The security of your computer should always be in the first place, but not everyone takes it seriously. It is high time to look after your Apple computer. We will share with you the most helpful and interesting tips and tricks.
Despite the huge desire to protect personal data, most Mac users do very little for this. That is why skillful hackers and – in some cases – even authorities, can easily access our personal data.
Fortunately for Mac users, Apple developed a heavily protected operating system. In addition, there are many third-party apps out there that make the process of safeguarding personal data much easier.
There are two main sources of threats to your privacy and personal data: the Internet and someone who has direct access to your device. Following the tips below, you can secure your Mac to the maximum extent. Well, let’s go!
Start with the basics
Don’t know where to start? Go to the Security and Privacy panel in System Preferences where you will find four tabs. Each of them reflects different sides of security.
To make changes, find the lock at the bottom of the screen. After clicking on it, the system asks to enter user’s name and password. If you do not have administrator rights, all the changes performed will only apply to your account, not to the entire Mac.
1.Put Firewall on guard
The decision to enable Firewall should be one of the first ones you take after starting work on the Mac. This utility blocks all unwanted incoming connections from the network. It’s important to pay attention: in some cases, the Firewall does not turn on by default (it’s not clear why), but it happens. Be sure to do this manually.
2. Use passwords
If you have not yet set a password for your account, hurry to do so. In addition, you can specify whether to use the password when unlocking Mac after it exits the sleep mode, for example. This is particularly important if you are an employee in an office where a bunch of other people is working.
Speaking about passwords… As you know, excellent passwords are hard to remember, but they also shouldn’t be written down. And then the problem arises: what should I do? An excellent solution can be a password manager, for example, Dashlane, or 1Password. These utilities generate and store reliable passwords.
3. Disable automatic login
Do not neglect this advice. Yes, when the system, browser and various applications remember your passwords, it saves you time, making the authorization process faster. But if someone else gets access to your Mac, watch out. And what can happen if your laptop is stolen? One shudders even to think.
4. Green light not to all apps
Three variants of applications can be launched on your computer. The first and the safest (but not everyone will like it) software group includes apps from the official App Store. For risky Mac users, the second option is available – to allow applications from any sources. The happy medium – to run applications from the official App Store and designed by developers who work with the company. In this scenario, you don’t install and use software from developers you don’t know or about whom you can’t find trustworthy information.
5. Encrypt the data with FileVault
If the security of data is for you more important than the convenience, you will appreciate this advice. FileVault encrypts all files of the user account. You can decrypt this data by entering the password of your account or the recovery key produced when you activated FileVault.
6. Manage your location tracking settings
Mac user can choose which programs can access the data about his location. In the Privacy tab, you can disable the tracking services in full or open access to some applications partially.
7. Use Safari to support your privacy
Sometimes you do not want anyone to know what information on the Internet you were looking for and what websites you have visited. Safari provides its users with such an opportunity. This Apple browser allows you to visit various pages without recording any information in History (if you activated this function). You can also empty the History in Safari and choose which sites can keep cookies on your Mac. How do you clear cache on a Mac, as well as all browsing history? Just enable the Developer mode via the Safari menu.
8. Control who and what you share with
Activation of the Share service is like when you install one additional window in your home. Your Mac starts sharing chosen files with other computers. It will be better if you disable this feature unless you critically need it.
9. Enable guest user
We are telling you about the importance of your personal data security and at the same time asking you to activate the guest user. You can say that we are crazy because it will give anyone who has stolen your Mac access to all your information. The thing is, it’s not that how it works. Firstly, you can define which folders a user can access under the guest account. And secondly, this is a vital tool for the Find My Mac service allowing you to track the stolen or lost Apple device.
We truly believe that these tips will enhance the security of your Mac!