Getting Real with Shadra Bruce
Full disclosure – I have no affiliation with MacBook. ExpressVPN provides my annual VPN subscription free of charge in exchange for sharing information about the importance of cybersecurity and the role a VPN can play in internet privacy. I 100% believe in what they’re doing. Every single one of us has a responsibility to step up our own personal security and protect our data. Having recently traveled internationally for an extended period of time, I have come to appreciate even more fully how important having a VPN is, and can attest to to the reliability of ExpressVPN.
The Rise of Apple
Today, virtually every individual owns or has regular access to a personal computer. This is as a result of the ease that it affords the user to complete several tasks in real-time.
The first computer – ENIAC, was invented in 1946 by John Presper and John Mauchly. It was a way to automate mathematical calculations, avoiding the error that humans are prone to.
Following the invention of ENIAC, several developments and modifications were made to the computer. This resulted in reduced size and improved efficiency in newer models.
Introducing the MacBook
In 2006, Apple Inc. released its version of the Personal Computer named the MacBook in black and white variants. The device ran on the Intel Core Duo processor, with a processor speed of 667 MHz and a 945GM chip.
For the last 14 years, MacBooks have come in only two variants: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Worldwide users can testify to their great performance levels. Besides the performance levels, a continued study reveals that Macbooks are generally considered more secure than other PCs.
This does not mean Macs are impervious to all attacks. MacBook users face the following risks:
Security Threats facing MacBook Users
- Hacking – Compared to other devices that do not use the macOS, hacking is not common. However, users have reported that their devices were hacked. A hack can be done through several methods, depending on what the criminal intends to do. In some cases, only the camera and microphone would be breached for surveillance purposes. In other cases, the device’s hard disk would be breached to steal information.
- Viruses – A virus is a form of destructive code. It replicates itself and transmits onto other programs and applications, interrupting the device’s process. They could potentially destroy the MacBook. Viruses transfer from one corrupted device to another through file sharing.
- Phishing – Cyber criminals create more than 1 million phishing sites every month, according to a study conducted by Security Boulevard. Phishing attacks involve spam-like content sent to the user, usually by email. Hackers send the information under the guise of a legit source, in an attempt to steal information.
How Users Can Secure Their MacBooks
- Update Regularly– The latest updates released by the Apple team usually contain added security measures. Updating your MacBook regularly offers an additional layer of security, reducing your susceptibility to attack.
- Two-Factor Authentication – Employing 2FA in your security measures ensures your laptop remains secure if one of your passwords is exposed. It also ensures that your device is harder to breach by hackers, especially if you use strong passwords.
- Install a VPN – Security applications are very common and they are highly effective. Installing a VPN on your Mac protects your connection on the internet, by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address.
Conclusion
Your security is very important. Utilizing these tips will help to ensure you enjoy your MacBook to its fullest.
