How much do you value the security and privacy of your data?
Most people would agree that maintaining a high level of security and privacy is important, but the truth is most methods of protection are often overlooked. With a report from Finances Online revealing that more than 1.76 million private records were leaked in January of 2019 alone, it’s time to start taking cybersecurity more seriously.
Even though the MacOS is known as one of the most secure operating systems out there, hackers can still find a way in. Malicious computer hacking can happen in many forms — from planting viruses in your software to monitoring your network for any vulnerable transactions. And although there are many tools out there to help fend hackers off, sometimes they can slip through the cracks of your defences. Therefore, going the extra mile to protect yourself doesn’t hurt.
In this article, we’ve outlined how you can protect yourself and the important data on your MacBook from malicious hackers.
Make sure your Mac is secure
Using extra safety measures is a must to keep hackers away. This comes in many, simple forms such as creating a strong password, installing antivirus and anti spyware software, and using firewalls. These are all basic steps that anyone can and should do, but what other steps can you take beyond that?
Apple offers excellent encryption features that are already built-in — you simply have to activate them. Tech columnist Chris Hoffman recommends encrypting both your hard drive and removable devices to reduce the chances of hackers getting in through your commonly-used hardware. It’s also worth considering setting a firmware password, which prevents any hackers who gain access to your device from working with any other bootable volume other than the one you’ve designated.
Practice caution online
Given how often we use the internet, it’s no surprise that hackers take advantage of it to gain access to your data. Keep a look out for unscrupulous websites, as phishing attacks (where hackers use convincing methods to trick you into giving your data) are becoming more sophisticated. Double check website URLs and email addresses — are they correctly spelled? If you’re unsure, verify information with the corresponding institution through calling or emailing official numbers and addresses.
For online shops, do a quick search to check if it’s a scam. Make sure to always look for “https” in the website URL, as the “s” at the end is usually an indicator of a secure website that looks out for hackers.
Be more mindful of your security
Prevention is the most important aspect of security. This entails being aware of all security methods and building a basic knowledge of how hacking works and how it can impact you.
You often don’t have to go far to expand your knowledge as the internet has a wealth of resources to learn from covering practically every subject under the sun. The range of cybersecurity courses on Udemy from the industry’s top educators focus on everything from malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing attacks, and much more that can provide the learning curve that will help you to side step any potential cyber threats. But just be aware that you should never stop learning because cyber threats continue to get more complex.
One really basic thing you can do though is to keep your system up-to-date, as Apple works continuously on releasing security patches to ensure the protection of your data.
It’s also worth noting that our senior author Parvinder Singh pointed out that two-factor authentication for iOS and MacOs is possible, which adds additional security and serves as another blockade for hackers.
In a nutshell
Remember to keep your Mac and its data secure, and make use of built-in security systems. Stay cautious and vigilant at all time. Look out for things that are amiss, especially where sensitive data is concerned.
It’s always important to remember that as technology advances, so too do the methods that hackers use. Thus, be conscious of your Mac’s security, and educate yourself on common hacking methods so you know what to look out for. Continuously update your systems, and be aware of new breaches and methods.
Don’t risk your privacy, and take note of our tips. You never know — these extra steps could be just what prevent the next big cyber attack from harming you and your Mac.