Gone are the days that Mac users could avoid malware just by having a Mac. As Mac becomes a popular operating system choice, malware writers target them for their sensitive data. Mac OS X users should take a few extra steps to be more secure and protect their privacy.
Here are some tips to protect your data if you own a Mac:
1) Don’t Use an Admin Account
It’s tempting to just use an admin account as your main account. It’s less hassle to install new software and change configurations. However, if a hacker is able to trick you into downloading malicious software, he can use your account to breach your machine. You should create a separate account for normal activity and use the admin account only for specific configurations and installs that require it.
2) Use Encryption for Important Files
Mac users have the option of FileVault. FileVault is an application that encrypts your entire drive. To access it, you need to enter your password. Use this option especially if you have a laptop. If you ever lose your laptop, the thief won’t be able to access any of your files since a password must be entered to access drive data.
3) Purchase Find My Mac
For $49/year, you can install an application called Undercover. This software helps you recover your computer should you lose it or it gets stolen. It takes images of your desktop and even locks the hardware. It’s also good if you lose the Mac and it can’t be recovered. Coupled with FileVault, your system is mainly unusable by a thief.
4) Sign Up for a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) adds a little extra layer of protection by tunneling to a remote server, and then using that remote server to access web data. You can get VPN access from various vendors for relatively cheap. For instance, NordVPN lets you VPN using any Mac OS including OS X or even iOS. You can even encrypt your chat messages and use Bitcoin payments.
5) Browse Without a Digital Footprint
Popular search engines such as Google and Bing use cookies and account profiling to track your search history and settings. You can reduce your digital footprint by using more anonymous search engines such as DuckDuckGo. You don’t need an account, they don’t have ads, and you don’t need any additional services to use the search engine. Just go to the site, search and go.
6) Install Antivirus Software
Mac users are no longer protected from just their operating system. Years ago, malware writers stuck to Windows and Linux as the main operating systems for malware and breaches. Today, iOS has put Mac into the spotlight and more users are opting for Macs rather than Windows or Linux. The result is that your laptop or desktop needs antivirus applications to defend against new threats that target Mac users.
These are just a few tips, but don’t forget some simple common sense. Don’t give your password to sites you don’t trust, don’t respond to suspicious emails, and only download software from official developer sites.
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