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Does your mac need your hand at security?

26th August 2014 Print

Macs are generally considered to be safe personal computers, and there are several reasons why they are preferred over PCs when it comes to security. 

One of the major reasons is that malicious coders are less likely to target Mac users simply because of the perception that they won’t be able to cast as wide of a net--Macs have a smaller market share than personal computers running Windows. There is also the reason that Mac systems are Unix-based, which offers a number of built-in security features. 

Also, Apple itself includes a number of security features in these devices that make attacking them a particularly challenging endeavor. These include the likes of Gatekeeper, a feature that blocks any kind of software that hasn’t been digitally approved or signed by Apple from being activated on your Mac without your consent. 

However, all these facts don’t mean that security shouldn’t be a concern for Mac users. Advanced viruses and Trojans are likely to infect Macs and they’re seldom spotted by the integrated security features, which are more effective at detecting run-of-the-mill malware created by hackers with a smaller skill set. 

At the start of the year, GMA News Network reported on a new Trojan that was targeting victims by disguising itself as an undelivered courier item notification. Apple’s update to Mavericks OS X 10.9.1 made Safari download the file directly, showing an empty Safari Window with the downloaded file’s icon in the Dock at the bottom of the interface. When users click the download button, they are shown what looks like a PDF file. While clicking on this file doesn’t prompt any action, the Trojan malware is activated in the background. 

Such malware doesn’t have to replicate every time to cause damage to your systems. There are other threats to Macs too, such as spyware – it gets into the computer with the aim of stealing your personal information, whether it’s eavesdropping on your video-chat sessions or spying on the documents lying around in your file-dock area. 

Tips for boosting the security of your Mac 

You can take the following measures to prevent your Mac from becoming a victim of a growing number of new threats: 

Implement a security solution 

Macs do suffer from viruses and other threats as made evident by the examples above, so it is a necessity to install a security solution. Trendmicro.com apple security software, for example, allows users to leverage multiple protection measures, including privacy and social network settings. It also allow you to secure files to the cloud in case an impending threat is able to bypass all security measures. 

Update software regularly 

Most Macs get compromised because of unpatched or outdated software. Applications such as Java and Adobe Reader are the usual victims, so make sure you update any software upgrades as soon as they are made available. Check for the ‘software update’ prompt and make sure to apply upgrades and reboot the computer when necessary. 

Use modern web browsers 

Use web browsers such as Google Chrome as they are updated more often with security vulnerability patches than Apple’s Safari browser. Chrome, for example, features a Flash Player sandboxed version that acts as a barrier to malicious exploits.