Cyberattack – Tips And Safety Instructions For Mac And Windows

Sometimes, you don’t care about the security of Mac and Windows systems and forget about the most necessary precautions. Unfortunately, you realize about the fact by the time there is a serious problem with your various operating systems. Cyber security is the most relevant issue facing some of the big tech companies these days. In fact, not only tech companies but other organizations like banks and media outlets have also fallen prey to numerous cyberattacks in recent past. In today’s hyper-competitive cyberspace, network security and threat management are the two critical aspects that almost every organization faces in its day-to-day operations. Most of the users simply recycle the similar passwords, and never update the software of the operating system, and, worst of all, when you come to know that you don’t even have a backup.

So, you should take some minutes out of the day and educate yourself on how a firewall works. You should also know what Java is and how it is disabled. Also, you should have some more safety measures that you can take to increase security of the Mac and Windows. A security breach can spell disaster for an MSP (managed service provider). MSPs also need a cybersecurity dashboard to provide them with information outside of their own environment. While it is significant to tackle any issues going on inside a company, it is also vital to forestall problems by paying attention to what is going on in the IT world.

There are some basic tips and safety measures you can apply to your systems to ensure it is well-protected from any sort of cyberattack.

TURN OFF JAVA

First of all, it is really important that your Java should be off. Java is software which functions synergistic operations on some Web pages. It is mostly been regenerated by fresh technologies such as HTML5 and Flash. Unless you are functioning few really arcane Web software, you likely don’t require it.

At the beginning of this year, as many as 0.7 million Apple computers were corrupted with a certain malware known as the Flashback Trojan. All of the Macs had one thing in common: They all were using add-on versions that were obsolete.

Disabling Java in Safari from Mac Web browser:

Initially, you need to head to preferences and click on the security tab. There you can simply un-check the box which will disable Java.

Disabling Java from Google Chrome:

You go to type “about:plugins” in the address bar of Google Chrome and disable the Java plugin.

Disabling Java from Mozilla Firefox:

Go to the Add-ons under Tools in Mozilla Firefox, and simply click the Plugins tab to disable the Plug-in of Java Applet.

ALWAYS KEEP SOFTWARE UPDATED

If you have not checked for the software updates of your system in the previous two weeks, you have to check now.

Automatic updates make sure that your system will always have the newer flaw patches and fixes. Often, system manufacturers will issue these updates after they detect issues. Have the current software ensure that your system is safe. Macs has a system known as Software Update and personal computers have Windows Update.

SET LOCK MODE

Entering a password each time your system wakes from sleep merely takes some seconds. Ensuring your system locks when it sleeps can support and protect it from unwanted eyes. Just imagine what could occur if you misplaced your system. If password is not set on your system, then anyone can use entire system and files data and information easily.

CHANGE PASSWORD ONCE IN A MONTH

You have to make a habit of changing your password at least once in a month. Also, make sure you have set a strong password to access your computer that no one can easily break through it. You must also not use the same password for different accounts which is a bad idea and can land you in trouble.

Never use a generic password such as your birthday or word “password” which makes it easy for hackers to target your system or accounts.

Suggestions for Password by Google

• Make sure to set a unique password for your different accounts.
• Always use Alphanumeric and special characters while generating your passwords.
• Use a hard password that no one can guess easily.
• Also keep your passwords saved somewhere.

KEEP YOUR MACS AND WINDOWS TURNED OFF

You should make sure that your Macs and Windows are turned off when you are not using them.

Turning your systems off means it remains in use and is one of the best methods to ensure its safety. Additionally, this will save electricity and your system will be saved from various threats when it is not in use and will also ensure that the internet access is disabled.

USE ANTIVIRUS AND KEEP IT UPDATED

It is also necessary that you should install an antivirus program and try keeping it updated all the time. Installing an antivirus program to your system keeps it secure from unwanted threats. Norton, McAfee, and Webroot are the top-rating antiviruses available for you.

BE CAREFUL WHILE DOWNLOADING

You should be really careful while you download anything into your Windows system. Mac OS X Mountain Lion has a newer characteristic which merely permits you to download items from the Mac App Store or any reliable websites.

If you are on a Mac, it is suggested that enable the feature by heading to System Preferences:

Go to the on Security and Privacy option and under the “Allow applications downloaded from” option, select “Mac App Store and identified developers”

While on your Windows system, you should be more watchful and check their downloaded data files and folder frequently to make sure that anything is not downloading automatically. In Windows 8, or the upcoming operating system, there is an “application reputation” system to alert harmful apps.

Mac users should ensure that they are benefiting from Mountain Lion’s built-in Gatekeeper feature. The users of Mountain Lion have a security benefit over users of older operating systems of Apple. There are various security properties built-in to the new system of Apple. Mountain Lion takes benefits of FileVault 2, that encrypts your data files automatically. FileVault 2 encrypts the complete drive on your Mac system, protecting data files with XTS-AES 128 encryption. FileVault 2 makes sure that even if system falls into the unwanted hands, your data files will still be secured.

Turn on the following feature heading to System Preferences for adding more protection to your system.

• Go to Security & Privacy
• Select the FileVault Option at the top
• Click the lock in the bottom left corner and then enter your password.
• Finally, turn FileVault on.

Windows has a related system known as BitLocker.

MANAGING FIREWALLS

You should also take advantage of your firewalls. A firewall is a system software that keeps away the unwanted data connections. Macs and Windows systems come with built-in firewall software.

You can easily put a better guide as to how to use a firewall easily. The guide lets you know how to limit or provide access to specific ports. Here’s how:

For Mac OS X

• Go to System Preferences and open it.
• Select Security under Personal.
• Then select the Firewall pane.
• Unlock it first to make the changes.
• Click on the check box to enable it.
• Select the Services pane to make sure it enables the service from there.
• Now click the New button and keep following the screen instructions.

For Windows

• Go to Control Panel under My Computer.
• Now select Security Center and then under Manage Security Settings, select Windows Firewall.
• Using the General tab, ensure the firewall is turned On and keep Unchecked the Don’t allow exceptions box.
• Now, select the Exceptions tab.
• Click on the check box to give access.
• Now use the Add Program button and keep following the instructions.
• Click the Add Port button and keep following the instructions.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACKUP

Most of the users only realize the importance of backup systems when an eventuality has struck; cybersecurity is of utmost concern for a number of organizations, large and small, the world over. Backing up your systems is a major precaution that could completely save you from all sorts of future issues. And doing it is quite simple and easy.

Some backups could merely mean transfer of important data files to an external hard drive. It is recommended that a full backup system be used frequently in different situations. Ensure to back up your system at least once in a week so that your data files will always be stored at some other location. If your system crashes down or gets hacked, you at least have a copy as backup with you. There are various online backup options available, which can cost you about $50 or more a year to avail the services.

PROTECTING YOUR SYSTEM PHYSICALLY

Moreover, you can protect your system physically if you are using cloud storage champion Dropbox, and ensure you secure that prominently. You should never worry about the backups if you are using a cloud storage service such as Dropbox, since your complete data files are automatically stored on servers of Dropbox.

But you will need to ensure you are getting advantage of a feature known as two-factor authentication to keep those files safe. Two-factor authentication means you are employing another element likewise your password to protect your account. You will receive a code through a text message on to your mobile device which shows to Dropbox that you are special app which creates random codes. Given the importance of network security and threat management in today’s modern age of the internet, any organization would deny their importance at its own peril.

How To Set up?

You can easily set up by visiting dropbox.com and register to sign in to your account.

• Go to your name at the upper right side to open your account menu and click it.
• Then, click Settings from your account menu and choose the Security tab.
• Now, under the Account sign in place, next to Two-step verification, turn it on. Also ensure to save your 16-digit backup code because without it, if any something goes wrong, you cannot get into your Dropbox account.

Then, simply follow the instructions to acquire your special code and authenticate your account through phone or app.