September 4, 2020 Tips to Protect Your Mac from External Attacks

Macs are not exempt from cybersecurity attacks. Here are some of the best ways to protect your Mac.

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for people and businesses around the world. That’s why you should always protect your personal and business data from external threats. Now, if you are using Mac, there is that myth that the OS is quite robust against malware or hacking attacks. That’s not true! You still need a combination of several proven strategies in protecting your Mac from attacks. Let us walk you through some of the best ways to protect your Mac from attacks.

Update your Mac frequently

Apple keeps rolling out updates frequently. Whenever your Mac prompts you to install updates, don’t hesitate. Install these essential updates. Some of the security updates are released by Apple to allow your Mac to deal with the latest trends in computer threats. Although this will not entirely make it immune to Mac viruses or other malicious programs, it will no doubt reduce the risk of attacks. To update your Mac manually, click the Apple icon then choose “System Preferences”. Select the “Software Update” option and choose “Update Now”. Often, your Mac apps get automatically updated. However, you can go to the App Store and hit on “Updates” if you want to update them manually.

Tip: You should also update your software tools to the latest version whenever there is a new version available. Software upgrades will often come with security patches that will help secure your Mac from attacks targeting flaws.

Clean Up Your Mac

Cleaning up your Mac is another great way to protect your Mac from threats. Yes, it will help you handle junk like Cache that pose threats. Of course, caches are crucial in allowing your Mac programs and browsers to run faster. However, the junk piles up and takes up a huge space in your hard drive. Well, that is not the only downside of having junk build up. Your mac cache can be a weak link to hacking threats. They carry vital or sensitive information that can be used by hackers to perpetrate their malice. Web caching login is an example of the riskiest of the caches given it exposes some of your sensitive information like login details that can be stolen via web proxy. Just clean up your cache using a suitable cleanup software and save your Mac from common threats.

Install a Suitable Antimalware Software

Antimalware software scan and remove viruses or any malicious programs on your Mac. Picking a trusted anti malware program for Mac is key in intercepting malware attacks targeting you. For example, whenever you download any file, the antimalware program would scan before permitting you to download it. This prevents you from falling prey to viruses attached to downloads that would otherwise corrupt your files. Shop around and get yourself a dedicated antivirus for your Mac.

You can also use a firewall to filter out external connections that present threats to your Mac.

Avoid surfing using the Administrator Account

The administrator account should be exclusively dedicated for system admin tasks. If you want to surf or read any other email, avoid using the administration account. Instead, create a non-administrator account and use it for other tasks outside administrative works. Emails and surfing can be weak links to your system and is worse if it hits your administrator account.

Be careful with your Passwords

You always secure your Mac accounts and apps with passwords to avoid a breach that could affect your personal and business information. It is not just about having passwords though. You will need to practice best practices with them to avoid security issues. Here are a few tips to secure your Mac passwords:

• Avoid reusing passwords for different accounts and apps
• Use strong passwords you can create passwords using a combination of characters, numbers, symbols, etc.
• Make sure no one watches you as you enter passwords
• Always log off from apps whenever you are not using them
• Change those sensitive passwords periodically

Use Secure Networks

Insecure networks can be an avenue where attackers can also use to target you. So, avoid using connections like public wifi that could be infiltrated by criminals. If you must use public connections then take precautions. For example, you can use what’s known as a Virtual Private Network tool on Mac to protect your privacy.

Beware of Rogue Websites

You should always be careful whenever you are browsing around. Remember, there are many rogue sites that can infect your Mac with malware. As a rule of thumb, browse on secure sites only. For example, you can check if the site has an HTTPS connection rather than an HTTP. This is a secure version of the protocol that protects users especially on sites with financial and other sensitive transactions. Be careful of the dark web, torrents, and pretty much those sites that look too good to be true. You can use browser add ons to protect you from pop ups that could be rogue.

Wrap up

Always strive to keep your Mac device safe and avoid losing critical personal and business information. Well, there is no single solution to secure your Mac from threats. Use a combination of techniques to stay safe!

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