Avast's Tips for Better Mac Security

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 13 Jul 2011

Yesterday we were reporting that McAfee Consultant and Identity Theft Expert Robert Siciliano presented fifteen tips for better password security. Passwords security applies to every operating system, so you won’t go wrong by checking out those 15 tips. You can check out the article that presents the tips by clicking here.

Today we put the spotlight on Mac security and we have to report that 5 tips for better Mac security have been published by Avast Software, the Prague-based company that specializes in the development of security software solutions for Windows, Mac and Linux. The tips Avast made public are available below.

1 – 'Automatic login' is a no-no
I will admit that it’s nice to turn on your Mac and be able to start using it without having to log in first. But think about what happens when someone else fires up your Mac. That person, be it a friend, a family member, or a co-worker, can access your data freely. To disable automatic login go to System Preferences -> Security -> Click the lock to make changes -> Disable automatic login.

2 – Run as a normal user
The sensible thing for any operating system is to not allow the normal user to be the computer admin. Go to System Preferences -> Accounts -> Click the lock to make changes -> uncheck Allow user to administer this computer.

3 – Password protect the screensaver and waking up the computer
It is a good idea to put a password in place so that when the computer wakes up, it prompts for a password. This is a good idea because it prevents unauthorized use of the computer. To enable password protection go to System Preferences -> Security -> check Require password (immediately, 5 seconds, 1 minute, other periods of time) after sleep or screen saver begins.

4. Don’t let Safari unpack everything
The simple truth of the matter is that some downloads can be malicious even though they are deemed “safe”. And if Safari unpacks what it downloads, you could be served some malware. To prevent Safari from doing this, launch the browser -> Preferences -> uncheck Open “safe” files after downloading.

5. Don’t believe the hype, you do need antivirus

Some people believe that just because they’re using a Mac, they don’t need an antivirus. They believe that only Microsoft’s Windows is plagued by viruses and malware. This is not the case. Macs need protection as well. Avast! Mac Edition is one of the tools you could use to protect your Mac.


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