Published on June 17th, 2020 | by Sumit Bhowal

Viruses still a valid threat for Mac users in 2020

Apple has created some great devices, but the MacBook is truly a gem. Known for its seamless performance and minimal style popular amongst all of Apple’s products; the MacBook’s operating system really adds to these materialistic perks. With the technological world relying upon speed and seamless transition, the MacBook has become a go-to option for working professionals and students.

Apple prides itself on its staunch stance when it comes to privacy, but it turns out that the Mac is not immune to viruses. Dangerous malware does not differentiate between operating systems, as much as news reports would like you to believe. However, Apple themselves clarified to their users that no computer is fully immune to viruses in 2018.

Taking 2020 into consideration, with the coronavirus forcing many to adapt to new apps and software that aid our new working from home lifestyle, the need for online protection is rising. It brings up a lot of questions about a user’s privacy and safety currently. Knowing how to be cyber safe has become a necessity nowadays.

So, if you’re a MacBook user who has been blind to the loopholes that scammers can use to get to you, it’s time to take a little scroll down the Do’s and Don’ts section below:

Do’s:

Update your software: Always ensure that your current MacBook software is the latest version available. You can find the option to configure your automatic notifications to update your Mac within the App Store or in the Software Update pane. This depends on the version of the operating system you are working on.
Stay aware of imminentmalware: Malware is any malicious software that is circulating on the Internet. Some third-party applications have to be downloaded through miscellaneous files. Only download files from sources you trust! Downloading files from links or people you’ve never seen before can and will infect your Mac. Stay safe, stay smart. If you’re suspicious, do a quick Google search to see if any warnings pop up about the link or source.
Install software that you trust: Installing pirated but free files from shady websites is a gateway for malicious threads to corrupt your device. Try to download software from Mac App Store or authorized sites. Ensure that you have trustworthy antivirus software for Mac pre-installed to help spot any suspicious activity.
Java and Flash ought to be disabled: Java and Flash are two of the most common gateways for malicious software to drop in. Keep the plug-ins up to date and enable them only when you visit an authorized site.

Don’ts:

Never install unnecessary software: Any random software thread on the Internet like add-ons, toolbars, firewalls, barriers, guardians, etc. could just be a hoax. Similarly, interface changing software also brings in malware into your device.
Do not fill up the boot volume: A prevalent mistake that many students and people working on a Mac do, is saving all their files in the home folder. Do not wait to get a storage alert. This can lead to boot failure. Apple recommends a free space of at least 9 GB for the smooth functioning of your device. In fact, using an online cloud-service may help you, not just for storage but in the worst-case scenario wherein your device is under attack, at least your data is secure.
You need not be ‘that’ regular: Once you are clean and up to date, do not resort to unnecessary regular check-ups. Relax, and let the device work by itself. You need not always clean the caches or run virus scans every time you open your Mac. In fact, if you have an antivirus software running in the background, your device will take care of threats itself.

There is no denying that Apple is a revolutionary product, that is taking over our technical space. With more users adapting to the Apple lifestyle, it is wise to educate yourself or stay updated when it comes to the digital space; especially when it comes to your personal/work device. Again, to reiterate, no computer is 100% safe from online threats – so do what you must to keep it as safe as possible. Make sure a customised antivirus is up and running, you’re going to need it more so during this ‘work from home’ era.

You can also visit Apple’s official website for more tips from the community, on keeping your MacBook safe.

Tags: 2020, Apple, Mac, malware, viruses

About the Author

Sumit Bhowal An Internet addict and a MASTAN , Also a lazy Freelancer . I don't try to reinvent the wheel I just like to soak things in Steroid's :p Thanks (y)