Four Apps You Should Know for Mac Security and Protection

Does Mac need security software? The most commonly heard views on the subject of Mac security is that Macs are essentially secure and are immune to viruses. To tell the truth, there are no technical reasons why macOS cannot be targeted, and an anti-virus software is not enough to protect your Mac. If you are running a business with a fleet of Macs, or a network of both Macs, I'd suggest adding more protection to Mac. This article will recommend you four Mac security software that everybody should never miss.

Macs aren't As Safe As You Think

Historically, macOS is been regarded as a relatively safe system to protect malware attacks. However, these years, it seems that it’s not the case anymore. The types of malware attacks targeting Macs have also became far more insidious and, at times, sophisticated.

Meanwhile, some other report’s finding also be summarized as follows.

It's time to take some measures to get your Mac carefully protected from prying eyes and malicious attacks!

Top Mac Security Software You Should Know

I. Mac Antivirus Internet Security Software - Avast

Avast Mac Security is a free antivirus to protect your Mac from the growing number of malware threats, with on-demand antivirus scanning & background on-access protection. It offers three shields. Web Shield and Mail Shield combine to check the vast majority of incoming data from the internet, while File Shield scans all programs stored and executed from your hard drive.

It is one of the best free antivirus software for Mac and it could monitor known Mac malware, although some tests suggest it can slow your Mac to a crawl in daily activities when simply running in the background and it takes a long time on scanning. But that’s the common defect of all Mac antivirus software.

Download Avast free Mac security software!

II. Mac App Locker Software AppCrypt

An antivirus software is not enough to protect your Mac. A lot of data leakage are caused by the people around you especially you are an office worker. And some apps on your Mac may have limitation on number of usages. In order to save some unnecessary troubles and avoid others using your apps, you should set limits to your apps using an app locker like Cisdem AppCrypt. When the app is locked with a password, once you launch the app, the password will be required to access it. And the documents which needs the app to open can’t be viewed either.

Cisdem AppCrypt allows you to password protect Mac apps like Mail, Quicken, Photos, iTunes, Safari, with several clicks and keep tracks of every failed attempt to access the blocked apps with date, time, and optional photo. Just set your password to block apps and add the apps to the block list, then the apps will be locked.

Free Download

III. Mac Email Encryption Software - Encrypt Email for Mac

As businesses rely increasingly on email to correspond with co-workers, colleagues and their customers, more sensitive and confidential information are transferred over Internet, and the need for email privacy becomes omnipresent. So an email encryption software is indispensable.

Encrypt Email is a easy-to-use email encryption software to send encrypted email messages and prevents tracking of sent messages. To send an encrypted email, launch Encrypt Email and double-click a person in the contact list. Then add attached file and choose encryption option. Encrypt Email will ask you to provide a password of the choice to protect the file.This app allows you to encrypt message text, attachments and to anonymize attachment’s names.

Download the free trial of  Encrypt Email Mac security software!

IV. Mac Disk Encryption Software - FileVault

FileVault is the full-disk encryption routine on Mac that will secure all files on the drive, including macOS system files, applications, caches or any personal or sensitive information. Full disk encryption is primarily useful for protecting your data if your Mac is stolen.This prevents data recovery by unauthorized third parties, who might try to access it using Target Disk mode on your Mac or by removing your Mac’s hard drive and attaching it to another Mac.

If FileVault is turned off, you can use these steps to turn it on:

1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.
2. Click the lock icon on the lower left and enter an administrator name and password to make changes.
3. Click the "Turn On FileVault" button. Write down or record the recovery key and store it in a secure location. You can store the recovery key with Apple and enter three security questions to verify your identity. Then click the ”Continue” button.
4. Click the Restart button to restart your Mac, activate FileVault and begin the encryption process. It may take several hours to encrypt your data on hard drive. More information about FileVault, please check here: Use FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac.

FileVault uses your existing account password to decrypt your drive. If you forget your account password, you can still unlock your drive using a recovery key. So make sure to copy the disk Recovery Key down in a safe place.

Additionally, More Settings to Enhance Mac Security:

1. Turn on a firewall to prevent other machines from accessing services running on your Mac.
2. Control access to your Mac by locking your screen after a period of inactivity.
3. Set up secure file sharing.
4. Securely delete outdated sensitive files.
5. Create a stronger password to lock apps and files.
6. Always keep your system and apps up to date.