5 Things You Can Do to Make Your Mac More Secure

Most users believe that Macs are more secure than Windows PCs, and that’s true. macOS is Unix-based, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access and modify system files. It also comes with a variety of built-in security mechanisms. However, it is not absolutely secure. 

Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, and daily use may still expose your Mac to potential security risks. You still need to take some measures to make your Mac more secure. In this post, I’ll share 5 things you can do.

1. Password protect applications on Mac

Although Mac has secure mechanisms to protect system files, it does not protect individual applications. This means that everyone who uses your Mac can open your apps and access the information and data in it freely. To make your Mac more sure, you should password protect applications such as Messages, Photos, and Mail, which contain your personal information and sensitive data. 

This password can be different from your Mac's lock screen. This way, other people (such as your friends or colleagues) can use your computer to do some things and open some necessary applications, but they cannot invade your privacy.

How to password Mac applications using AppCrypt

1. Visit the official Cisdem AppCrypt site and download the DMG file.
2. Install it on your Mac. Launch it. Follow the prompts to set a password.
3. Open the tool by clicking the lock icon on the menu bar. Enter the password. Click App Lock. 
4. Click the Add button. Find and select applications such as Messages and Photos from the application list. Click Open.

The applications are password protected, and your Mac is more secure.

2. Turn FileVault On

This is also a necessary thing you should do to make your Mac more secure - turn on FileVault on Mac. FileVault is a built-in feature available in macOS 10.3 Panther and later. It is not enabled by default. Once turned on, macOS will encrypt all the data on your computer with a password. It runs in the background, so it will not affect your everyday use. After doing this, even if your Mac is lost, your data will be difficult for others to access.

Depending on the size of your Mac’s hard drive, the time it takes to complete the encryption process is different, may only a few minutes, maybe several hours, or even days.

How to turn on FileVault on Mac

1. Open your Mac. Click the Apple menu. Click System Settings.
2. On the left, select Privacy & Security. 
3. Scroll down the window. Click FileVault. Click Turn On FileVault.
4. Follow the prompts to select a way to unlock your disk and reset your password. Click Continue.

3. Regularly update your macOS

Outdated systems may have some cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers can attack your Mac, taking advantage of these vulnerabilities. If you use an outdated system for a long time and do not update it, your Mac may face security threats. It can be more vulnerable to malware attacks, easily infected with Trojan Viruses, etc.

To make your Mac more secure, you should update your operating systems regularly. You can also choose to make your macOS updates automatically. It will update your macOS to the latest version when you are not using your computer.

How to update your macOS

1. Open the Apple menu. Click System Settings.
2. Go to the General tab. Click Software Update.
3. If there are updates available, click Update Now.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication can also make your Mac more secure. After turning two-factor authentication on, the system will ask you to enter the 6-digit verification code it sends to your trusted devices (such as your iPhone or other Apple devices). Only if you enter the correct verification code can you log in successfully.

This measure can prevent attackers from logging in to your Apple account in other places if he or she knows your Apple ID and password.

How to turn on two-factor authentication on Mac

1. Open the Apple menu. Click on System Settings.
2. Click your Apple ID in the upper left corner of the window. If you are still not logged in to your Apple account, log in first.
3. Click Password & Security in the left sidebar.
4. Click Two-Factor Authentication. Then click the Turn On Two-Factor Authentication button. 
5. Click Continue. Follow the prompts to enter your phone number, let it send a verification code, etc.

5. Connect to secure networks

You should avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially open networks that do not require password entry. For example, those networks are provided by cafes, hotels, etc. These public networks are rarely encrypted and usually not secure. 

Once you connect your Mac to it, your data may be monitored in real-time. In some situations, if you really need to use public Wi-Fi, there’s also a recommended way to make your Mac more secure - use a VPN in combination. All VPNs use encryption, protecting data transmitted between your Mac and the public network.

Additionally, the security settings on your home Wi-Fi network should also be strengthened. Ensure you have set a password for your router that strangers can't easily guess. Turn off the WPS button on your router. It is dangerous and could expose your Mac to network security threats.

Conclusion

Mac users should no longer only rely on the system’s built-in protections. Cyber threats are evolving faster, so taking extra measures to secure your Mac is essential. 

This post shows you 5 things you can do to make your Mac more secure, including password-protecting applications, turning on FileVault, updating macOS, turning on two-factor authentication, and only connecting to secure networks. These are not complicated but highly effective in strengthening your Mac security.