Are Apple Computers More Secure than Windows? Are Macs Safer?

Mac computer safety is crucial. Whether you choose an Apple computer or a Windows device, you need to pay attention to security protection. Therefore, it is crucial to compare the security of Mac and Windows before paying for a purchase.

But as many tech people think, is Mac safer than PC? Or does this view not match the facts? It depends on many factors. For example, both Windows and Mac provide virus protection, but neither can be 100% foolproof.

You also need to consider that both macOS and Windows operating systems face continuous external threats. For example, in October 2022, some customers were affected by misconfiguration of Microsoft's storage locations. In August of the same year, Apple urged Mac users, as well as iOS and iPad users to update the software in case of hackers.

Today, I will analyze whether the argument that Mac is safer than Windows is tenable. I'll compare security features for macOS and Windows and then provide some tips for maximizing computer security.

macOS Security System

Before I focus on the differences in security between macOS and Windows, let's take a closer look at Apple computers. Your macOS device has many features that are responsible for protecting the security of your operating system, including the following:

• Quick Security Response: Apple introduced the Quick Security Response feature in early 2023 to provide protection between updates. When you activate this feature on your device, your Mac is able to provide additional security for your applications and browsers.
• Update frequency: Apple releases major macOS updates every fall, but you will also receive intermittent updates throughout the year. In addition to performance fixes, each update is designed to patch any potential security issues that may arise.
• File Access: Another way your Mac keeps you safe is to allow you to choose which files have access to your device. That is, you can block spyware and other malicious programs from controlling or infecting your computer.
• Gatekeeper: The app checks the app you downloaded from the internet for potential malware or suspiciousness. In most cases you shouldn't have too many problems when downloading files, but this feature is not 100% foolproof.
• FileVault: This function is used to encrypt data stored on your computer. After activating this feature, hackers will not be able to easily access files and folders on their Mac, nor to access other sensitive information.
• Keychain: All Apple ID users can use password keychain to automatically create hard-to-guess passwords for their online login. When you log in on another Apple device (or your own), you can log in faster with your password library, which is an added bonus.
• Third-party security software: You can download antivirus software and ad blockers to block adware. There are many other tools. For the premium version, the fee you need to pay is worth it.
• Activation Lock: If you lose your computer, it can prevent others from accessing your Mac. You need to enable the Find feature on any Apple device before you can use this feature.
• Quarantine: If your Mac recognizes that an infected file exists on the device, you can quarantine it. This feature also exists in other third-party solutions.

While Mac users can use password keys for online accounts, it is also a good idea to protect your offline files and folders and learn how to protect your folder's password.

Comparison of security between Mac and Windows

Now that you already know more about the features of Mac, let's see if the argument that macOS is safer than Windows is true. Please see the table below for a breakdown of the features provided by each operating system.

Open FileVault

FileVault will encrypt all your important Mac data, which means that even if a hack occurs, cybercriminals will not easily access your sensitive information.

To enable FileVault for your Mac:

1. Go to the Apple logo and select System settings > Privacy and Security
2. Scroll down until you see FileVault
3. If you have not enabled FileVault yet, click the button titled to enable .

Lock Mac when leaving the computer

Even if you just go to the bathroom or go to get water, keeping your Mac screen on will leave you vulnerable to snooping. If you are not careful, someone may steal sensitive information, such as embargoed company details or your payment details.

Lock the screen when leaving the computer to resolve this issue. Go to the Apple logo > Lock the screen to complete this operation.

Enable automatic system software update

macOS software updates provide many useful new features, but they are equally important for security. You can ensure that your device is always up to date by automatically enabling system software updates.

The following is how to enable automatic system software updates on your Mac:

1. Go to Apple logo > System settings > General
2. Click Software update
3. Click the Automatically update the InformationIcon of the panel at the top of the next window
4. Open the following: Check for updates, download available new updates and Installing macOS updates. It's also worth opening Installing app updates from the App Store.

Enable fast security response (newer Macs only)

If your Mac supports macOS 13.3.1 or later, you can allow fast security response to perform necessary security actions when Apple has not released new updates.

After updating your Mac, follow these steps to enable fast security response (if not already enabled):

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
2. Go to Automatically update . After clicking the information icon , open Install security response and system file .

Download third-party apps from trusted websites

Many popular services are not listed on their apps on the Mac App Store. For example, music streaming platform Spotify and the popular productivity suite Notion (although you can get Notion Web Clipper).

You may need to download non-App Store apps for your Mac at some point, but you should make sure you have obtained the app from a website you trust. If your intuition tells you something is wrong, it might be a good idea to follow your intuition.

Consider using password keys for online login

Password keys are both convenient and secure. You can use your login information on every Apple device that is logged in with the same Apple ID, and the tool allows you to easily create new passwords when you need to change them.

To create a password key for online login:

1. Go to the website where you want to register for an account. To change an existing password, submit a password reset prompt
2. Click on the text box next to the location where you were asked to enter your password
3. When the option appears, select Select a strong password and allow Apple to create a password for your account
4. When requested, confirm that you want to store your password information on your device.

Enable two-factor authentication

When you enable two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) on your Mac, your device will ask you to confirm your login attempt from another device. You usually receive a code that you have to enter on your Mac.

To enable macOS 2FA:

1. Go to Apple logo and select System settings
2. Select your name in the upper left corner
3. Go to Password and Security > Two-factor authentication
4. If you have not enabled 2FA, please select the option that requires you to enable this feature
5. To complete this process, follow the remaining instructions you were asked to perform.

Even the safest computer can get viruses

While Macs have many security features that are not found on Windows computers, remember that even the safest devices can get infected with viruses. No functionality is totally foolproof, and I highly recommend adding a security layer in case one aspect of your trust is compromised.

On your Mac you will find convenient features like Quick Security Response and FileVault. Also, monitor possible threats 24/7 using third-party software such as MacKeeper's antivirus solution.

The above is the detailed content of Are Apple Computers More Secure than Windows? Are Macs Safer?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!