The Best Ways to Secure Your Mac

Thanks to The Tech Fools for this article. I highly recommend their website!

The macOS has a reputation as one of two very secure operating systems, the other one being Linux. This is true to a certain extent, but no operating system can call itself 100% invulnerable. However, due to its high level of security, more people are turning to macOS. Unfortunately, with popularity comes risks. Despite all the security efforts by Apple, the amount and sophistication of risks are growing. 

Here are some of the risks macOS users face: 

• Phishing Phishing is common across all operating software and is an attempt by hackers to steal your confidential information. This is because phishing scams do not target operating systems (Windows or Mac) but the users. Phishing scams fall into social engineering types of scams. They usually come in the form of links or email attachments. The message in the email is designed to manipulate your emotions and force you to act. Often these emails make you feel worried that your bank is overdrawn or that you have ordered something online and you cannot remember doing it. They also can make you feel lucky like maybe you won some sort amount of money and you just need to claim it. Once you click on the link or download the attachment, you are redirected to a fake website that solicits your info, such as password and bank details. Really watch out for these because they often have the correct logo or look like the real thing. If you feel worried or doubtful be sure not to click and instead call your bank or Amazon or whoever for information first. Most companies are aware of this and do NOT use email for important things like this.
• Malware MacOS does not allow its users to download any third-party apps or programs. However, that does not mean there is no malware or malicious software that attacks macOS. According to statistics, most of the US attacks were Trojans such as the Shlayer and Adware, which primarily target users with adverts.
• Man in the Middle Attacks Man-in-the-Middle attacks happen when you are browsing on unsecured connections like public Wi-Fi. The hacker intercepts your communication with another person and alters or modifies your messages. You will think you are communicating with someone, yet you are both communicating with the hacker. 

How to stay safe 

1. Install a VPN A VPN is like having your computer connected to a private network that only you can access. When you are home that is true anyway, but a Virtual Private Network sets up your computer to work like that anywhere. Use a Mac VPN to hide your IP address and prevent hackers from tracing your connection and actual location. This makes you completely anonymous while online. A VPN also encrypts your communication and protects you from various attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks. 
2. Keep your macOS and Programs updated. When developers roll out software updates, they patch up security vulnerabilities in the previous versions. If you do not update your OS, the hackers already know which security loopholes to use. Set up your OS to auto-update every time there is an update. 
3. Use a Mac Anti-virus software There are numerous anti-virus software in the market, but few are suitable for software specifically targeting macOS. Apple’s inbuilt security features cannot do the job sufficiently, so you need to boost your security. Conclusion Most Mac users wrongly assume their devices are 100% foolproof. Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated and are designing macOS-specific malware. It is highly recommended you boost your Mac’s security to protect your data from theft.