How Apple users can protect their devices from hackers and breaches

Contrary to popular opinion Mac users are at a similar security risk as Windows users. While Windows has a built-in Security Centre allowing you to manage your security in a central console, what are some things Mac users can do? Here are some of the ways you can do that:

• Keep your Mac OS and software updated: Apple regularly releases updates for Mac OS and other software that can fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. Updating your Mac OS and software can help you prevent exploits and vulnerabilities that could compromise your MacBook.

• XProtect: This feature scans your Mac for known malware signatures and blocks them from running. XProtect is updated automatically and silently by Apple.

• Gatekeeper: This process verifies the identity and integrity of the app developer. Unless you override it, gatekeeper can prevent you from opening apps that are not signed, notarised, or from untrusted sources.

• Use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID: This feature requires a verification code from a trusted device or phone number when you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser. This can prevent someone from accessing your Apple ID account, iCloud data, or Apple services.

• Use Touch ID or Face ID: These features allow you to use your fingerprint or face to unlock your Mac, sign in to apps, or make purchases. These features are available on some Mac models, such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac.

• Use FileVault to encrypt your data: FileVault is a feature that encrypts your entire hard drive using a secure encryption algorithm. It means that if someone steals your MacBook or removes your hard drive, they cannot access your data without your password.

• Use Find My Mac to locate, lock, or erase your MacBook remotely: Find My Mac is a feature that allows you to track the location of your MacBook, display a message on the screen, play a sound, lock it with a passcode, or erase it remotely if it is lost or stolen.

• Use System Integrity Protection to protect your system files and processes: System Integrity Protection is a feature that protects your system files and processes from being modified by malicious software. It is enabled by default and can only be disabled in Recovery Mode.

• Use a firmware password to prevent booting from another disk or device: A firmware password is a password you must enter before you can boot your MacBook from another disk or device, such as a USB drive.