Security on the web is a huge issue, with cyber criminals lurking just waiting for a chance to catch computers and users off guard. Below, we’ve listed eight ways to keep your Mac safe, reducing your chances for a cyber-attack or data theft.
1. Create a Standard Account
Contents
With a Mac, it’s standard-setting to have an admin account. Instead of just setting up an admin account and getting to work, it’s better to create a second one and use it for your surfing purposes. Browsing and spending most of your time on your second account, you’ll avoid any accidental approval of admin-only changes.
2. Say Goodbye to Automatic Login
Another option to avoid when setting up your Mac is enabling automatic login. Just think, if you were to lose your computer or someone steals it, they could log in to your computer without any password. So, don’t let them do it and take away the option to get into the computer automatically.
3. Still Using Plash Player? Not Anymore!
There are a ton of vulnerabilities with Flash Player that have been popping up recently. They require updates very often and, with each update, you put your Mac at risk. So, make the switch from Flash Player, and don’t use it if you don’t have to.
4. Use Password Manager
When you create a password, don’t create one that’s too easy to guess. Too often, we go for things that are easy and have some of our basic information. Instead, go for a mix of letters and numbers that are random and capitalize them randomly. The trick is to make something that no one else can guess, so think outside of the box and don’t use anything too generic.
5. Use a 2-Way Firewall
You should never rely on one method for security. Always layer up so that you have a better and more robust line of defense. So, instead of a one-way means of protection, go for a 2-way. You can do both outbound and inbound firewalls, keeping your Mac protected from the inside out. You can surf with confidence, knowing that you’re protected, and no one can get their hands on your data or break their way into your system.
6. No Spotlight Suggestions
There’s a default setting in the latest Apple update that will suggest pages for you to visit. While it sounds nice, you run the risk of your personal information being shared with Apple, which may, in turn, share it with a third party. Spotlight is a feature that you can disable so that you don’t see any suggestions. You can find this option in your preferences, using the toggle to switch it on and off depending on your preferences and privacy expectations.
7. Use a VPN
If you’re constantly on the move and enjoy a bit of free online browsing, then you should invest in a virtual private network (VPN). These are networks that encrypt all of your data, even when using the free internet. So, just in case anyone is to hack in and get ahold of information from those surfing the web, they won’t be able to do anything with it because of the encryption.
8. Avoid File Sharing
Pirating is illegal, but let’s face it, there are still many surfers who look to uncovering ways to get ahold of files for free. Websites that approve file sharing come with downloads, and downloads could be packed with bugs or malware. If these make their way onto your computer, your data and hardware could be at risk. Plus, the negative about these kinds of computer worms is that they know how to self-replicate once they make their way into one system, infecting other computers and systems associated with yours.
Keep Your Mac Healthy
Apart from protecting your computer and adding iron-clad security, you should also take steps to protect the files and documents within it. You can do this by backing up your system and making a regular copy of your hard drive. This measure will keep a copy for your record and, just in case anything happens, store a file that you can access whenever you need it.
Hacking and cybersecurity are huge issues these days, creating a cause for concern. That’s why you have to take measures to protect your computer, keeping your information and computer safe. Following these 8 tips, you can enjoy safer surfing and get your computer working better than ever before. Today’s sophisticated hackers are constantly evolving, and so should your defense against them.