5 macOS privacy measures you need to take now
The brand Apple is considered to be one of the most sold products whether its iPhones or Mac laptops.
Regularly updated by the software versions, Apple ensures that the security threats for the user cause no hindrance to the user itself. But with the high rise in online crimes and cyber attacks, will the constant updates help you enough to secure your actions.
5 macOS privacy measures you need to take now
2. Get control of your ad tracking
Here is when you take some precautions by yourself to ensure that your actions while using the MacOS remain more secure.
1. Get your password on
This may seem obvious but not most do it. The fact is that many users use a simple password that can be easily detected and also the passwords placed are not sufficient. For instance, many places a password the minute they log in their system and that’s it.
Interesting Read : The List of 100 Worst Passwords of 2019
What you do on your MacOS is important, it will contain crucial information which matters which is the reason why you need to be more strict with the way you manage it. For starters, create a strong password which is not easy to crack, place the password everywhere possible such as the folders where you store content, on certain files and more.
Apple has made this easier for you by installing FileVault. To switch it on all you need to is head to the ‘System Preferences’, Go to ‘Security and Privacy’ and switch on FileVault. When you conduct such an action, you create a security net around your Macos preventing any unauthorized users from accessing it.
2. Get control of your ad tracking
You receive tons of ads, but how many are important to you?
How many actually help you in what you do?
The ads you receive may even contain multiple risks waiting for you to just click on it and BOOM, your privacy just got broken. Prevent this from happening by limiting the ads you receive.
Interesting Read : How To Stop Websites From Tracking You On Google Chrome
Thanks to Apple, you can limit your ad tracking by simply heading towards ‘System Preferences’, ‘Security and Privacy’ and click on the ‘Advertising’ option. Then there will be a box right next to ‘Limit Ad Tracking’ and click it. Once completed you won’t be receiving any targeted ads.
3. Secure your contact access
How many times has it been that you have shared your contact access to another person? Actually not to another person to another feature. Whenever you have downloaded an app on your macOS, you always get a pop up saying, ‘Give access or deny access’ to camera, contacts and more and to get over it, you click access.
How secure do you think it was when you now think of it? You could be giving away your contacts list without even understanding the consequences that are bound to occur. Today hackers are brilliant and any chances they get, they will use it to hack you off, in this case, what can you do?
You make changes. In Apple, you have an option where you can uncheck the apps you’ve shared your contact list with. While some may need your contact details, the rest don’t so it’s better to get rid of them. All you need to do is head to ‘System Preferences’, click on ‘Security and Privacy’ and then ‘Contacts’. You will find the list and you need to now start doing the needful.
4. Close the middle camera
Yes, even the camera that is staring at you right at this moment can cause you a risk. Covering it with a sticker just like the old ways isn’t enough, you need to conduct an action which is stronger than that.
Head over to System Preferences’, click on ‘Security and Privacy’ and then ‘Contacts’. Keep a closer eye on any app that doesn’t require camera access but has been given. If you feel risky or unsure about a few apps, disable the camera access to it. In case if you find it reliable later, you can revert and give access to the app the same way.
5. No more ‘Siri’
Siri was a trend and is still is but unfortunately, Sir sends all your information to Apple so that it can assist you better with your requests. This also means accessing all your gallery, images, videos, contacts so that your request concerning them can be catered to. This can cause a huge problem for you later on as there would be multiple confidential information attached too.
Avoid this from happening by simply disabling Siri. Head to ‘System Preferences’ click on Siri and disable its service.
The Bottom Line…
Safety is the number one reason when you are using advanced technological solutions more often. Apart from the above factors you could also invest in a reliable VPN services also called as Virtual Private network where it helps to conduct secure actions without any risks attached.
Which macOS privacy measure are you planning to implement first? We would like to hear your reasons.
Rachael Chapman
A Complete gamer and a Tech Geek. Brings out all her thoughts and love in writing blogs on IOT, software, technology etc
