Macbooks are known as computers that are not prone to cybersecurity threats. However, it does not mean that macOS users should forget about securing their computers. And there might be some who are still relatively new and are not that familiar with all the measures they can take to protect themselves from malware and viruses.
This article is a solid guide and should be used as a reference in case you are still learning about the intricacies of cybersecurity for a Macbook or if you are not sure whether you have done enough to protect your computer.
Table of Contents
Step #1 – Use A Reliable Antivirus
A cybersecurity strategy can begin with a reliable antivirus. Get yourself software that detects and eliminates potential threats right away. You should also get in the habit of running disk scans regularly.
Some corrupted files have to be removed manually. You will need to uninstall mac programs that were affected and pose a danger to the computer system.
There are multiple options when it comes to antiviruses. Even if you do not have a budget, a free anti-malware tool can do the job so long as it has the necessary features.
Look for information online, ask for recommendations, and create a list of antiviruses you find good enough to use. Pick one from the list after researching, and you should be good to go.
Step #2 – Disable Automatic Login
If there is a chance that your Macbook can get in the hands of other people, disabling the automatic login feature is a good piece of advice. It might be a bit of a pain to enter a password every time you start the computer, but why risk it?
In case someone steals your Macbook and wants to access all the important information on it, they will not have any issues if the computer has no password protection.
Step #3 – Check For System And Software Updates
System and software updates should take priority whenever they are available. And it is not just about new features and performance improvements. Despite being relatively small, some updates patch security holes that expose the Macbook system to potential threats.
Even if you have the most recent Macbook, do not think that it has all the protection in the world. Keep an eye for new OS or software versions and make sure that you are up to date.
Step #4 – Come Up With Strong Passwords
Never use the same password for two different accounts, especially when it comes to important matters, such as your bank, emails, or cloud services where you keep your documents.
Many people prefer simple passwords, and they stick to a combination of a random word and a few numbers. However, that is not a good practice. Create a difficult password and store it on your smartphone or write the password on a piece of paper until you memorize it.
Step #5 – Browse Via VPN
Virtual private networks are becoming more popular. People are aware of potential threats online and want to improve their security and privacy.
A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts data to prevent others from tracking you down. Virtual private networks are also recommended when you connect to public Wi-Fi. Public internet access is prone to hacker attacks, and you can never be certain whether someone has set a trap and is waiting for unsuspecting people to join the network.
If you want to improve your internet browsing experience even more, get an ad blocker that stops advertisements. This way, you will reduce the chances of clicking on a pop-up that redirects you to a malware-infested landing page.
Step #6 – Create Data Backups
Even if you take as many security precautions as you can, there is still a chance that something might happen to your Macbook, and your data becomes unrecoverable.
Instead of taking a risk, why not take some time and back up the files on the Macbook to give yourself peace of mind? There are tools like Time Machine that will create a backup. You can also use external storage devices and cloud services, such as Dropbox and iCloud.
If something happens to your files, you will have a copy that will help recreate lost data. Keep in mind that there are all kinds of cybersecurity threats, and ones that damage or delete data are one of the worst.
Step #7 – Ignore Questionable URLs
When you receive questionable links, you would be better off ignoring them, even if they are from people you know and trust. There is no reason to endanger your Macbook. In fact, even if you stumble upon a shady URL while searching for something, avoid it.
You can never know where you might end up. After all, the internet is full of websites that will infect your computer with malware as soon as you end up on a landing page. And a reliable antivirus might not be enough to protect you.