How to keep your macOS safe

In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the security features built into macOS and offer tips on how to keep your macOS safe.

As the popularity of macOS continues to grow, so does the need to ensure that your Mac is secure. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the security features available on your Mac and how to use them effectively.

Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is a security feature built into macOS that helps protect your Mac from malware and other malicious software. By default, Gatekeeper only allows apps from the Mac App Store and identified developers to run on your Mac. This means that any app that is not digitally signed by an identified developer or from the Mac App Store will not run by default.

You can adjust the Gatekeeper settings to allow apps from other sources to run on your Mac, but it’s important to be cautious when doing so. Only download apps from trusted sources to reduce the risk of downloading malware.

FileVault

FileVault is a built-in encryption feature in macOS that helps protect the data on your Mac. When FileVault is enabled, your data is encrypted and can only be accessed with your login password. This means that if your Mac is lost or stolen, your data will be protected.

To enable FileVault,

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault and click Turn On FileVault. Be sure to create a strong password and keep it in a safe place.

Firewall

The built-in firewall in macOS helps protect your Mac from unauthorized access. The firewall blocks incoming connections to your Mac from other computers on the network or the internet. You can configure the firewall to allow specific apps or services to bypass the firewall.

To enable the firewall,

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and click Turn On Firewall. You can then configure the firewall settings to meet your specific needs.

Safari security features

Safari, the default web browser on macOS, includes several security features designed to protect you from malicious websites and downloads. These features include:

Intelligent Tracking Prevention:
- This feature blocks third-party cookies and other tracking technologies that advertisers use to track your online activity.
Safe Browsing:
- Safari checks every website you visit against a list of known malicious websites. If a website is flagged as malicious, Safari will warn you before loading the site.
Download protection:
- Safari scans all downloaded files for malware and warns you if it detects any threats.

Updates

Keeping your macOS up to date is critical for maintaining the security of your Mac. Apple regularly releases security updates that address vulnerabilities and other security issues. To ensure that your Mac is up to date, go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates.

In addition to these built-in security features, there are several additional steps you can take to keep your Mac safe:

Use strong passwords:
- Use a strong password for your Mac login and any other accounts you have.
Use two-factor authentication:
- Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone.
Be cautious with email attachments:
- Do not open email attachments from unknown senders or attachments that you were not expecting.
Use antivirus software:
- Although macOS has several built-in security features, it’s still a good idea to use antivirus software to further protect your Mac.

Conclusion

macOS includes several built-in security features to help protect your Mac from malware, unauthorized access, and other security threats. By using these features and taking additional steps to protect your Mac, you can ensure that your data and personal information remain safe and secure.