Although Apple devices are generally known to be more secure, when your computer is connected to the internet, it is possible that you may inevitably invite malware or a virus in your system.
There are a bunch of things you can do to prevent data loss and security breaches and make your device generally more secure.
Let’s dive in.
Table of contents
Tip #1: Remove all unnecessary apps
If you notice some type of error right after downloading an app, the issue is likely with the app. You should uninstall the app and also take stock of all the apps that you have. Make a note of all the apps that you don’t use or need and also apps that you don’t recognize or remember downloading.
For instance, if you’re a coder and you used Anaconda in the past but have started using a different app now, you should uninstall anaconda to not only free up space in your system but also to prevent the app from storing any of your old data.
Use Finder to filter the apps that you have not used in a while and that occupy a lot of storage on your hard drive.
Tip #2: Don’t click on any suspicious links
Do not click on links that you are not sure about in your email or online. If you hover over a link, you can generally see a preview of the website name. If you don’t recognize the URL, avoid clicking on it. Some email providers scan links and prevent these emails from landing in your inbox in the first place. But you should also be cognizant of possible phishing scams.
Tip #3: Use a VPN
When you browse the internet, your internet history is available to your internet service provider (ISP). If you happen to use public WiFi, then you may see a pop-up message that says that all your data is visible over the network. When you use a VPN, all of your data is encrypted, and your IP address becomes anonymous so that your ISP cannot track your history.
Tip #4: Use an antivirus program
Macs are generally less susceptible to malware attacks, but that number is rising steadily, so it might make sense to invest in an antivirus program. There are plenty of antivirus programs to choose from that can prevent suspicious downloads and malware attacks.
Tip #5: Back up your data
A part of cybersecurity is also preventing data loss. On Mac, it is quite easy to get started with it. You can use Time Machine, which is an in-built feature that allows you to back up your data regularly.
You need an external drive and connect it with your computer, and the backup happens automatically. In addition, you may also want to use a data recovery program that can store your data online and restore it if needed.
Keep in mind that if you have not backed up your data before, it can take a very long time, depending on the size of files you need to store on the drive. You may want to take some time and declutter your storage.
Tip #6: Use FileVault
Another in-built feature on the MacBook is FileVault that allows you to encrypt your data. This feature can be turned on, and it essentially prevents your data from being breached if your device has been misplaced or stolen. Turning on FileVault is often a requirement if you use a MacBook at work.
Tip #6: Use Safari
While you may have a preference for other browsers, Safari is regarded as the best option for Mac. Not only is it the fastest browser on Apple laptops, but it also has great cybersecurity features – password managers, preventing cookies from tracking you, and privacy reports.
Tip #7: Block ads
When browsing the internet, you should block ads and pop-ups using an ad blocker. These ads, often spammy, can automatically open several tabs on your computer and may transmit a virus. This only prevents ads from tracking you and following you all over the web.
Tip #8: Use a firewall
A firewall prevents anyone from connecting to your computer when you’re online. Make sure you turn on the firewall on your browser. On your Mac, you can find the Firewall under Security and Privacy.
Tip #9: Use a password manager
Using the same password or a weak password like your birthday or your pet’s name is not going to keep your data safe. You need to use strong passwords that meet the site’s requirements and are unique so that they can’t be easily guessed.
You could create these passwords on your own, or you could use a password manager that generates, stores and logs you in automatically. Some password managers also have a VPN, so you can get the benefits of two tools in one.
Taking steps to keep your data secure and enabling security features to prevent viruses and malware is something you consider doing to prevent data loss and breaches. Most of these tips are free, so you do not have to invest a ton to have a safe browsing experience.