Spending some time researching the topic of MacBook malware may reveal that the device is not as prone as some other computers. After all, there are more people who use Windows, and for someone who develops malware, the goal is to potentially attack as many people as possible.
Nevertheless, in case a Mac owner encounters a computer virus, the odds are that they will struggle to take care of it. Therefore, it is recommended to create a proper cybersecurity strategy and stick to it so that you do not have to worry about running into computer problems or exposing personal information.
Replace XProtect
Well, you cannot really replace XProtect, per se, because it is a built-in macOS tool. However, the point here is to switch to something more reliable.
It is no secret that reliable antivirus software should be the foundation for a cybersecurity strategy. You may find that there are plenty of great options and that choosing the correct antivirus can be too difficult, especially if you are not that tech-savvy.
If so, spend some time researching online reviews to form an opinion yourself. It would also help if you talked to other Mac owners or just people who have experience with antiviruses. Their input should help with picking reliable software.
Once you install your antivirus, do not leave it just running in the background. While it detects and eliminates most threats, some viruses and malware may be quite tricky and get past the antivirus while it is running idly in the background.
It is necessary to run custom system scans as well, as they can detect some infected files that the antivirus cannot find by itself while it is running in the background.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Using the public internet is free, but that comes with one significant disadvantage. More often than not, these networks lack the necessary security protocols.
It may be tempting to use the internet at cafes, libraries, or hotels if you do not have to pay for it, but ask yourself whether it is worth exposing your device to hackers who might be waiting for their next victim.
If you have no choice but to use public Wi-Fi, make sure that you connect via a virtual private network. VPNs function as a tunnel that creates a safe spot and lets you join Wi-Fi while encrypting data. This encryption makes it difficult to trace the person who is using a VPN.
Thankfully, a reliable virtual private network costs a few dollars a month. So, for example, if you are traveling for a couple of weeks and are uncertain what kind of internet will be available during the journey, get a VPN and use it on your Mac.
Install an Ad Blocker
Ads like random banners or pop-ups are another source for encountering potential malware while surfing the net. Some websites stick to an aggressive ad policy because it is the most effective monetization method for them.
Besides, there are some pages that like to push their agenda. For example, promoting a politician. But the problem with these ads is that they sometimes redirect internet users to landing pages that are full of malware and viruses.
If you end up on such a landing page while using the MacBook, you could put the computer at risk. In some cases, even reliable antivirus software is not enough to avoid these threats.
The simplest solution to these aggressive and dangerous ads is an ad blocker. Installing an ad blocker extension in your browser will eliminate ads. Besides not facing potential danger, you will also have a better overall internet browsing experience.
An ad blocker extension does not require that many resources from your browser, so having one or two should not be a hindrance to the browser’s performance.
Update the Computer
Get in the habit of prioritizing macOS updates. For some, having to wait for an update to download and install is too much of a problem, and they would rather delay it indefinitely.
However, doing so puts the MacBook at risk. Not having the latest macOS version means missing out on potential security upgrades that protect the laptop from the most recent malware and viruses.
Besides protection, system updates also have more benefits. If you were to read on and researched this topic more, you would discover that installing system updates also improves the overall MacBook performance. Combine that with malware prevention, and you have a solid case for prioritizing macOS updates.
Read Cybersecurity News
Keeping up with the latest events in the MacBook industry and focusing on cybersecurity news particularly is also a good piece of advice. Reading the latest reports about the most recent malware usually informs what you can expect and how to counter these potential threats.
