InfoAbout A Mac is often thought to be better secured than a non-Mac device. However, this has led many users to believe in the Mac OS Security Measures, over the years, that their Mac devices are simply invincible. That could not be farther from the truth. As with every other operating system in the world – either commercially available or not – Mac does have its issues too. You should take infoabout all precautions to protect your Android and iOS Devices From Cyber Threats.
In this piece, we discuss some of the common security problems faced by Mac users and how to get rid of them.
Cyber Risks That Mac Users Face
A Security report found that Mac users are getting more malware detection than PC users these days.
That does not mean they are falling to more attacks – but it surely means that some people are ramping up the attacks against this OS.
Some of such cyber risks include:
Program Malware
A North Korean group identified simply as Lazarus, for example, is highly dedicated to building apes that can infiltrate the Macs and get them backdoor access. They distribute these apps like free versions of otherwise paid legitimate apps, enticing the users into downloading and installing the malware themselves.
Crypto-Jacking
With the rise in the wave of cryptocurrencies comes hackers and threat actors who want to use your computer’s resources to mine crypto for their gains. This means that they deplete your CPU, make your computer slower, and can even cause serious damage to the internals of your machine.
A name worthy of note here is the Bird Miner malware which presents itself as audio apps while in truth, it is bundled with the crypto-mining software. An install of any of the audio apps gives way to an install of the crypto-jacking software on your computers also.
Ransomware
Another big issue facing Mac users right now is ransomware.
Here, Thief Quest comes to mind. We chose this one because it does more damage than your average ransomware.
In the real ransomware sense of the word, the hacker is only keeping your files and data under lock till you pay a decided-upon fee. With Thief Quest, you think that you are a victim of ransomware while the hackers are copying and transferring massive amounts of your data in the back end.
They are more interested in what they can get from your data than the amount you are paying. Think about all of your social media data, passwords, sensitive work spreadsheets and files, work emails, app data, credit card details, and other personal data that can be stolen this way.
Mac OS Security Measure Securing Your Systems
That’s not all there is to Mac threats, but you get the picture already. Apple has given these threat actors a challenge and they are not backing down from finding a way into the robust OS.
Fortunately, Apple does a good security job on the Mac out of the box. Unfortunately, that alone is not enough. This is why you should implement the measures below too.
#1 Avoid User Error
A large majority of new Mac users got one because they wanted to work from home securely, on the back of the recent pandemic. You must have also heard that the device on your hands is secure enough and rarely falls to hacks and threat actors. However, the majority of the time when that happens, user error can be blamed.
Know your way around the device you are carrying. Never subvert the unit’s security settings yourself, for no reason whatsoever. Finally, follow the security prompts and recommendations that come with the device.
#2 Use the Dedicated App Store
Apple built an app store for Mac users to get all the programs and software that they will ever need.
Inside this app store, Apple’s engineers can always go over the codes of the apps to ensure that they keep to best practices. That way, you can rest assured that anything you install from the app store is safe for your units.
Once you start installing from outside the app store, though, Apple doesn’t have you covered anymore. In that instance, it becomes easier to install malware onto your unit yourself. After all, there is no guarantee that the vendor you got that app from verified the codes for you.
#3 Install Security Software
Kudos to Apple, there is a solid encryption system (dubbed FileVault) on board. That alone cannot do all the security work that you need on this module, though.
Start by installing antimalware for your MacBook. Run a deep scan of your system on the first install and schedule random scans for later.
Furthermore, get a VPN For MacBook with Mac Protective Security Measures to secure your internet connection, encrypt your traffic, and ensure your anonymity on the web.
The in-built Safari browser already fights browser fingerprinting intelligently, but a VPN offers you more protection in that department. Especially if you prefer to use other browsers.
Finally, install an email scanner and a password manager. Speaking of password managers.
#4 Secure your Passwords for Mac OS Security Measures:
One of the easiest hacks you can fall victim to is the password hack. Your MacBook might provide other means of signing in, but don’t let those get in the way of a secure password.
If in doubt, use an online password generator for the best kind of password you can get anywhere. Paired with a password manager (suggested above), you are good to go.
Lest we forget, a 2FA app/feature also finds extensive application here.
#5 Browser Security Mac OS Security Measures:
Apple disabled the Flash settings from its Safari browsers back in 2010. This is just one of the many improvements – from additions to removals – that Apple has managed on this browser alone.
If you can help it, stick with Safari for its advanced safety and security features.
In the case you’d like another browser experience, go for an equally safe and secure browser too. You can find that in the lines of the Mozilla Firefox, Tor browser, and Brave browser, among others.
No matter your choice of browser, make sure to tweak the privacy and security settings right. Always double-check extensions before you install them and never load add-ons from unverified vendors.
Keep your Mac safe with Mac OS Security Measures
Again, Apple should be cheered for the good work that they have done on Mac computers over the years.
However, the buck ultimately stops with you to keep your data protected. Will you take the mantle and start doing what it takes to ensure that today?
