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Tips for Keeping your Mac Safe

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ava williams
Tips for Keeping your Mac Safe

It is super easy to finish setting up your new shiny Mac, the tricky part comes when you have to keep it safe from any cyber breach. The world where data is the biggest asset, its security automatically becomes extremely important. On a personal level, the users pay scant attention to the safety of the computer. If you do not want end up as another victim, more than just bare minimum efforts are a need.

These three areas usually prove to be gateways for the threats to your Mac: the Internet, E-mails or if someone gains access to your system.

1.    Limit Access to your Mac

•    Single account for regular activities

Create a standard non- admin account for everyday tasks. At least one admin account is necessary to finish setup; it is always advisable for a user to create a second account for storing files, installing software and others such day to day works. It serves as a layer of protection because, if all data have access to the admin account, the chances of malware attacks increase.

•    Avoid automatic login

While automatic login may not be an issue when you are using your Mac at home but, if you are using your laptop while traveling, it can pose a threat. Anyone who gets hold of it may have access to all your files the moment he or she turns on the laptop.

•    Remove unwanted Flash Players

It is always better to uninstall the flash players if they are of no use to you. In the world of data security, they are more of a problem than an asset, full of vulnerabilities and often crash. No wonder there is a segment that wants to do away with them for good. They need to be continuously updated to get rid of the flaws, hence consume unnecessary data and storage.

•    Strong password

It is always recommended to create a robust, unique and complex password. It indeed guards your system against phishing attacks. Also, one should not have the same password for all the accounts. Here password managers come to rescue. They help you maintain your important passwords without having to learn each one of them.

•    Outbound – inbound firewalls

The inbound network protection provided by Apple protects the system only from certain types of attacks, raising the need to create multiple layers of protection. An outbound firewall is hands down the most important tier in two-way firewall software. One should choose wisely a two-way firewall that prevents attack and data leak.

2.    OS Setting

•    Enable full disk encryption

To add an additional layer of security, you can use FileVault full disk encryption by Apple. It is always advisable to maintain your data in an encrypted form so that in the event of theft, your data remains safe.

•    Review Privacy and Security settings regularly

One should regularly check the permissions like location, access to contacts, etc., granted to various apps in privacy and security settings.

•    Keep the System Updated

Always install the updates provided by the company to keep your Mac safe. These updates are in line with the latest security threats and equip your system to thwart any possible attack.

•    Keep your Mac in sight

Leaving your Mac unattended and unlocked may not only lead to theft of the system but will provide access to your files and data. Enable screen savers hot corner to lock your system quickly whenever you move away.

3.  Protection of your Data and Device.

•    Tracking App

It is advisable to install a tracking app on your Mac or mobile device. It helps in locating your device if you somehow lose it.

•    Antivirus

Installation of efficient anti-virus software is non-arguably the most crucial step towards data protection. For Mac users, Mac antivirus software with its latest updates is equipped to counter attacks.

•    A big NO to pirated file sharing

Peer-to-peer sites and pirated software are too risky to try. The moment a  pirated software is installed in any device, it provides a gateway for malicious malware to corrupt the system. 

•    Create a Strong Backup

Always create a backup for your Mac, for quick and easy recovery.

Ava Williams is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. Herpassion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. Shewrites for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Source Url:- https://metnorton.com/tips-for-keeping-your-mac-safe/

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