10 Simple steps to beef up security on your Mac.

In September 2011, the first versions of the Mac OS X trojan Flashback have appeared, however, they didn’t really become widespread until March 2012. According to data collected by Kaspersky Lab, almost 700,000 infected users have been counted at the beginning of April and the number could be higher. Although Mac OS X can be a very secure operating systems, there are certain steps which you can take to avoid becoming a victim to this growing number of attacks.

Here is a list of the easy steps one can take to increase security on you Mac OS. You can follow the link at the end of the post to read a step by step account of how to perform each task:

1. Create a non-admin account for everyday activities.
2. Use a web browser that contains a sandbox and has a solid track record of fixing security issues in a
prompt manner.
3. Uninstall the standalone Flash Player.
4. Solve the Java problem.
5. Run “Software Update” and patch the machine promptly when updates are available.
6. Use a password manager to help cope with phishing attacks.
7. Disable IPv6, AirPort and Bluetooth when not needed.
8. Enable full disk encryption (MacOS X 10.7+) or FileVault.
9. Upgrade Adobe Reader to version “10” or later.
10. Install a good security solution.

www.securelist.com...

Hope this is of help to ATS Mac users

PEACE,
RK

reply to post by Rigel Kent

4. Solve the Java problem.

IT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO YOUR COMPUTER EXPERIENCE!

Unfortunately, Sun won't listen



I added to the list by one item however - How to make home made pizza after fixing your PC!

11: Order pizza
12: wait
13: Eat Pizza.

As an IT consultant who has to deal with this everyday, don't take this the wrong way
These rules apply to all aspects of IT not just one operating system

1) Admit and understand Mac's DO Get Virus's and you are not immune.
2) Don't click on links or open emails that you weren't expecting.
3) Add a password on the computer and a lockout timer.
4) Understand your computer: is it running slow?, are you going to pages you went expecting? High usage's?
5) Never ever store passwords or sensitive information on the computer
6) Get into a good habit of clearing internet cache data
7) Use a virus scanner and check you are updated (make sure you scan removable media such as USB keys)
8) Double check all your default passwords have been changed regularly
9) Don't use the same password for all your sites, ie (banks, ats, email, login password etc)



Just a few tips, you'd be surprised of the number of users I see on a daily basis who still have the mindset Macs are 100% secure.
Changing your attitude towards computers is the best way to prevent cyber attacks, anti-virus software and patches only go so far.

the OP list is kinda naive, and short. yes, Macs can get Virus's, malware etc. for those of us in IT etc its not really news. The first things is to admit macs or NO OS is 100% secure or immune. and good use processes is by far
the most effective measure there is.

I hate lists, so here is some real things:

* use non admin for everyday use
* use firefox or chrome and add noflash, ad blocker, and noscript plugins
* do NOT install, any untrusted software
* do NOT install any filesharing programs
* do NOT install any toolbars, or other silly things.
* make sure firewall is on.
* make sure ALL installed software is always upto date.
* do not install adobe reader unless you have to if you DO, disable javescript, and remote file execution


gota go..


-GhostInShell

reply to post by Ghostinshell

use firefox or chrome and add noflash, ad blocker, and noscript plugins

that will get you b& from ATS

reply to post by DavidWillts


you whitelist, sites you trust

reply to post by Ghostinshell


Got it *wink