How to connect to the Internet safely on MacOS and protect your data? step by step guide

macOS is an operating system that is characterized by have a spectacular design, provide optimal performance and ensure remarkable productivity For the users. Like, for your safety and invulnerability around the main risks of the network.

But, as the success of MacOS has been exponential during the last years, Today, more malicious third parties are targeting develop specific attacks against this system. In order to introduce them through the Internet.

Indeed, it is worth knowing what are the main risks of surfing the net from Mac and how to connect to the Internet safely through this OS. All the details here.

Security risks when browsing the Internet from MacOS

Although it is true, Internet security is identified as a branch of information security that, mainly, is responsible for detecting and eliminating threats directed at the network. Since, by default, the fact of being connected to the Internet is synonymous with vulnerability for users. Though macOS It is a highly secure operating system compared to other (such as Microsoft Windows)the truth is neither is it an invincible or immune OS.

This means that, even though users of macOS have numerous security tools, they are not exempt from exposing themselves to different risks while surfing the net. Therefore, before knowing what are the best recommendations to implement to connect safely on the Internet, it is ideal to know the most common security dangers when doing it through MacOS.

Next, we mention each of them:

“Flashback”, the Trojan for Mac

Is about a Trojan (malware that poses as a legitimate program) which is spread via internet streaming sites. Which, making use of a Java vulnerability, has managed to infect more than 650,000 computers Manzana.

After being infected with this malware, Mac’s of users become a zombie machine and generates the theft of personal, banking and confidential data. In addition to this, it also redirects web browsing to fraudulent sites and minimizes the user experience to a great extent.

“Koobface”, the worm for Mac

With the objective of spread to other Mac computersthis computer worm based on Java technology It is cross-platform and has expanded through Facebook, Twitter and MySpace very quickly. Thus, one of the greatest vulnerabilities for users of macOS who visit such sites from your computer.

However, as soon as the operation of this worm for Macit is worth specifying that It is malware that uses devices as web servers to send spam, steal critical information, and redirect web traffic to completely fraudulent pages..

Phishing attacks

The MacOS computers are also not spared from the famous phishing attacks that, by making users believe that they have accessed a trusted website, focus on tricking them into obtain confidential information fraudulently. Especially, access codes to personal emails and bank accounts.

In general, these types of threats are spread through email, but their use has expanded to social networks and thus, more and more phishing attacks are executed when browsing the Internet.

Fake scareware and/or antivirus attacks

Many Mac users opt for download fake programs via malicious results from google for “use a free antivirus”. Which actually make use of social engineering, fraudulently, to motivate people to download these softwares and then pay for the “full” version.

These social engineering techniques, in most cases, focuses on scaring Mac users into overpaying for premium version of rogue antivirus disguised as cybersecurity protection. Provoking so, so much the Mac as bank accounts can not be safe.

targeted attacks

As Mac computers are very popular among people with a high profile, politicians, executives, celebrities and these types of users; are a target for cybercriminals who want obtain valuable data and steal that information. To do this, they create specific MacOS-based malware that allows carry out targeted attacks on certain data.

To insert this type of malware, the process starts via email sent to the victim or target, which contains an attached file. After opening it, it explodes with a vulnerability and silently installs on your computer to proceed to steal the desired information.

Learn how to connect to the Internet securely on your macOS

After knowing the latent risks that exist in MacOS when browsing the Internet, it is valuable to know what are the best recommendations to be able to connect securely to the network.

Next, we explain what you can do to achieve it practically and easily:

Use a VPN

A VPN connection It is a network technology used to create a local network without the need for its members to be physically connected to each other, as it allows you to do it over the Internet safely. Thus, it guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of the information contained in said devices.

For set up a vpn connection on macnecessary enter configuration parameters via the Network preferences pane. Basically, that data includes the VPN server address, account name, and authentication parameters (password or certificate).

Here’s how to enter VPN settings manually so you can use it on your MacOS device for safer browsing:

• Start by opening the Apple menu and click on “System Preferences”. Within this panel, press the option “Net”.
• In the list on the left side, press the “Add +” button and then proceed to select “VPN” in the Interface drop-down menu.
• Next, in the VPN Type menu, you have to choose the kind of VPN you want to configure on your MAC.
• Next, it is time to add a name to the VPN service and click on “Create”.
• Now it’s time to enter the server address along with the account name for the VPN connection.
• After, Click on “Authentication Settings” and proceed to enter the information provided by the network administrator.
• In case you want to add additional information specified by the network administrator (such as DNS servers, proxies, TCP/IP settings, etc.), Click on “Advanced…” at the bottom and insert it there.
• For finish, you have to Click on “Apply” and click on “OK”.

Use a secure browser

Another of the most important keys to accessing the Internet reliably is based on use secure web browsers. Since, they focus on stopping third-party tools to safeguard user’s private information on visited websites (usernames, passwords and any tracking data).

Therefore, when browsing the web through your Mac, we suggest you do it through one of the following browsers that reveal optimal performance in terms of security:

• Safari: It is qualified as the most suitable web browser for Apple equipment. Taking into account that, with the synchronization of usernames and passwords via iCloud Keychain, guarantees an important safety and practicality at the same time. In addition, its operation is agile and it is easy to handle.
• YandexBrowser: This is a powerful browser of Russian origin that offers a reliable user experience, as it guarantees protection against dangerous websites that contain malware. It also ensures defense when connecting to a public WiFi network. It also distinguishes itself by supporting a high level of customization and speed.
• MozillaFirefox: It refers to a safe option for Mac computers because it has excellent functions to protect users’ browsing as much as possible blocking any type of access to the computer. It also provides remarkable privacy and synchronization between devices.

Configure your network security

To enjoy more security, reliability and even performance When browsing the web from Mac, it is recommended to make an optimal configuration for the WiFi router. Before doing so, it is best to create a backup and update the computer software to work better with the latest security updates.

In that sense, so that your Mac connect securely and reliably to the networkstart by doing the security settings which is responsible for defining the type of authentication and encryption used by the router, as well as the level of protection of the privacy of the data transmitted from the network.

For this, it is suggested to use the protocol WPA3 Personal which, in short, increases security. This is defined as a new and secure protocol that works with all Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices. But, in case you cannot choose that one, you can opt for the WPA2 Personal (AES) and choose AES as the type of encryption.

To complete this configuration, the step by step is very simple and consists of:

• Open the Apple menu at the top and select “System preferences”.
• Next, click on “Network”.
• Subsequently, in the list on the left side, click on “Ethernet”.
• In the bottom right, press the “Advanced…” button.
• Lastly, you just have to configure the router based on the recommendation detailed above and to apply the changes, click “To accept”.

Manage your passwords with Mac Keychains

The mac keychain is an application that focuses on storing account names, passwords, and any other relevant information to manage it more easily. This type of password manager is an encrypted container to securely store this kind of information on websites, servers, etc.

Therefore, another suitable method to connect to the Internet safely and conveniently consists in manage passwords with mac keychains in order to protect and remember the sensitive information that you use daily on the computer.

To import passwords to this app, the procedure consists of:

• Find and enter the folder Applications, Choose “Others” and open the app Keychain Access. To find her too you can use Spotlight by keyboard shortcut Comando + Barra espaciadora.
• Then choose the File menu and click on “Import items…”.
• proceed to select the file you want to import and also to choose the keychain in which you want to store it.
• Now, click on “Open” and finally, enter the password if prompted.

On the other hand, if you want to export passwords, the step by step to follow is this:

• As we explained before, start with open the Keychain Access app.
• Now, select the keychain that interests you through the sidebar.
• Afterwards, you have to choose the item(s) you want to export.
• Next, open the File menu and there, click “Export items…”.
• Next, select the location you want, enter a name and click on “Save”.
• Finally, if prompted by the system, you have to enter a password.

Best VPNs to browse privately on MacOS

Since VPNs are an ideal tool for browsing securely and privately on the network, as it takes care of hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activities; It is recommended to use these utilities in MacOS to protect your data when accessing the network.

Therefore, here we present 5 quality alternatives that you can install on your Mac:

ExpressVPN.com

Due to its great power around the protection of users’ web traffic, it is considered one of the best options to install a VPN on MacOS. Which, supports split tunneling in the operating systemits average speed can exceed 135 Mbps, does not collect or save any user logs and has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries.

PrivateVPN.com

To preserve your security and privacy on Mac with just one click, you can use this tool that features military-grade encryption, handles a zero-logs policy, guarantees leak protection, and even supports an automatic kill switch. It also provides good speeds for browsing on your Mac and accepts up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

VyprVPN.com

It consists of a VPN that provides all the standard security and privacy features to guarantee a good browsing experience from any Mac, reducing existing risks. A) Yes, offers 256-bit encryption and an optimal NAT firewall built into your servers to protect connections from unsolicited scans that increase vulnerability to malware or data theft.

NordVPN.com

Other solution able to navigate safely in MacOS, because it is a software that uses standard AES-256 encryption plus Perfect Forward Secrecy to circumvent security compromises. Additionally, it hides your IP and DNS address, does not collect or share user data, accepts split tunneling, has browser extensions, and average speed is 115Mbps.

CyberGhostVPN.com

With this VPN you don’t need to work hard to fully protect your Mac. Since, has numerous functions to increase your privacy, provides ad blockers, web trackers and malicious sites. Additionally, it has automatic disconnection, military-grade encryption and firewall protection. It should be noted that it supports 7 simultaneous connections.