How To Make Your Mac More Secure

The security superiority Mac users used to have over Windows users does not hold true anymore. In recent years, instances of Mac systems being compromised by newer strains of malware have made news. The incidents that hogged headlines shattered the notion that Mac OS is safer than Windows and others. However, Mac users can resort to a number of protective measures to boost security level in their desktops and notebooks. Whether you use a Mac Mini or MacBook pro, it is possible to make your Mac more secure.

Top 8 Steps To Make Your Mac Secure

1. Keeping Your Mac Updated

Keeping Your Mac Updated

It may sound quite simple, but keeping your Mac updated helps you evade a lot of malware. Apple keeps updating its software regularly, but you need to ensure that third party apps installed on your Mac are also updated from time to time. This will not let malware exploiting vulnerabilities in apps to creep in. The OS updates and patches are also helpful in this regard.

2. Installing And Using A Security Suite

There was a time security software was considered as a fancy add-on in Macs, but that scene has changed a lot. Nowadays, you can find several companies offering Mac specific security suites for users. Choose a suite that does not take a toll on system speed and offers comprehensive protection from malware. You can chose from freeware or commercial security apps for Mac.

3. Using Admin Account Sparingly

guest-account-mac

The default user account created on your Mac becomes the Admin account which offers full access to system files and important data. If it gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be serious. So, you can create a non admin account with limited access. Use admin account when it is necessary.

4. Enabling Full Disk Encryption

FileVault 2

Apple’s encryption solution, called FileVault 2 is ideal for safeguarding your Mac’s hard drive. It comes in handy to safeguard your data in the event of loss or theft. It runs on OS X Lion and later versions. Without password, it will not let anyone access hard drive and user account.

5. Enabling The OS X Firewall

firewall-mac

Like Windows, OS X has its own inbuilt firewall. It is basically a network filter which offers you control over service and programs that access internet. This firewall works on per-application basis, making things flexible for you. Even at the default settings, the firewall does a commendable job. The options section can be explored by advanced users. It contains a stealth mode as well.

6. Resorting To Advanced Password Management

keychain

When you use the Mac for various online activities and needs, using passwords securely becomes a necessity! It is also necessary that you handle and store passwords safely. Thankfully, OS X has its integrated password management tool named keychain which stays enabled by default. It stores several online service and site passwords. Advanced users can resort to using third party password management tools that offer more features.

7. Discard Using Adobe Reader

Adobe’ s Acrobat reader is the most popular and widely used PDF tool and Mac users like this too., However, this has often been blamed for having security loopholes. If possible, you can use alternative third party PDF readers. In fact, Mac OS X has its own PDF-reading tool. Users with OS X 10.7 and subsequent versions can use the OS’s inbuilt preview feature.

8. Disabling Java

javasafari

Now, this can be a dicey thing. A section of users can do without Java as most websites are no longer made using this programming language. However, Java applets are used by malicious websites to run codes on your PC and install rogue apps. Disabling Java in your browser can help you get rid of that issue. Safari, Firefox and Chrome –each browser has settings to enable and deactivate Java. However, some apps and web services, including those from Adobe may require Java for functioning properly.

Summing it up

Securing your Mac is not a tedious task at all. You may need to use a few third party utilities for this. However, using Apple’s built in security mechanisms yield good results for the majority of Mac users, for security boosting needs.