Essential macOS security features every user should know – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

A study undertaken by Apple came out with some mind-boggling figures. According to the Apple report, more than 2.6 billion personal records were breached in just two years – 2021 and 2022. This was a 3x increase in breaches when compared to the scenario in 2013. In a world where cybersecurity is now given a lot of importance and top measures are put in place by top brands, it is shocking to know how hackers manage to break into your systems. Looking at this, as a macOS user, being aware of the top features that the OS offers becomes highly important. Although nothing in today’s digitally interconnected world is 100% safe, macOS has what can keep you safe to a great extent.

FileVault encryption

FileVault on your macOS encrypts the startup disk. Your data on the disk is scrambled and is made unreadable if a password is not provided. In case the Mac is stolen or someone breaks into the system, FileVault protects your personal information from being accessed.

Apple security alert system works to keep you safe even from the most sophisticated threats. But in an environment where cyber threats are also evolving at a breakneck speed, you need more than the usual security features from your system. Now with AI-backed technologies, hackers are smart enough to bypass even the best systems.

From your iCloud is being hacked notification to an urgent problem that requires immediate attention, threats come in many forms. A fake macOS security warning needs to be spotted and eliminated immediately to ensure your online safety. None of the threats should leave you on the backfoot though. You need to be aware of the situation and use good third-party software to fortify your Mac defense lines.

XProtect

You must have heard about it and now wondering ‘What is Xprotect on Mac.’ It is an antivirus software on macOS that scans files for viruses and malware. If malware is found on the system, Xprotect will eliminate it immediately.

Software update

Mac cyber security begins with its regular software updates. Apple continuously innovates and upgrades its processes, so you should always look out for macOS updates. The best step is to set auto-updates so that you do not miss any crucial releases in this regard. Updates to the software address the vulnerabilities that cyber criminals usually exploit.

Mac Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is a security barrier to restrict apps or software from untrusted resources. These apps and tools are often the main source of malicious codes and malware so that makes Gatekeeper an important feature on the OS. Its default setting allows apps from the Mac App Store and other trusted developers.

Find my Mac

You always do your best to keep Mac safe but there might be a time when it is lost or stolen and you cannot find it despite your best efforts. In such cases, Find My Mac is a life-saver as it allows you to locate the Mac on a map. Once you do it, you can erase entire data on it or simply lock it remotely if you think you will be able to retrieve your system.

Passwords and touch ID

Among key Mac security settings, its Touch ID feature stands out. The fingerprint recognition sensor makes the Apple device the best in its category. With your device secure with your fingerprint, you can relax about its security. There’s also 2FA available so to protect against unwanted access, you can set strong passwords and attach them to a trusted device or the Apple Authenticator app.

Firewall

macOS Firewall is a built-in security feature that monitors network traffic to block all unauthorized connections. The features help you keep the Mac safe from hackers and specific apps that try to access the device remotely.

Privacy settings

macOS offers everything that a user expects from a device’s privacy settings. You can easily control which apps can access your:

• location
• camera
• microphone
• contacts
• files, photos, video storage
• all other sensitive information

You should review the privacy settings and work them as per the permissions you want to allow different apps to use on the device.

App store purchases

App Store is highly safe so generally, you should download apps and tools from there instead of using third-party websites. The App Store verifies every app and lists it only when it is suitable as per Apple’s security standards.

Conclusion

The use of the internet across devices like laptops, PCs, tablets, TVs, smartphones, etc is at an all-time high. At the same time, the number of data breaches also keeps setting new records with every passing year. In such an unsafe environment, it is important to use devices from top brands. This is where Apple stands out. With its highly advanced macOS, it aims to provide top security to its users. Knowing about the macOS features mentioned above and following other common cybersecurity practices, you can be sure of your online safety and continue using the system without any worries.