Tips to Improve Mac Computer Security

There are currently more than 100 million users of Mac OS X in the entire world. This number continues to grow rapidly over the last few years. However, Mac OS X malware was also increased, including such as Mac OS X Trojan version of DNSChanger, and attacks on Mac OS X that erupted in 2011.

On September 2011, the first version of Mac OS X Trojan Flashback appears, and extends until March 2012. According to data compiled Kaspersky Lab, nearly 700 thousand users are infected by early April, and that number could continue to rise. Although Mac OS X is fairly secure system, but still, as users need to take some steps to avoid the attack.

Costin Raiu, Kaspersky Lab Expert provide recommendations on the 10 simple tips to improve the security of Mac.

1. Make a non-admin account for daily activities

Default account on Mac OS X you are a user administrator, and author of malware can take advantage of it to infect your computer. For daily activities, Kaspersky recommend you to create non-admin account and log in using an administrator account if there is any need.

To create the account, go to the option "Accounts" in "System Preferences" then make a non-administrator account. Use this account for everyday activities like email and browsing. This helps to limit the damage from zero-day threats and drive-by malware attacks.

2. Use a browser to the sandbox and have a solid track record in improving the security issues in a prompt manner.

Kaspersky recommend Google Chrome, for various reasons, one of which is that Google Chrome is more frequently updated than Apple's Safari browser. In addition to the sandbox, Chrome comes with a sandbox version of Flash Player that provides a significant barrier to malicious websites. Google Chrome also has a stable mechanism that eliminates the renewal of the fragility of the security barrier. Make sure the new browser as the primary browser.

3. Remove the stand-alone Flash Player

Unfortunately Adobe's Flash Player frequently become the target of hackers taking over your computer. Old versions of Flash Player is very risky when you are browsing on the internet. To remove Flash, you can use the two options provided by Adobe, to version 10.4 - 10.5 and 10.6 and others.

4. Fix a problem in Java

As with Flash Player, Java is also a target of hackers to embed malware in your device.

Kaspersky recommend to remove it from the computer. Unfortunately, Apple does not allow Oracle to update the Java for Mac directly. They do it themselves, usually several months later. This makes the window of exposure on a Mac requires a longer time than PC users.

Options contained in the Java Preferences / Application / Utilities; do not check the box next to the list of versions on the General tab.

If you need Java for specific applications, it is important to disable Java in Safari and other browsers. For Safari, go to the Preference> Security> Web Content and uncheck "Enable Java".

5. Run "Software Update" and add directly to the device if the update is available.

Lately a lot of attacks on Mac OS X to take advantage of older software or not renewable. Usually, Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader / Acrobat, Java and Oracle, but many other applications that can be abused as well. Office for Mac 2011 better than Office for Mac 2008 security. If you are still using 2008, Kaspersky recommended to update it to 2011. Whenever you see the Apple "Software Update", make sure you do a repair and reboot the device if necessary.

6. Use a password management to address phishing attacks.

The good news is that, unlike Windows, Mac has a password management that is installed in the system "Keychain."

If possible, try to create a unique phrase, and robust to source and store them in the keychain instead of having to remember passwords that are easier. Whenever cyber criminals to attack, they will use the same password on all your accounts - Gmail, Facebook, eBay, PayPal and others. Therefore, by having a strong password and unique to each source, able to create stronger security for online security.

The other thing is there are a lot more complicated advice like having a separate keychain with 3-5 minutes of time, for an important password. What is the password that important? Such sources can create financial losses: eBay, PayPal, online banking, and others. If it happens, then you will not lose all your password.

7. Do not enable IPv6, AirPort and Bluetooth when not in use

Turn off the connection when not in use or not needed. It is intended for IPv6, AirPort and Bluetooth is a loophole for hackers in the attack. IPv6 is a new communication protocol that can be used on a Mac.

To disable it, you can choose Apple menu> System Preferences and then press the Network. If the Network Preference is locked, click on the lock icon and enter your Admin password to make changes. Select your desired service network with IPv6, such as Ethernet or AirPort. Click Advanced and click on TCP / IP. Click on Configure IPv6 menu that appears (usually set automatically) and select Off.

More info see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4667.

8. Turn on full disk encryption (Mac OS X 10.7 +) or Firevault

On Mac OS X Lion, Apple updated encryption solution (FileVault) and adds full disk encryption, known as the "FileVault 2". This gives the advantage to the security for the whole disk as compared with the home folder and can be very useful if your laptop is stolen.

More info see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4790.

9. Update Adobe Reader to version 10 or later

Adobe Reader has become the target of target for cyber criminals on the Windows platform and still be ranked among the highest in the world. Version 10 also some security that make it more secure than previous versions. Make sure you get the latest version by downloading the Adobe page - unfortunately, many of the old version is still available for download and is very confusing.

10. Attach a good security solution.

"Mac is not infected with the virus" has become a common theme we hear from ad 2006 to the image of a PC that is "sick" and the Mac is "healthy". Six years have passed and the situation has changed dramatically. In 2011, cyber criminals began pressing DNSChangers and falsified anti-virus on Mac users in an aggressive way. Trojan Flashback to appear September 2011 caused a huge buzz in March 2012 that counted half a million users around the world are infected.

Currently, security solutions are very important for Mac users. You can download and try Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac. For users of Mac OS X, options such as Little Snitch can be used to determine when the program appears to be used when an Internet connection and gives you the option to allow or deny this connection.

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