If you use your Mac regularly to access files on external drives and surf the internet, you need to prioritize security. For many years, most Mac users focused on something other than securing their devices because Macs never got viruses. In recent years, however, things have changed. There has been an increase in security threats. And this puts Mac users at risk. It’s time to start thinking of ways that you can use to protect yourself and your valuable content from hackers. If you need help figuring out where to start, this article is for you. We are going to share with you a few expert tips that you can use to optimize your Mac’s built-in security features.
How secure is your Mac?
As a Mac user, you probably know that Apple releases security updates regularly to prevent hackers from finding flaws in the system’s code and attacking users. These updates also help manage individuals who can release their apps in the App Store to prevent users from downloading and installing rogue apps.
Your gadget also has Gatekeeper – a feature that ensures users install and run software from trusted sources. When you try to install and run software that hasn’t been downloaded from the App Store, Gatekeeper must verify it. You can decide whether to proceed or not at this point. Other notable security features include Firewall and XProtect – an antivirus for Mac. While this XProtect can detect and prevent malware from running, it’s pretty basic. So, what is the best antivirus for Mac at the moment? There are a lot of antiviruses on the market. Your choice will depend on your needs, ease of use, budget, and number of users. The best ones include McAfee Antivirus, Intego Mac Internet Security X9, and Trend Micro Antivirus.
Most Macs have in-built hardware security, including T2 Security Chip, which provides secure boot and encryption security. With all these security features and a robust platform, you should remember that Macs are not immune. Back in the day, Windows PCs were the target. Over the years, this has changed.
Optimizing your Mac’s Built-in security
Here are some of the tips that you can use to optimize your Mac’s built-in security:
Exercise caution when clicking and installing
While troubleshooting the “MacBook keeps restarting” issue, be cautious when clicking on suspicious links or installing unfamiliar software. Ensure that any solutions or downloads you find come from trusted sources, such as the official App Store platform.
Update your system regularly
Software developers at Apple usually release updates to users regularly to prevent hackers from spotting weaknesses in the code and inconveniencing users. That’s why you should constantly update your software whenever you can. This essential safety tip can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Enable the firewall
The built-in firewall blocks every incoming connection to your gadget. This means that if a hacker is on your network and they try to access your Mac, they’ll be cut off. Turning on the firewall won’t affect your computer’s speed or performance.
Manage your password access using keychain access
When you choose complex passwords, it will be harder for criminals to crack. While complex passwords are good, they can be challenging to remember. Since you should refrain from reusing passwords, tracking usernames and passwords can become quite tricky. Keychain Access is here to help you with this. It stores your passwords securely. And allows you to access them when you want. You can locate the passwords stored on the app and from other gadgets.
Save a strong password for login
One of the most important things you should do with your gadget is set a strong password. If you’re using your computer at home, you might think having a password is unnecessary. However, you should remember that no document is secure on your computer if anyone can access it.
Lock your mail
Most criminals start by hacking emails. Therefore, you must lock it down to keep all your files secure. You can do this by opening your mail settings and turning on Mail Protection. As we said earlier, you should avoid clicking links on suspicious emails or downloading files.
Conclusion
You can optimize Mac security by using built-in features together with third-party tools. As a gadget owner, protecting yourself from threats should be a top priority. Other safety tips that you should consider using include:
- Strong passwords.
- Keeping your gadget updated.
- Avoiding public Wi-Fi.
- Backing up your content regularly.
Go through your Mac’s security settings to enhance your defense.
