![]() I generally either allow these to install automatically, or update them shortly after released when I have a free moment.Ģ. If in doubt, search around about the app or read message boards about the app to see if there are any issues with the app updates. Most app updates are generally safe to install shortly after the updates are released. My general rules when installing updates are as follows:ġ. Occasionally apps are updated using the Software Update mechanism in macOS, and all system-included apps are updated in macOS Major or Minor updates. App Updates: App updates are generally handled via the Mac App Store or the third-party app’s app update procedure. When possible, Apple tries to include these in Minor updates instead of separate updates.Ĥ. Supplemental or Security Updates: Occasionally Apple will issue a “Supplemental Update” to resolve security issues, or issue the update specifically as a “Security Update”. Minor updates: Minor updates to major versions of macOS, such as 10.14.1, 10.14.2, etc., both which are updates to Mojave.ģ. Major upgrades: Upgrades to major macOS releases, such as the latest version, Mojave.Ģ. ![]() There are four kinds of updates that generally occur on every Mac:ġ. Scrolling down in this article explains how to set this.įourth, I do recommend keeping macOS and applications up-to-date reguarly, as Apple does include security updates in macOS updates. I also do recommend selecting the option to require a password for all system-wide preferences in the System Preferences pane under Security and Privacy and Advanced. Here’s an article from Intego that explains standard accounts. I’ve found working day-to-day in a standard account too limiting, so I run with an admin account daily, but I also practice caution when using my Mac. Some security experts even recommend using a standard account for work, and only use an admin account sparingly for certain activities. If a prompt occurs out of nowhere, think twice before handing over the password. When installing or updating a legitimate application that the user initiated, it is safe to type in the password, as it is generally required. Third, Mac users should be cautious when there’s a prompt asking the user for their administrative password (similar to the UAC prompts that begun in Windows Vista and onward). ![]() When possible, it is a good idea to use apps that take advantage of sandboxing in macOS, as it means that apps have access to fewer files that could compromise the security of your Mac (all apps on the Mac App Store are sandboxed, for non-Mac App Store apps, ask the developer). Second, I recommend Mac users review this Mac security article from Apple, as it explains what security measures are built into macOS, including runtime protections and app sandboxing. When browsing on the web and interacting with email and messaging, use the same common-sense measures that would be used on any platform, even if your Mac won’t be infected by as much malware as what is in the wild for Windows PC’s. Therefore, understanding how to be a good, secure-conscious Mac user, is important, and all it takes is a little knowledge and some common sense.įirst off, many of the same common-sense measures that Windows users use in terms of security apply to using a Mac as well, such as: not opening suspicious emails or attachments, not clicking on suspicious links in email messages or in a browser popup, never handing over personal information to unknown sources, limit the use of browser plugins such as Flash and Java, etc. However, this does not mean that Macs are immune to security issues, and security issues with Macs are beginning to increase as Macs become more popular, as well as Apple has made a few missteps with security in recent times. It’s true that Macs generally don’t have as many security issues as Windows PC’s due to the Mac using a different system architecture from Windows, the fact that Apple has increased security measures in macOS over the years, and the fact that Macs have an overall lower market share than Windows, so malware targets would rather target larger swaths of users such as Windows users. Other articles will cover other aspects of Mac security, including firewall, password management, junk mail protection, protecting Macs from being stolen, etc.įirst of all, some Mac users believe that switching to a Mac will eliminate all the security issues they encounter on Windows PC’s, and that “Macs are secure” and “Macs don’t get viruses”. I’ve decided to post a series of articles on Mac security, beginning with the poster’s main request, antivirus and anti-malware for Mac. ![]() Someone from the AskWoody community requested more information about Mac security. ![]()
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