MacBooks or Macs possess built-in security settings, but they may not be used in an effective manner. This leaves your privacy and data exposed to attacks from cyber-criminals. Though locking down and securing your computer in totality is not possible, you can maximize the privacy and security of your Mac by exploring your settings and setting up a good system of defences.
Following are some tips recommended by the typical Apple MacBook service centre for ensuring the same:
Enable automatic updates
It is vital to maintain your apps and Mac OS (Operating System) always up to date since it helps to deal with software vulnerabilities. If these are not updated, hackers can exploit such vulnerabilities to gain access to your private data. Modern Macs feature such automatic updates by default, but it is useful to check whether the computer is downloading these effectively.
Enable filevault
FileVault is software that encrypts the Mac. It jumbles up the data of the device, so it is unintelligible to anyone without your password. This implies that if the Mac is stolen or lost, no one can access the storage files. Modern Macs have these tools by default.
Password protection for folders
It is good to learn how to password protect folders on the Mac. This permits the storing of sensitive information that is accessible only with a password. This can be done without any additional software and simply by using only the Disk Utility app of the Mac.
Enable firewalls
Apple Mac has a built-in firewall which allows the blocking of unwanted network connections and the protection of devices from malware. This is a valuable layer of protection but should be turned on. Note that the firewall provided by Apple protects only against incoming traffic, so for full protection that includes data going out, consider the use of a third-party firewall.
Back-up files
In case the Mac is subject to any danger, it is good to always back-up files so that there are always copies of such files. For example, it is the case if the Mac is stolen or damaged, needing repairs.
It is good to use Apple’s Time Machine feature to back up files. This tool backs up files on an external, separate hard drive that permits you to restore the computer and its data from a recent, specific time.
Delete unwanted software
Based on how long you have used your Mac, it might have software that is no longer useful. Much space is used up by such unwanted software, but more crucially, it can sometimes cause a security risk since it may contain exposed vulnerabilities.
Review privacy settings
Like a phone, there might be different privacy permissions granted by you to apps on your Mac to access sensitive data like your calendar, contact or location. A good practice is to review such permissions regularly to ensure that they are set to a comfortable level.
Strong passcode or touch-id
When the computer is left unattended, it is wise to have a screen saver that works only with a passcode. In case you have a more recent version of the Mac, you can enable log-in with a Touch ID. Take the help of the Apple MacBook repair centre if you are stuck.
In sum, though cyber-criminals have increased their attacks on the Mac in recent times, implementing simple changes like those mentioned above can aid you in fully protecting your Mac and its valuable data.
