Contrary to popular belief, Apple’s Mac computers are not bastions of security. While it is true that Macs are less prone to some of the issues that plague PCs, this doesn’t hold true for all threat types.

In addition, recent research suggests that malware threats specifically designed for Mac users are growing at a faster rate than those threats designed for PCs. As reported by Forbes, the report “concludes that the volume of Mac threats increased by more than 400% year-on-year in 2019, outpacing Windows.”

In 2021 and beyond, Mac users need to step up their security protocols and take a more active role in cybersecurity, rather than accepting it as a given. 

Luckily, there are plenty of third-party software solutions and native tools that make securing a Mac computer easy and affordable. With that in mind, here are five ways to secure your Mac device and keep your private data private.

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Once thought of primarily as privacy tools, VPNs are now rising to prominence as cybersecurity programs in their own right. Through a process known as tunneling, a VPN program generates a private browsing network, shielding the user’s activity for view and encrypting any data transmissions.

In layman’s terms, this means that when you browse using a Mac VPN, no one can detect your activity, and even if they did, the information you send over the internet, be it credit card details or personal information, is encrypted. As imaginable, this is incredibly helpful when you’re connected to open WiFi networks, which are known for being laden with threats.

2. Enable your Mac’s FileVault

One of Mac’s best native security features is FileVault, a disk encryption tool that keeps all your private personal information secure and hidden from would-be thieves. As Apple notes, FileVault boasts “XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to help prevent unauthorized access.”

Enabling FileVault is simple: Head to the Apple menu, then to System Preferences and Security & Privacy. Next, open the dedicated FileVault tab and enter your admin name and password before clicking Turn On FileVault.

If your Mac has multiple pre-existing user accounts, you will need to repeat the process for each user. Look for the Enable User button. If you add accounts after enabling FileVault, you will not need to repeat the process.

3. Get antimalware and antivirus software for Mac

Macs do come with native antivirus protection in the form of XProtect. However, according to security experts, it falls short of the mark when compared to third-party solutions. In fact, How To Geek called it a “rudimentary solution,” a rather damning summation that echoes many others. 

Given this state of affairs, the better solution is to purchase dedicated antivirus and antimalware programs. It should be stressed that most macOS threats fall into the adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUP) categories, but as stated earlier, malware targeting Macs is rising sharply. 

4. Invest in an authenticator app

Authenticator apps do as the name suggests: offer a more secure way to authenticate your accounts via two-factor (2FA) or multi-factor (MFA) authentication. The days of logging in to each account with just a single password are long gone. Brute force attacks are increasingly sophisticated, so an additional layer of security is key.

A word to the wise, though, try to avoid using SMS as an authentication method. Hackers can reroute text messages, and there are far more secure ways to validate log-in requests.

5. Practice good digital hygiene

You’ve heard it for years, but the advice remains true and relevant to this day. Use long, complex passwords for each account. Do not repeat passwords, nor include personal information. Don’t answer silly memes on Facebook posts that ask for your “stripper name” (aka the street you grew up on and the name of your favorite pet). And do not click on any suspicious links, whether they’re on a website or in your inbox.

The number and strength of Mac threats may be rising, but by taking a few steps towards better cybersecurity, such as those outlined above, you can keep your Mac safe in 2021 and beyond. 

Author

Sumit is a Tech and Gadget freak and loves writing about Android and iOS, his favourite past time is playing video games.

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