In addition to sleekness and user-friendliness, Apple products are known for their top-notch security features. And with Macs featuring so much built-in protection against viruses, malware and other cyberthreats, it’s easy to see why some Mac users might let their guard down. After all, if you’ve become accustomed to various cyberthreats being stopped in their tracks, it’s only natural that you’d grow compliant. However, in spite of their many digital defenses, Macs are susceptible to a wide range of threats – particularly when the following measures haven’t been taken.

Ensure That macOS Stays Up to Date 

While you may find downloading operating system updates to be a cumbersome and/or time-consuming procedure, there’s no denying that these updates serve an important purpose. In addition to enhancing the performance of certain software and macOS as a whole, many updates serve to correct security vulnerabilities and combat newly-emerged threats. So, regardless of how bothersome you find this process, it’s in your best interest to install system updates as soon as they become available instead of placing them on the backburner and potentially forgetting about them. If you don’t trust yourself to follow through with this, simply set macOS to install updates automatically. 

Purchase Dedicated Security Antivirus Software 

Although macOS is equipped with some very effective virus-fighting components, installing dedicated antivirus software from a trusted developer can maximize your Mac’s protection against viruses and many other cyberthreats. Fortunately, in light of the mainstream popularity Apple products have enjoyed over the last two decades, many well-known developers have begun creating security software for macOS. So, if your computer is currently without dedicated antivirus software and you need to clean up Mac, it’s strongly recommended that you get on top of this.   

Steer Clear of Unsafe Websites 

Viruses and malicious software are commonly spread through unsecured websites. That being the case, you’d be wise to exercise some discernment with regard to the sites you visit. For example, if your browser or dedicated security software presents you with a warning about a certain site, take care to heed it. You can also run URLs through convenient services like Google Safe Browsing to get a clearer picture about how safe they truly are.

By extension, you should avoid visiting sites that lack a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate, as this serves to protect information as it makes its way from site to server. An SSL certificate is particularly important for a site that involves entering passwords and other personal info. 

Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi 

It’s hard to deny that public Wi-Fi networks are a good thing. In addition to providing us with easy access to the web outside of our homes and places of business, these networks ensure that people with no other form of Internet access are able to easily get online. However, the easy accessibility of these networks comes at a cost. Since public networks are generally far less secure than private ones, many cybercriminals regard them as playgrounds. 

With this in mind, make sure to exercise extreme caution when using public Wi-Fi, and take care to avoid public networks whenever possible. At the very least, you should abstain from entering passwords and other personal information over these networks. If you have no choice but to use public Wi-Fi on a regular basis, you’d do well to equip your Mac with a good virtual private network (VPN). Many VPN subscriptions are affordable on even the tightest budget and can prove invaluable at establishing a secure connection between your computer and the Internet.

Be Careful with Emails 

You should always be wary of links and attachments contained within emails. To start with, you should avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments found in messages from unfamiliar parties. Secondly, even if a message appears to be from a trusted contact, you should be on the lookout for anything that seems off, particularly if links or attachments are involved. 

There’s no shortage of good things to say about Apple computers. However, immunity to viruses is not among them. Contrary to popular belief, Macs are susceptible to viruses and other cyberthreats, and in the absence of the proper protection, Apple enthusiasts are liable to find their computers infected. Fortunately, bolstering your Mac’s defenses is far from a difficult undertaking. Mac users looking to provide their computers with first-rate protection would do well to heed the advice outlined above. 

Similar Posts