You may read some articles that claim how Macbooks are not prone to cybersecurity threats. Or maybe you have a friend or a coworker who also owns a Macbook, and they tell you not to worry about potential computer malware or viruses.
It is true that Macbooks may be more secure than some of the computer models, but that does not mean you should abandon the idea of creating a solid cybersecurity strategy for your device.
There are multiple ways to boost the computer’s security. If you want to take a different stance and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your computer is secure, follow the information below and create a reliable cybersecurity plan.
1 – Consider Replacing Antivirus Software
It is likely that you have been using the default antivirus software. It depends on the Macbook you have, but most users should have XProtect. The antivirus itself is not necessarily bad, but you can find a better alternative.
Look through online reviews or ask your tech-savvy friends for a piece of advice. Replacing the default antivirus software will improve your computer’s security, provided that you install reliable software.
To avoid possible problems, make sure that the antivirus is running in the background all the time. Also, you should perform custom disk scans now and then. Idle antivirus software may miss a threat.
2 – Use VPNs
Virtual private networks are great for online privacy and security. Besides, you can also access geo-restricted websites.
Think of a VPN as a tunnel that connects you to online content by changing your original location. A virtual private network provides users with custom IP addresses they can pick themselves. And one of the best things about it is that you get to choose a location.
For example, if you want to access a Chinese website, you can select a Chinese IP address and reach the content you would not with your real IP address.
VPNs also make it harder for potential attackers to track you back. You do not leave as many traces by surfing the net via virtual private networks. The data is encrypted, and even if someone wants to access your internet history, they would have a difficult time finding what they want.
3 – Do Not Miss the OS Updates
While we tend to associate the operating system updates with new features and performance improvements, it is important to remember that these updates also bring security improvements.
The OS developers need to react to the latest threats and release upgrades that prevent these threats from damaging the computer.
Missing an OS could expose your computer system to new malware and other cybersecurity threats. Thus, be sure to get the latest OS version at your earliest convenience, even if it takes a while to download and install it.
4 – Install an Ad Blocker
More and more websites are sticking to aggressive ad policies. There are times when you cannot access content on a page because of all the ads, and closing these advertisements is not as easy as it may sound.
Clicking on an ad may redirect you to a landing that is full of malware. And it does not necessarily have to be you who clicks on an ad. You might have the experience not to click it, but someone else who uses the computer could.
That is why you should get an ad blocker extension for your internet browser. Instead of worrying about potentially clicking on an ad you want, eliminate the problem at its root. In addition to preventing the risk, an ad blocker extension will also improve your overall internet surfing experience.
5 – Avoid Questionable URLs
If you receive a questionable URL, you should ignore it, even if it comes from someone you know and trust.
If the headline or the phrase in the URL interests you, use Google and enter the URL manually. This way, you will find out whether your curiosity was justified or not, and save yourself from problems like malware or spyware that even your antivirus software may not stop.
6 – Change Your Passwords
Changing passwords regularly is a good habit to have. Nevertheless, not everyone is willing to switch their password, nor do they bother coming up with something complicated. Moreover, there are plenty of people who use the same password for every account.
This kind of approach is not the best, particularly when it comes to online security and privacy. If someone finds out your password, they will have access to your accounts.
In case you struggle to come up with a complicated password, use an online password generator and write the combination on a piece of paper and keep it on the paper until you can memorize the password.