Protect Your Apple Mac Computer
In This Article
• Macs are not immune to viruses!
• Configure automatic software updates
• Protect your webcam
• Disable location reporting
• Stop sharing info about your contacts
• Encrypt your entire laptop
(No time to read right now? Just want to see the list of things to check? Here you go.)
This is part 2 of a 2-part series. Read part 1 here.
Mac Security and Privacy Tips
Computers made by Apple (either MacBook laptops or iMac desktops) are thought to be less prone or even immune from viruses. That was true a long time ago but is no longer accurate.
As Apple computers (which I'm going to refer to in this article simply as “Macs”) got more popular, they became a larger target for hackers.
Mac owners need to be just as careful and vigilant as owners of Windows-based computers.
Even on Macs, hackers threaten your data, your identify, and your privacy.
Let's talk about things you can do to protect yourself if you use a MacBook or iMac…
Automate Software Updates
A common way hackers get malware onto people's computers is through un-patched vulnerabilities in software.
Whether the software is the macOS operating system itself or application software like Microsoft Word or a web browser, it is not perfect.
Software has gotten so complicated that it undoubtedly contains flaws. These flaws are sometimes just cosmetic, only affecting the way something looks, but other times create a vulnerability that hackers can exploit.
In the best case, the software companies become aware of the flaws and fix them. But fixing (or “patching”) them requires you to download and install the updated version. Many people don't do this because it's clear what a newer version of software really contains.
The software companies would much rather say “here's a new version that has lots of new features” than “here's a new version that fixes all the problems our previous version had”.
For macOS and application software, you will sometimes see notifications about updates.
To automate updating as much as possible, do this:
System Preferences > Software Update > Advanced
Click “Advanced” in the lower left corner
Check “Check for updates”, “Download new updates when available”, and “Install system data files and security updates”
Leave “Install macOS updates” and “Install app updates” unchecked - this prevents your computer from suddenly rebooting if you're in the middle of something
When you get a notification about a macOS (or other security) update, it's best to follow the instructions and take care of it as soon as you can. Just make sure to save anything you're working on since a system reboot is often necessary.
Protect Your Webcam
A sticky note or piece of tape over the camera is a good idea. But you should also disable access to the camera by any applications that shouldn't be using it.
Here's how:
System Preferences > Security & Privacy
Click the padlock in the lower left and provide your password
Click on the “Privacy” tab
Click on “Camera” in the list on the left side
Check the apps on the right side and un-check any that shouldn't need the camera
Be aware that your web browser might need access if you do video calls via the browser
Hide Your Location
In general, it's safer if your computer doesn't reveal its location.
There are valid reasons to do this, such as for an app that provide the weather or one that shows you a map and directions. But most of the time, it's not necessary.
To prevent your location from “leaking”, do this:
System Preferences > Security & Privacy
Click the padlock in the lower left and provide your password
Click on the “Privacy” tab
Click “Location Services” in the list on the left side
Check the apps on the right side and un-check any that don't need to know your location
Scroll down to “System Services” and click “Details”
Un-check “Significant Locations”
Leave “Find My Mac” checked, though, if you want to use that service
Stop Sharing Your Contacts
Very few apps have a legitimate need to see your contacts. To stop sharing them, do this:
System Preferences > Security & Privacy
Click the padlock in the lower left and provide your password
Click on the “Privacy” tab
Click “Contacts” in the list on the left side
Check the apps on the right side and un-check any that don't need to see your contacts
Protect Your Data with FileVault
This applies more for MacBook laptop owners than for iMac desktop users. Most of us have a lot of sensitive information on our laptops and would be horrified if we lost them or had them stolen. All that information would be available.
One way to prevent access to the data is to encrypt it. That just means that it is stored in a “scrambled” form and only unscrambled when needed. The scrambling and unscrambling is done automatically and quickly, so you don't even notice it.
macOS has a full-disk encryption feature called FileVault. It keeps everything on your storage drive encrypted except when it's actively being used.
In the unfortunate situation where your laptop is lost or stolen, anyone trying to see your data will only see a big blob of gibberish.
For details on how to turn on FileVault, please see this article.
Conclusion
Using an Apple Mac computer no longer provides any extra protection against viruses or other malware.
The best way to stay safe is to lock things down as much as possible and to also practice good computer hygiene. We've shown you how to do these things.
Get in touch if you have any questions.
This is part 2 of a 2-part series. Read part 1 here.
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