Your Mac is one of the most important things that you own, whether you use it for work, studies or fun. As you’d expect from Apple, the latest MacBooks are the very zenith of laptop computers; sleek and powerful, they not only look great, they perform brilliantly too. Unfortunately, in our modern world this makes them a target for criminals, and when you have a high spec laptop, that can come in two forms: physical theft of the laptop, and cyber theft of the data and personal information you have stored upon it. The results of both can be devastating, so let’s take a look at some security tips that can help you beat the criminals.
1. Turn Off the Automatic Log In
Apple are aware of the security risks inherent with having a high-powered laptop, so they’ve built in a number of useful security options, but the problem is that most of them aren’t switched on as default. One such essential modification is to switch off the automatic log in. Without this, anyone who steals your Mac can simply power it up and gain instant access. Go to ‘System Preferences’ and then click on the ‘General’ tab, and you’ll see an option to disable automatic log in. Always tick this option, and then set a log in password that will be impenetrable to all but you.
2. Use a Password Manager to Beef Up Your Security
We mentioned passwords above, and they’re your single most powerful ally in the fight against cybercrime. Phishing attacks, account hacks and other cybercrimes are vastly on the rise, and if a criminal gains access to your data, they can sell it on to organised crime syndicates, or use it to access your card or bank account details. That’s why it’s vitally important to have complex passwords, and to change them regularly. No two passwords should be the same, but that can make it difficult for you to remember them. The solution to this is to use password manager software which safely stores your passwords, meaning that you can make them more complex and difficult to crack.
3. Use a Physical Lock on Your Laptop
Most people know the importance of locking down their laptop when they are not using it, but it can be just as useful to lock your laptop in a physical sense. You should do all you can to protect your laptop from the risk of being snatched or stolen from you; one way is to keep it within your view and reach at all times, and another way is to use a special laptop lock. Connected to a strong, cut resistant cable, the MacBook can then be secured to a piece of furniture, making it much less likely to be targeted by an opportune thief.
4. Install Tracking Software
If your MacBook does unfortunately get stolen, you have two priorities – getting it back and protecting your data. The Hidden App is a great Mac anti theft device that can help with both those things. It allows you to remotely access your laptop from your phone, allowing you to track its whereabouts and even take secret pictures and screenshots. This sophisticated software can also monitor keystrokes, remotely delete sensitive data, and can even send a visual and verbal warning message to thieves.
Tracking software can help police catch MacBook thieves and prosecute them afterwards, and it can also give you that all important peace of mind. It’s a MacBook security essential, as is switching on the inbuilt security settings, adding a lock to the laptop, and having strong passwords that are almost impossible to guess. With these features in place, your laptop and your data could be safer than they’ve ever been before.
