Macs are great for businesses, but without proper security measures in place, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches. Fortunately, there is a simple and free way to keep your small business secure – our top 10 best practices for ensuring optimum Mac security features! From two-factor authentication and software updates that should never miss an install date to keeping sensitive files backed up regularly, there’s no excuse not to get these steps taken care of today. Whether it’s required by industry standards or just something that makes sense on the individual level – why wait? Find out now how to run a business securely online.
#1 Encrypt your data
Keep your PHI secure and protect yourself from a reportable breach! Turn on File Vault, the free built-in encryption tool, for unbearably strong security. Make sure to create a Recovery Key during setup – be sure to store it in an ultra-secure spot like LastPass; it’s best kept in trusted hands. Once you finish encrypting with File Vault take that extra step of taking a screenshot so there’s proof of activation if needed further down the line!
#2 Turn on the firewall
Keep your computer safe and secure with a firewall. Follow the easy instructions from Apple to make sure it’s turned on, then use GRC’s service scan for confirmation that everything is working properly – if you see all green results, you’re good!
#3 WiFi connection protection
If you are looking for simple Mac security tips then you have come to the right place. One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to provide a secure WiFi connection. In addition to keeping your home and corporate network secure, you should not connect to public WiFi networks. Although there is another option – to use VPN protection. Here you can read how does a VPN protect you from data theft and hacker attacks. VeePN has everything to keep your data out of the hands of hackers: 2500+ VPN servers, 256-bit encryption, kill switch technology, no-logs policy, etc. Plus, a free trial version is provided, so you can first evaluate the benefits of the service, and only then make a decision on the choice of subscription.
#4 Password protects your Macs
Security is an essential part of any business and it’s easy to forget that even something as simple as typing a password can be a hassle for employees. To ease the burden on team members, create company policies or deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure all devices with access to corporate data have strong passwords. With MDMs, you can enforce security requirements, encourage regular updates and use Active Directory credentials for logging into Macs too!
#5 Log out after inactivity
Protect your company data with a log-out policy! Setting the right inactivity time before forcing employees to log out is essential for keeping private information safe. To achieve these security best practices, you can use an MDM system or issue a corporate policy – and make sure that more sensitive users have stricter conditions applied to them when it comes to logging in and out of their Macs. After all, safety should always come first! Learn how by referencing Apple Support’s helpful article here.
#6 Have a backup
Everyone needs a reliable backup system, but there’s no one-size fits all solution. Explore the available options and choose the best fit for you – go with something automatic so that backing up your data doesn’t fall off your to-do list!
#7 Turn on automatic updates
Staying secure from malicious cyber threats can be challenging, but Apple’s implementation of regular security updates for its macOS makes it easier. Automatic update settings make sure that users’ systems are always up to date with the latest patches and fixes against vulnerabilities – unless they intentionally defer or ignore them! A company policy or MDM solution is a great way to stay ahead of potential attacks by ensuring Macs keep their automatic updates turned on; you even have the option of ‘force updating’ if any end user keeps hitting snooze when prompted.
#8 Use DNS-level security
Safeguard your remote workforce from cyber threats with DNS-level security! With more employees operating outside the network perimeter, make sure their internet traffic is shielded by setting up a protective digital solution. Connecting to a product that replicates in-office firewall settings will ensure everyone’s connection remains secure and reliable on devices both near and far.
#9 Minimize browser extensions
Keep your browsing safe and secure by ensuring the extensions you install in popular browsers like Chrome or Firefox are from trusted sources. Research any extension carefully to make sure it’s reliable before downloading, as data breaches and infections can occur if security isn’t assured – look for those with high ratings from major vendors or numerous installations to ensure optimal protection.
#10 Use the correct user account types
Maintaining secure computer accounts is essential for keeping your data safe. Instead of using an Administrator account when performing everyday tasks, create a “Standard” User Account with a real name to keep track of who accesses the computer. Doing so will help you determine responsibility if something bad ever occurs on your device and protect it from malicious attackers by preventing them from gaining full control over everything in it. Follow this link to set up Standard user accounts.
Conclusion
Keeping your Macs secure is not an easy task, but using the right tools and following the above best practices can help you create a secure environment that will protect company data from potential hacks and data breaches. From creating strong passwords to setting up DNS-level security for remote access – there’s no shortage of ways to keep your Macs safe!