MacOS: 8 Ways to Protect Your Privacy

MacOS: 8 Ways to Protect Your Privacy

  1. Device Lock

    A strong password protects your device in case someone has physical access to it. A good password should include numbers, small and large characters, and symbols. Length is ideally 15 characters or more; a reasonable minimum is at least 10 characters.

    On MacBooks, you can use Touch ID, similar to what you use on iOS devices. You will then log into your device quickly and easily with only a fingerprint, and the password will serve as a backup access option.

    You set the password in the settings under System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General.

    For added security, also set the need for an administrator password for system changes. This will prevent unauthorized applications from making system changes. You can change this in System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General → Advanced Settings.

  2. Privacy Settings

    In System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy, we will go through the app access to device services one by one.

    We will start with Site Services. Here, turn off any location permissions to apps you do not use or need.

    Next are permissions to access contacts, calendar, and reminders. Here, as with location services, remove access to all applications that do not need this sensitive data.

    Last in this section of the settings are analysis and enhancement. In this tab, deselect the option to share Mac analytics and share data with app developers.

    The last setting you should make to increase the privacy of your Mac device is to turn off sharing. In System Preferences → Sharing, turn off any individual sharing that you do not use or currently need.

  3. Encryption

    To make it impossible to read your data from your device in case of theft when your computer is turned off or locked, encrypt your drive. Encryption is easily done in System Preferences → Security & Privacy → FileValut.

  4. Update MacOS

    System updates are important. In addition to keeping your device running smoothly, they also patch discovered security risks. You are at unnecessary risk if you do not update your device because hackers can still exploit this security flaw.

    So never delay updates.

    You can also check for system updates manually. Click Apple logo → System Preferences → Software updates. Here you can also turn on automatic update lookup.

  5. Firewall

    A firewall blocks unauthorized communications that may threaten your privacy and security. To set up a firewall, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewalls.

    If you want maximum control, you can choose the applications that are allowed access through the firewall.

  6. Browser

    The browser accesses the website. MacOS offers Safari. For increased privacy, ad blocking, and tracking, the Brave browser is preferable.

    In addition, Brave also speeds up content loading. The Brave browser is free and offers immediately after launching higher security and privacy when browsing the internet compared to traditional browsers. Brave is similar to Chrome, but with the advantage of privacy.

  7. VPN MacOS

    VPN is used to increase privacy when connecting to the internet. A VPN service changes your IP address so that websites can see it, making it impossible for them to know your actual location. In addition, by connecting through servers in other countries, you can bypass blocking depending on your location; for example, with a VPN, you can access content streaming services for other countries.

    An activated VPN also encrypts all data transmitted to the internet, protecting it from hackers even on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It is great in combination with antivirus protection, which is why some antivirus companies also offer convenient VPN service and antivirus protection packages.

  8. MasOS Antivirus Protection

    Due to their closed platform, Mac devices are often secure by design. However, it is not true that hackers do not target these devices. That is why it is a good idea to protect yourself from malicious codes that could damage your device and steal sensitive data.

    Antivirus programs can protect you from most hacker attacks. Of course, no security is 100%, but with antivirus protection, you have a better chance of defending yourself against them. Quality antivirus programs that we recommend include Avast and ESET.

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