Protecting your Mac isn’t that complicated. However, there are a bunch of essentials that you require to keep it safe and sound. While Mac does come with built-in security settings for its users, sometimes it’s just not enough and makes the device vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches. Even the latest Mac updates can’t make you completely protected against malware.
This is why we’re jotting down this essential guide just for you. Macs need protection as much as all other devices, so you need a few necessities that would 100% keep your macOS safe.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Five Essentials You Need to Protect Your Mac
Here are the five essential things you need to get on your Mac to keep the device safe at all times:
1. Get a Virtual Private Network (VPN) For Your Mac
You should always consider getting for device and online protection a reliable virtual private network. VPNs are known to mask your actual IP address and alter it to a different location. Due to this, cyberattackers cannot locate or trace you from your device, resulting in absolute anonymity at your end. They also keep all your data and activities encrypted so even if a malicious actor tries to snoop into your activities, it would simply be impossible.
If you’re looking for a reliable VPN for Mac, then we’d suggest you go through the best VPN for Mac by VPNRanks and find your true match. You can choose one of the premium VPNs from their guide and make the most of your VPN service.
Did we tell you that VPNs are also used to unblock streaming services that are unavailable in your country? For example, if you live in the US, you’d be deprived of BBC iPlayer. However, with a VPN, you can always access it.
2. Go For a Mac Antivirus
There are a variety of paid and free antivirus software out there, but not all of them are efficient in protecting Mac devices from malware, even if they claim to be. This is a concerning factor since cyberattacks are becoming more advanced each day. Even the security features of Apple aren’t effective enough when it comes to offering protection against ransomware attacks, data breaches, spyware, and phishing attacks.
This is why it’s recommended to go for the best antivirus software for Mac. Our top three choices would be:
- Avast
- Norton
- McAfee
You can always compare these three and opt for the best choice.
3. Choose a Browser That Focuses on Your Privacy
Browsing the internet while staying safe can be a difficult task. And Safari, Apple’s default browser, doesn’t protect you from phishing and other malware attacks. If you’re thinking about moving to Google, then let us burst your bubble. Google is as unsafe as Safari.
This is why you need to shift to an alternative browser that guarantees security on Mac. Some of these browsers may be Opera, Tor, and Brave. These browsers ensure that no website is tracking your IP address and activities.
4. Select a Browser That Blocks Link Tracking and Advertisements:
If you decide not to choose Opera, Tor, or Brave as your browsers and want to stick to the default ones, you need to install some extensions on them to protect your Mac device. These browser extensions would make it impossible for websites to track your online activities and block all ads coming your way. They can also protect you from phishing sites.
Various antiviruses come with ad-blockers included in their subscription packages, like Safe Web of Norton.
5. A Password Manager can also Keep Your Mac Safe:
Updating your passwords from time to time is a necessity these days to ensure your safety. You might have a strong password for your Mac, but you’d need to have equally complex ones for all your online accounts, like banking and social media.
There are various reasons to use a password manager. These are as follows:
- Allows to create difficult and complex passwords immediately
- Saves all your passwords securely
- Stores payment details for online purchases
- Saves users time when it comes to signing in to apps and sites
While iCloud Keychain is Apple’s own password manager, it only works on Safari. So, if you choose an alternate browser, it won’t work for you. It wouldn’t inform you as well if you find that any password of yours has been compromised.
Conclusion
While we could go on and on about how much we need to protect our Mac, we’re sure that everyone aware of the latest data breaches and cyberattacks knows that cybersecurity is more of a necessity now.
This is why we recommend you consider the following essentials mentioned above to protect your Mac and have a great time on it while being secure.
