Best Ways To Keep Your Mac Secure In 2021
With so many virus attacks and cyber-attacks, it is really complicated to keep your Mac secure, especially in this era. Indeed, Macs are loaded with in-built security settings but still, they do not perform well when having a malware attack. If you have not secured your Mac completely, it means you have left your data and privacy open to attacks.
Additionally, if you will turn on all features related to Apple’s security, there is no 100% guarantee that your Mac is secure against malware and other attacks. However, you can now protect your Mac with few steps. In this blog, I have enlisted a few best ways to secure your Mac and protect your Mac’s privacy. So, let’s get started.
10 Best Ways to Keep Your Mac Secure
Keep all of your programs updated
By keeping all your programs and software updated you will be able to secure your Mac from attacks and hackers. It is one of the best, simple, and straightforward ways to keep your Mac secured. The fact is that cyber attackers always target outdated software and programs because they are easy for creating issues. Moreover, you can always update your Mac’s version to the latest version by simply clicking on the Apple icon available on the top left of the screen.
Change the Privacy settings and Default security
Check your Mac, maybe its settings have some default settings that might allow Apple or other apps to view or share your personal data with others including location and usage data. This information might consist of device passwords, location services, diagnostic and usage data sharing, or app access to your calendars, contacts, and other personal data.
In order to change the privacy settings and default security, go to the “Security & Privacy Section” from System Preferences. You will be able to set the password from the General tab. You can also stop automatic logins and change the timing for changing the password.
Use a Good Mac Antivirus
There are various and great antivirus available in the online market for Mac. It is really important to keep an antivirus in your Mac to keep hackers away from specifically targeting Macs with advanced malware. You really need a great antivirus because Mac’s in-built security features are not designed to prevent your Mac from threats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, keyloggers, data breaches, and spyware.
While selecting an antivirus for your Mac’s security, you can look for features that provide real-time malware protection, internet security tools, advanced ransomware detection and removal, spyware protection, and phishing protection.
Use a Privacy Browser
Securing your privacy and staying safe while surfing online is really complicated. No matter what you do Safari is actually not the safest in terms of privacy and security. It means you are still vulnerable to phishing attacks and malicious sites.
Therefore, you can use alternative sources of browser that guarantee you the best safety online or while browsing. You can take use of alternative browsing options like Opera, tor, and brave. These browsers will help you in ensuring that all of the browsed websites are safe.
Use Ad & Tracking Link Blocker
Browsers like Opera and Brave are really best for security and privacy but in case if you want to stick with Safari or your usual browser. You can download extensions that provide your protection online as well. These extensions help in blocking all the ads and websites that track your browsing activities.
Not only this, but such extensions also provide you protection from phishing websites. Moreover, there are various antivirus brands that consist of easy-to-install ad blockers extensions in their packages.
Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs camouflage our original IP address and replace the IP address with a new and different location which means that hackers cannot trace our real location and connection. it makes us totally anonymous on online platforms.
Not only this, but VPN also encrypts the browsing data which means the hackers will never be able to find what you are actually doing on the internet. While there are various VPNs available in the online market make sure you are getting a legit one.
Use a Password Manager
We all have to constantly change our passwords and do you think it is safe for our security and privacy? Using a password to secure your Mac is important. But, have you locked your online accounts as well like online banking portals and social media profiles? With the help of a password manager, you will be able to have complete security and privacy on your Mac.
Reasons to use a password manager are:
- Security with passwords
- Instantly creates new passwords that are hard to break
- Saves time while logging in to apps and websites
- Saves and securely stores payment card information
Apply Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is applied wherein you wish to apply a randomly generated one-time code along with the password in order to login into your account. This type of authentication adds extra security as it helps in stopping hackers from hacking our data. To use two-factor authentication, you will first have to secure your iCloud account.
Encrypt your files
Encryption of files means securing data behind a strong password. Luckily, Mac comes with an in-built encryption tool named “FileVault” wherein you can secure most of your personal data very easily and effectively. In order to encrypt your files, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault > Turn On FileVault. As an alternative, you can also use an encryption key.
Take a backup of your files
By taking regular backup of your files, your Mac will ensure you 100% safety from hackers. Additionally, you will always have a copy of your files even if your Mac gets lost, needs a repair, or is stolen. You can also take backup with the help of the Time Machine tool.
I hope this blog helps you to secure your Mac from attacks.
Thanks for reading!