In recent years, viruses have become a much larger problem for Mac users than they had been in the past. Although virus developers once regarded the company's products with very little importance, Apple's stunning rise to mainstream prominence has caused them to reassess their opinion. With virus development for Macs on the rise, it behooves every Apple enthusiast to take cybersecurity seriously. Fortunately, turning a Mac computer into a virus-free zone doesn't have to be a costly or stressful undertaking. Mac owners looking to keep viruses, malware and other cyber threats at bay would be wise to consider the following measures.
Install Dependable Antivirus Software
These days, most operating systems come equipped with virus-fighting properties - and macOS is no exception. As a result, many of us believe that there's no need to spend money on dedicated antivirus software. While this line of thought is somewhat understandable, it's also incredibly misguided. While macOS's built-in antivirus elements are certainly useful, they're no substitute for dependable antivirus software. Luckily, finding the right antivirus for Mac is far from difficult.
In your search for the right antivirus software, consult reviews on popular tech outlets and consumer feedback websites. This should provide you with a solid understanding of which programs are best suited to your unique needs. Although most of the programs you come across are likely to have incurred one or two unfavorable reviews, you should keep an open mind if the vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Furthermore, before committing to purchase a certain piece of software, confirm that the developer provides users with regular updates and easily-accessible support.
To truly achieve maximum protection, you'll need to install updates for your antivirus software as they become available. The longer you allow these updates to sit on the backburner, the more vulnerable your Mac will be to the threats they were designed to guard against. It's also advised that you set your antivirus program to run regular threat scans. Since these scans can typically be carried out without interfering with any other tasks, there's no reason not to run them as frequently as possible.
Adjust Safari's Security Settings
In the ongoing battle against viruses, adjusting Safari's security settings can prove tremendously helpful. For starters, turn on the browser's popup blocker. Since popups are popular vehicles for viruses and malware, doing away with them entirely can be a boon to your security efforts. Additionally, in the browser's security menu, place a check beside the "Warn when visiting a fraudulent website" box. As the name suggests, this feature will help limit your chances of visiting unsecured and/or virus-riddled sites.
Safari wisely opts to disable both Flash Player and Java by default. Although these plugins once served important roles, they're largely unnecessary in the modern-day browsing experience. In addition, they're both popular vehicles through which viruses are spread. If you ever feel the need to re-enable either of these plugins, make sure to approach the matter on a case-by-case basis. Once either re-enabled plugin has served its purpose, take care to promptly disable it again.
Be Mindful of Where You Download Software
Viruses and malware are commonly spread through unsecured websites and fake installation files. As such, it's imperative that you be mindful of where you download software. Many of the apps you'll need can be safely downloaded from the Mac App Store. This isn't to say that every app found outside of the Mac App Store represents malicious software, but you'd be wise to carefully research any third-party app or website before taking a leap of faith. You can also use the app security settings on your Mac to only allow the installation of apps from the App Store and identified developers.
Before becoming the consumer tech powerhouse that it is today, Apple wasn't really on the radar of virus developers. Since Mac users represented a relatively small percentage of overall PC users, most cybercriminals opted to limit their efforts to Windows machines. Unsurprisingly, Apple's rising popularity has prompted these individuals to think twice about writing them off. That being the case, no Mac owner should take cybersecurity lightly. Mac users interested in keeping viruses and other cyber threats at bay will be well-served by the previously discussed pointers.
