Apple‘s Mac line of products is famous for a reason—a few, actually. They are well-built, easy to use, and sport arguably the sleekest OS ever. These praises don’t take away from the fact that the OS could be a bit more secure, however. Today, let’s go over five ways Mac users can secure their Mac.
5 Ways to Secure Your Mac
1. Update MacOS
Let’s kick off this list by getting the golden rule of software out of the way. What is this golden rule, you may ask? Always update your operating system (in this case, macOS). Frequently updating MacOS ensures that your Mac is fitted with the latest patches and security updates, helping keep your device safe.
2. Install a VPN
How often do you use your Mac out in public? When you do, do you connect to public networks? If you do, you need a VPN for Mac.
See, public networks often lack encryption. Rarely are these networks built with security in mind. Most would tell you to avoid public networks, but not everyone can afford to do so. If you need to connect to a public network, use a Virtual Private Network.
A VPN encrypts all data your Mac sends out through the network. And what does encryption do? To keep it short, encryption makes your data unreadable to any other party but you.
3. Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing—thousands of people fall for it every year. Why? Well, phishing scammers have gotten smarter, and they know exactly what Internet users want to hear. Free rewards, discounts, items: phishing scams promise the world, and this is enough to trick thousands of people each year.
Unfortunately, macOS is not safe from phishing scams due to most phishing scams taking place through either phone or email. When doing anything online, be sure to avoid any phishing scams. If it promises you free rewards, it’s a scam. If it promises you a discount, it’s a scam. Too good to be true? It’s a scam.
4. Encrypt Data with FileVault
Both Windows and macOS have their own solution for encrypting data, and while Windows’ BitLocker gets a decent amount of attention, many users don’t talk about MacOS’s FileVault.
FileVault works in a similar fashion to BitLocker, encrypting the Mac’s startup disk. The encryption process is quick, unintrusive, and barely affects your day-to-day with the machine. Enable it soon! It’s easy to discount the effectiveness of encryption software—and many continue to do so—but the peace of mind FileVault brings is unmatched.
5. Require User Login
Stepping away from your Mac for longer than a few seconds opens you up to new threats. If you’re in a public place with your MacBook, someone can walk up and look through your files. If you live with someone, they may decide to take your Mac out for a spin without your permission.
Set your Mac up to automatically log you out after a certain period of inactivity and have it require a password to log back in. And obviously, don’t share your password!
Conclusion
macOS is a great operating system often thought of as 100% secure. And while that’s not true, it can be close. These five tips will help you secure your Mac to the best of your ability.
