It is easy to neglect to take proper care of your MacBook’s security, given how reliable these devices are. In addition, macOS is less likely to become a hacker target when compared to Windows. There are fewer Mac users, so hackers are not as keen to bother developing malware that only affects MacBook owners.
Nevertheless, despite these advantages, it is still important to protect your device from potential threats. Even minor viruses can snowball and cause significant performance problems or leak your personal information to third parties.
If you feel like you have not invested enough of your time to make your MacBook secure, use the tips below to create a more efficient cybersecurity strategy.
Avoid Shady Websites
Since most threats come from the internet, you should start by avoiding shady websites. In fact, it would probably be better to learn how to permanently block a website mac browser finds suspicious, so you do not visit it again. Blocking dangerous sites also helps if you are not the only person using the computer. The odds of someone else visiting a malware-infected site are also there.
Other than blocking shady websites and avoiding suspicious URLs, you should also install an ad blocker extension to your internet browser. There are instances when clicking on an aggressive advertisement will send you to a dangerous site and infect the MacBook with malware.
Do Not Overshare Information Online
If you spend a lot of time on social media, Discord, and other communication channels that are full of people you do not know in real life, avoid oversharing personal information.
Getting too close to someone and accidentally spinning personal details might result in that person trying to figure out your passwords. They may also send you an infected file that you will open unsuspectingly and get hacked.
Use Proper Antivirus Software
Relying on antivirus software is one of the best ways to avoid potential cybersecurity threats attacking your computer.
Mac has XProtect, which is a default built-in anti-malware tool. However, some users have reported their concerns about XProtect. In fact, there are posts online about how the software does more harm than good to the MacBook.
It would probably be better to get a different antivirus for your Mac. For example, you could get Avast, Bitdefender, or Norton.
Make sure that your antivirus software is running in the background all the time. Add it to the startup item list, so it loads whenever you start the computer. Doing so will mean that the tool is active and scanning the system for potential threats.
Rely on Virtual Private Networks
As a rule of thumb, it is better to avoid public Wi-Fi, given how unsafe it is. However, there are instances when you have no choice but to use the internet at a cafe, library, or hotel.
If that happens, do not hesitate and invest in a virtual private network that will hide your tracks online. A VPN also changes an IP address. It is as if you are using the internet from a different location than where you are originally, which makes it difficult for potential attackers to target your device.
Public Wi-Fi lacks the necessary security protocols, meaning that joining these networks is dangerous. You might become a target. It is better to be safe than sorry, and spending a few dollars for a VPN service should not be an issue.
Take Advantage of a Password Manager
It is important to create a proper password policy. For starters, do not use the same combinations for every online account that you have. Doing so would expose all of your profiles if someone was to find out your login details.
In case you struggle to remember multiple passwords, use a password manager. Such tools are quite popular because they store password information and only give access to those who have the master password, which would be you.
Lastly, if you lack the creativity to come up with new passwords, take advantage of available password generators online.
Create Data Backups
Data backups might not be a direct way to counter malware and viruses, but it is still recommended to back up your files in case a threat wipes the computer data.
As a MacBook owner, you can use Time Machine and combine it with an external hard drive or copy the macOS files to your iCloud account.
Keep macOS Updated
Having the latest macOS version means more than just the latest features and overall performance improvements for your computer.
No, keeping the operating system up to date also introduces the latest cybersecurity upgrades since macOS engineers react to the latest threats and push updates to ensure the safety of their users.
