It is been a long-running joke that the best technique to protect yourself from pc viruses will be to use a Mac ?a the implication being that virus authors, substantially like video game developers, won't waste their time and efforts on such a compact portion from the user population. Even so, together with the advent of Apple-specific malware just like the Mac OS X Trojan Flashback, the statement no longer rings accurate. Although Mac OS X has traditionally seemed to be a secure operating system, we've rounded up a baker's dozen of handy hints to assist make your machine a veritable Fort Knox.

1. Put down the Java
All of the 700,000+ Apple computers infected with all the Flashback Trojan have one factor in prevalent: They're all running out-of-date versions of the Java browser add-on. Due to the fact computer software updates on Macs are a manual course of action, updates to tools like Java have to be rolled out by Apple itself ?a a step which will lag many months. The easiest solution to get around this challenge is simply to turn off Java from within the Safari browser, an choice obtainable beneath Safety in the Preferences menu. Do not use Safari? You may also turn the service off on your computer system as a entire. Head to Applications > Utilities, and uncheck the Java versions listed in the Common tab.

2. Hold your Mac up-to-date

On the subject of updates, make certain your machine is running the newest versions of OS X and Safari, in addition to every little thing else. Apple takes pride in updating its operating technique consistently, as well as other third-party computer software, so it's an excellent concept to run Software program Update regularly. As soon as per week is usually a very good rule of thumb. Be sure you install all of the available patches and updates as opposed to just downloading them, due to the fact they will not do any excellent just sitting on the desktop! To examine for software updates, click the apple icon within the upper left corner of one's screen and select "Software update."

3. Use robust passwords
We've gone into detail time and once more regarding the importance of robust passwords, however it can't be stressed enough. Generate (and use!) passwords which have been no less than eight characters in length, making use of both letters and numbers, and throw in no less than a single capital letter or symbol to create them even more secure.

Recall to work with distinctive passwords for unique services. As soon as hackers gain access to one particular account, they're going to attempt the identical password on other on-line web pages too, perusing your social networks, checking your on the web bank account, and snooping around your inbox. Don't make it quick for hackers to acquire what they want ?a use unique passwords for every single internet site or service.

4. Turn off automatic logins
What fantastic is really a powerful password should you don't use it? Even though it is a pain to possess to re-enter all your passwords every single time you boot up your machine, log in to your account, open messenger programs, or access many internet websites, it seriously is the safest alternative. Otherwise, if somebody accesses your machine though you aren't about ?a a sister who desires to check her e-mail, a function colleague going to your desk, a thief who's "borrowed" your laptop ?a they will have automatic access to all of your content material. Sure, it means some added keystrokes for you, but it will make all of your data much more secure.

5. Use a password manager
There's a solution to steer clear of constantly getting to re-enter your passwords, and that is to make use of a password manager like LastPass. One more a single of those, Keychain, comes cost-free with current versions of Mac OS X.
To use a password manager, you'll be asked to create a distinctive, sturdy passphrase and store that within your keychain, rather than trying to bear in mind shorter, easier but additional several passwords. This technique can also be incredibly handy if you differ your passwords, as you'll want to!

6. Download only from trusted sources
This should really go without having saying. Pirated computer software, warez, cracks, as well as other illegal downloads are frequently employed to distribute malware and viruses, infecting your machine as soon as you access the file. So not simply are you getting copyrighted material at no cost, you are finding an unpleasant some thing further. Karmic comeuppance, or the price tag of taking a marketplace danger? Be certain that you simply download software, applications, media, and also other files directly from the source to minimize your threat of infection.

7. Turn off 'Open safe files'
This one's somewhat of a hangover from a long-ago era when particular file sorts had been unlikely to harbor viruses or malware. Unfortunately, hackers and technologies have progressed, which means that "safe files" are a thing on the past. All sorts of malware can be tucked inside even the most unassuming files. Even the once-innocuous MP3, .jpg, PDF and .doc files are all capable of harboring code created to attack your Mac.
To change this troublesome setting, head to Safari Preferences > Common, and uncheck "Open protected files." Remember, don't click links in emails or open unexpected e-mail attachments!

8. Stop sharing
As a youngster, your parents constantly told you that it was very good to share ?a but in regards to computers, that is not necessarily often the case. Often it can be essential, when you are sharing a printer or need to transfer files swiftly. But many the time, your machine could be left to its personal devices. These sharing systems, including bluetooth and Airport, can leave your machine vulnerable (they are designed to enable remote access to your laptop, soon after all), so when you are not using them, turn them off!

9. Prepare your firewall
Mac OS X features a built-in firewall that can be employed to prevent unauthorized users or programs from accessing your machine remotely. Ensure it really is turned on, or all your security procedures will be as useless as a vehicle alarm on an unlocked automobile. Even though there might be a brief finding out curve teaching the firewall to play nicely with any non-Apple programs you could desire to use, it's a tiny inconvenience that greater than tends to make up for that in terms of peace of thoughts.

10. Enable full disk encryption or FileVault
Now upgraded to FileVault two, Apple's encryption answer might be applied to secure your entire difficult drive as an alternative of just your property folder. It may well not be something you have had a great deal occasion to consider previously, but it really is a handy, built-in answer which will protect your difficult drive promptly and easily in case your computer is lost or stolen.
To run FileVault two, you'll require OS X Lion (or greater), as well as Recovery HD installed on your startup drive. Each and every time you log on to your machine, your password will unlock your tough drive and also your user account. No password? No data access.