(MAC) Security standards are increasing in the technology industry due to the advancements in the quality of security breaches.
For this reason, OS manufacturers are trying to integrate state-of-the-art security systems into their OS. Furthermore, they preach the importance of following the best security practices to ensure their users are secure from data breaches.
In this regard, Apple has always been ahead of every other company due to its primary focus on preserving security and building an ecosystem around it.
Hence, their Macs are considered to be one of the secure operating systems that do not compromise user data.
However, even Mac users can be catfished by malware authors. This is where the use of antivirus for macOS comes into play.
Importance of Security for Apple
Since the advent of Macintosh computers and their flagship mobile devices, Apple has always channeled its primary focus on the concept of privacy and security.
The primary goal of the company is to provide Mac users with premium quality security technologies to preserve their data.
With regular system updates to maintain the integrity of their hardware security including the biometrics system, the software-based security of their operating system, application security to restrict any application from performing any unnecessary tracking, and strengthening the data encryption mechanism. Apple trumps every other operating system in terms of security.
Tips to Protect Your Mac from Viruses
Although Apple has always taken pride in announcing its unique and leading position of implementing the best security practices in an operating system.
Despite the restrictions in the operating system that might be frustrating for some users, the element of security is an attraction for almost every user.
However, even a fool-proof secure system can be breached if assisted by little carelessness from the user. So, let’s go over some tips to avoid being breached and figure out extra ways to increase your security from viruses.
1. Avoid Illegal File Sharing
Apple has always focused on using registered applications to ensure security. When you opt for pirated software, other than its issue of legality, the pirated software opens a can of worms for your computer’s security. For this reason, it is recommended to restrict the malware authors from gaining control of your computer.
2. Backup Your Files
Viruses and different kinds of malware are renowned for their immaculate backend technical implementations which can destroy a functioning system.
This is why every security expert emphasizes and preaches the importance of backing up your files and making it a standard practice.
Moreover, it is recommended to have multiple backups to ensure you are not dependent on a single copy and can make the transition to your backup without any hassle.
3. Keep your Software and Applications Updated
Security threats are common for every operating system. However, with the regular updates in macOS, you are secure from potential threats due to Apple’s support for the operating system.
For this reason, Mac users are recommended to keep their software updated and steer clear of potential virus attacks.
4. Install macOS Antivirus Software
Despite Apple’s claims for its OS being fool-proof secure, some instances can lead to the entry of malware into the system.
This can happen due to the use of pirated software or failing to keep your OS updated. In such a situation where the built-in security system of macOS fails to fight viruses, you can try an antivirus designed for macOS to manage the virus-ridden situation.
Since macs are already so secure, with little help from the antivirus software, you will be able to tackle your virus issues and secure your data.
5. Use a Password Manager
If you’re using a computer in 2021 and still not using a secure password manager then you can be considered an easy target for virus distributors.
Since it is difficult to keep track of all your account passwords, users tend to leave their programs logged-in in their computers which can grant access to implicit malware.
For this reason, you should use a password manager to store all your passwords and create a unique singular master password that will be required to access everything.
Mac users can also use the recommended iCloud Keychain that can be synced on the cloud and used on different machines by syncing your settings.
This feature comes in handy when your computer gets compromised and requires a fresh OS install.
Is Mac the most secure Operating System?
According to technical experts, there is no denying that Linux is more secure than Windows or Mac operating systems.
However, for normal users, the list would put Mac on the top. The reason behind this is, starting from Linux, it is an open-source operating system that has contributors from around the world.
Although viruses are easier to fix on a Linux-based operating system due to the rich community, it is difficult for a normal user to fix issues on its own.
When we talk about Windows, it is a semi-open-source operating system that provides a certain level of rights to a user to customize its operating system experience and can be used on devices from various manufacturers.
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Lastly, Mac is developed by Apple and runs the macOS that is specifically developed for Macs and provides a closed-source operating system to the users.
Due to the closed-source property of macOS, users can achieve maximum security as Apple has complete control over the operating system.
However, this also flags a concern that is this level of control healthy for the users or it can raise issues for them in the long run?
Irrespective of the speculations, macOS is currently the most secure operating system due to Apple’s control on both, the hardware and OS.
The macOS has always been famous for its unmatched security protocols that have the capabilities of restricting all kinds of viruses.
However, upon failure to follow the standard security practices while surfing the internet, an average user is likely to come across a malware-ridden application and use it without consent.
In this situation, you can use the services of renowned antivirus software to eliminate the virus from your system and safeguard your data.
However, since Apple only trusts its built-in security system, it recommends not to violate the standard practices to ensure there is no need for third-party antivirus software.
