mac, you should also keep actively backing up data to an external hard drive to be on the safe side in case of any Mac-related mishap.