Apple is undoubtedly a great and innovative company, and its Mac operating system strides better than any other operating system.

The “ecosystem” that Apple has created is hands-down the best so far that allows people to manage data and move seamlessly from one platform to the other via Handoff and iCloud. The operating system is tuned to work with specific hardware that Apple tests to ensure maximum performance— thanks to its compact frame and RFID blocking inner plates. 

Mac OS is becoming exceedingly popular among people who are pretty paranoid when it comes to privacy and security. 

If you are a Mac user, then you need to follow these five foolproof Mac cybersecurity tips to level up your cybersecurity game:

1. Protect your identity online

Problem: We all love to use that free Wi-Fi facility Starbucks offers while we wait for our coffee, but we often forget that we expose our confidential data to hackers with free public Wi-Fi. Even when the hackers aren’t spying on our surfing, the browsers and apps are.

Consequence: Your browser continuously tracks your IP address and all of your online activity. With public Wi-Fi, hackers easily look into your passwords, banking and credit card details, and location details.

Solution: When you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it creates encryption between you and the remote server provided by the VPN provider, so your IP address is replaced by another one with a completely different location. 

Therefore, A VPN will help you secure the streaming and browsing with complete privacy, unblock apps and websites free from censorship. 

It is definitely a no-brainer in 2021 to download Mac VPN to protect your identity in the virtual world.

2. Manage your password diligently

Problem: If you have been setting up passwords like “abc1234” and using it across several platforms like emails, social media, and online banking, this is about time for you to change it immediately.

Consequence: Choosing the same and very predictable password for several platforms increases the chances of getting hacked manifold. 

Solution: While it’s not easy to create and remember complex passwords for each platform, there are certain ways you can secure your Mac with proper password management. Choose any password that is at least 14 characters long and add special characters, symbols, numbers, or different capitalizations to add the complexity. 

A password manager program can instantly create and save new complex passwords that will store the necessary information securely and save a lot of your login time. You can use Apple’s password manager for this-iCloud Keychain. It works by securely storing and saving your account login information, different passwords, and online payments by card details. 

3. Update your Mac as soon as the updates are released

Problem: With cybercrimes on a steady rising curve, we come across countless security breach news often. Cybercriminals heavily target old and outdated software. 

Consequence: Outdated software can frequently fall victim to data breaches because of the security loopholes they hold. 

Solution: Many companies introduce regular updates to protect their clients against new vulnerabilities and past faults. If you’re the kind who always forgets or postpones updating, turn on “Automatically check for updates” (you will be notified when new updates are released) and “Install system data and security updates” (to install important security updates automatically). 

4. Get an Antivirus to prograde your protection

Problem: Your MacBook continuously faces threats from phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, spyware, keyloggers, and countless other bugs that threaten privacy and security.

Consequence: The hackers can easily snoop in on the personal data and online activity from the device through these hidden bugs. 

Solution: To protect against MacOS-specific viruses, threats, and online attacks, ransomware, use antiviruses that cater to the needs of Mac users specifically. 

5. Password Protect Your Documents

Problem: Working from home can put quite a strain on you and your Mac, which will not only make it prone to getting unwanted emails and attachments with it, but they may also sometimes be opened by someone in your house. Especially true when your kids are playing around your workspace.

Consequence: When you or your kids open up such unwanted or fishy emails, you may end up losing sensitive information saved on your MacBook.

Solution: You can add a password to your information sensitive documents before you mail them out or save them with a password so that anyone else won’t be able to open them.

For this, you can use iWork, Apple’s version of Microsoft Office, where you can set up a password for your files. 

While it is true that there are fewer threats out there designed to attack Mac, there is always a threat of Blackhat hackers and cybercriminals. Exercising caution while using your device and ensuring that you have an effective Antivirus and a VPN installed on your Mac is the smartest way to level up cybersecurity and enhance optimum performance.