Secure Mac: 6 things you can do to make your Mac more secure

In the last couple of years, Apple has released a few short films as part of its Underdogs series. The films show how four office colleagues use Apple products to help them do their best work. The latest episode focuses on the MacBook. Apple has always emphasised on the security and privacy its devices offer and the Mac is no different. A lot of buyers end up getting a Mac because it is high on security and privacy. Here we list six things Mac users should do to keep their devices secure:

Use secure passwords

Let us start with the absolute basics. It has been said since time immemorial yet a lot of users don’t pay too much heed to it. Choose a password that can’t be easily guessed. So no “yourname123” or “India123” types of passwords. A strong password is the first shield of defence and also one of the most important ones for your Mac.

Keep different accounts for different users

It is always a good idea to create different user accounts if you know that you will share your Mac with. This prevents an unauthorised person from using the Mac. It also separates user files, so users only have access to their own personal files and settings. Users cannot see or modify the files or settings of other users.

Don’t keep too many administrative users

If you have created separate accounts for different users, then ensure that you don’t give admin access to them. Administrators can create, manage and delete other users; install and remove software; and change settings. If multiple people use your Mac, limit the number of users with administrator privileges.

Move from passwords to passkeys

Passkeys are an able replacement for passwords. Though they haven’t really become mainstream as of now. A passkey is a way to sign in to an app or website account, without needing to create and remember a password. Instead of a password, a passkey uses Touch ID or Face ID to identify you. So, passkeys are more secure than passwords and can’t be easily hacked.

Be careful what you download and open

Only download files from trusted sources and be sure to scan them for viruses before opening them. You should also avoid clicking on links in emails or on websites unless you’re sure they’re legitimate.

Use FileVault Encryption

There is a good chance that you have private or confidential information on your Mac. In this case, you can use FileVault encryption to protect that information from being seen or copied. FileVault encodes the information stored on your Mac so it is locked and cannot be read unless the login password is entered.