Tag Archive for: apple

How to keep your Mac safe

Many users believe that Mac laptops and desktops are more secure than Windows devices. However, Macs are still susceptible to cyberthreats, and they’re becoming more so as cybercriminals continue to search for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in Mac devices. Therefore, you need to implement measures that can keep your Mac device protected.

1. Adjust your privacy settings

Review and manage your privacy settings by going to Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. From there, you can specify app permissions, such as which apps can access your location, contacts, photos, and music. This gives you greater control over your personal data.

2. Turn on the built-in firewall

Your Mac’s built-in firewall is an integral defense mechanism against unauthorized access. To activate the firewall, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall. If the padlock icon at the bottom left is locked, click it and enter your username and password. Then, click Turn On Firewall to enable the firewall.

You can customize your firewall settings by clicking on Firewall Options. This will show you a list of services and apps that are permitted to receive inbound connections. Avoid adding unnecessary apps to this list to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

It’s also a good idea to enable stealth mode on your Mac. Tick the “Enable stealth mode” box in Firewall Options to make your Mac less visible on public networks, reducing the risk of hackers and malware.

3. Create a firmware password

All new Macs come with FileVault encryption enabled by default. This means that your data is encrypted on your hard drive and can only be accessed by logging in. However, this feature will not protect your data if someone reinstalls the operating system or uses a memory stick to boot your Mac and erase your hard drive.

To add an extra layer of security, set up a firmware password. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down Cmd+R before the Apple logo appears. Once the Utilities window appears, click on Utilities in the menu bar and select Startup Security Utility or Firmware Password Utility. Click on Turn On Firmware Password and follow the instructions.

Once you have set up a firmware password, make sure you never forget it. Otherwise, only Apple technicians can recover it.

4. Keep your software up to date

Apply macOS and application updates right away, as these updates often include important security patches. It’s best to enable automatic updates to ensure your system is always protected.

By implementing these security measures, you can effectively enhance the safety of you Mac and protect your valuable data.

If you require additional assistance or need to establish more advanced defenses, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from our team of experts.

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Don’t let ransomware ruin your Mac

If you’re a Mac user, it’s important to be aware of the growing number of ransomware attacks that are specifically targeting macOS devices. Just like Windows users, you need to take precautions to protect yourself from these threats. Here’s how you can secure your Mac against ransomware attacks.

Defining ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to extort money from victims. It works by locking down access to an infected computer’s system and files and demanding payment, typically in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, in return for unlocking the system.

Mac ransomware wreaking havoc

There is a common misconception that Macs are safe from ransomware. But as some recent ransomware attacks show, Macs are no safer than Windows computers from the growing threat of ransomware.

In 2016, a ransomware named KeRanger made waves when it was found to have affected over 7,000 macOS computers. KeRanger managed to bypass Apple’s renowned security protocols by piggybacking on an official BitTorrent client called Transmission.

Meanwhile, in 2017, another ransomware strain targeting Mac was discovered. Called Patcher, this Mac ransomware was disguised as an application for patching programs like Microsoft Office. However, launching Patcher would encrypt user directories and demand payment for a decryption key that would never be provided due to the software’s faulty construction.

And finally, in 2019, the EvilQuest ransomware ran rampant on Mac computers around the world. Even after paying the ransom, EvilQuest victims weren’t able to gain back access to their systems and files

Prevention is key

Taking proactive steps to prevent ransomware from occurring is the best defense you can have. You can start by ensuring that your Mac’s operating system (OS) and applications are updated on a regular basis. Aside from improved system performance, OS updates usually include essential security patches that aim to address the latest security threats.

And to ensure that your data remains safe, perform regular backups and set up firewalls and antivirus software on your Mac. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access or exposure to damaging malware. Additionally, creating backups can also help you recover important files in the event of a ransomware attack or any other untoward event.

Another essential security tip is to use strong passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. These security methods can provide an added layer of protection to your data and systems, making it difficult for attackers to gain access to confidential information.

Furthermore, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of phishing emails since these are the most common delivery method for ransomware. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know, or an email you weren’t expecting, avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

What to do in case your Mac gets infected

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your Mac infected with ransomware, take these steps to protect your data, restore access to files, and remove the malware from your device.

  1. Immediately disconnect from the internet or disable any form of wireless connection to contain the spread of the ransomware.
  2. After that, if possible, back up all of your important files and folders onto an external drive or file storage provider. Make sure not to include any encrypted files in this backup.
  3. Run an antivirus scan on your Mac and delete any detected threats.
  4. Reinstall any deleted apps or replace corrupted system files.
  5. Finally, connect to the internet again and check whether ransomware is still present on your Mac.

It’s also crucial to not pay the ransom fee. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will provide you with the decryption key to release your data. Instead, you may explore free ransomware decryption tools online to remove the ransomware from your Mac.

Lastly, with a severe threat like this, it’s best to work with cybersecurity experts. They know all about the latest Mac security threats and will be able to best assess and address the situation, and take the necessary steps to keep your organization safe.

Don’t let ransomware and other cyberthreats ruin your Mac and your business. For more information about protecting your Macs from ransomware, contact us today. Our IT security experts will be glad to assist you.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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5 Tips for customizing your new iPad

Whether you purchased an iPad for personal use or work, there are several things you need to configure before using it. But if you’re not familiar with the menus on the Settings app, these five tips will help.

Touch ID

The first thing you must change is iPadOS’s fingerprint recognition features. When configured properly, this technology not just unlocks your device, but also automatically fills in saved passwords. To configure this feature, open Settings and then tap Touch ID & Passcode (or Face ID & Passcode, if your device supports it) to record several fingerprints and configure what Touch ID can authorize.

Notifications

How embarrassing would it be if someone sent you a private message and it popped up on your iPad’s lock screen where anyone could see it? You can prevent this from happening by opening the Notifications window from within the Settings app. From there, you can change which apps are allowed to show notifications, where those notifications are displayed, and whether or not you get reminders about unread notifications.

Personalize your Control Center

Swiping down from the top right corner of an iPad’s screen opens what Apple calls the Control Center. This window allows users to access frequently used tools such as the alarm, camera, flashlight, and others. To add or remove Control Center apps, or simply rearrange them, open Settings, select Control Center > Customize Controls.

Activate Siri

Apple was the first company to introduce a consumer-grade voice assistant, and they’ve spent years improving it. You can activate Siri by long pressing the home button. Another way to activate it is to say the phrase “Hey, Siri.”

Update your Today View

Swiping to the right on your iPad’s screen opens a screen packed with personalized information. It’s called the Today View, and although it’s smart enough to create content specific to you, there are several ways to improve it.

Open the Today View and select Edit. Similar to Control Center options, this window lets you add, remove, or rearrange what the Today View displays. You can even add page segments generated by non-Apple services and apps.

Don’t fall for the misconception that Apple computers and mobile devices are too rigid to be customized. Every day, countless organizations use them to achieve specific and unique business goals. We know because we’ve seen it happen firsthand with our clients! Give us a call today if you’d like our help making similar improvements.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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How to protect your business from Mac ransomware

Windows users are often the victims of ransomware attacks. For example, in 2017, WannaCry and Petya ransomware infected hundreds of thousands of Windows PCs around the world. Unfortunately, ransomware strains that specifically target Macs are expected to grow in number as well. If you have a Mac, follow the security best practices below to avoid getting infected.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that holds computer systems hostage via encryption until a ransom is paid. Attackers typically threaten to release the encrypted information to the public or destroy sensitive data if victims don’t pay within a certain deadline. Healthcare and finance organizations, in particular, are more likely to pay the ransom because these organizations tend to be worth a lot of money and have many valuable assets, and can’t afford to lose access to their critical data.

As its name suggests, Mac ransomware is simply ransomware that targets Mac desktops and laptops. And just like other types of ransomware, it is typically distributed via phishing emails.

Types of Mac ransomware

In 2016, the KeRanger ransomware was distributed through the popular BitTorrent app Transmission. KeRanger was signed with an authorized security certificate, allowing it to evade macOS’s built-in security measures and infect more than 7,000 Mac computers.

Meanwhile, the Mac ransomware strain Patcher was discovered in 2017. It disguised itself as a patching app for programs like Microsoft Office. When launched, Patcher would encrypt files in user directories and ask for a Bitcoin ransom. But the ransomware was poorly built, so there was no way to retrieve the decryption key once the ransom was paid.

In 2019, the EvilQuest ransomware encrypted files and forced victims into paying a Bitcoin ransom. Much like Patcher, however, there was no decryption key, leaving those who paid the ransom with nothing.

Ransomware attacks like these can make a resurgence at any time, which is why you need to be prepared in case of an attack.

An ounce of prevention goes a long way

Preventive measures are the best way to keep your Macs safe from ransomware. This involves installing only programs from the official App Store and the latest software patches to defend against the latest threats.

Since phishing emails are the usual delivery method of ransomware, be wary of suspicious links and email attachments. Always be on alert even if the email appears to come from a legitimate company or someone you know.

You must also maintain offline backups and have a disaster recovery plan to keep your business running in the event that ransomware successfully infiltrates your systems.

Responding to ransomware

If your Mac is infected with ransomware, do not pay the ransom fee, as there’s no guarantee that hackers will provide a decryption key and release your data. Instead, use an up-to-date anti-malware program to remove ransomware from your computer. There are also free ransomware decryption tools online that you can use to remove the infection.

If these tools don’t work, contain the spread of the ransomware by disconnecting from the network. Afterwards, run data recovery procedures and immediately seek the help of our cybersecurity experts. We stay abreast of the latest Mac security threats and know just how to keep your business safe.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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