How to use your MacBook publicly and securely

One of the advantages of technology in becoming an entrepreneur is the ability to run a business without locking in the office. Many businesses can be run from a bookstore, cafe or even the beach. All you need is a decent laptop and Wi-Fi.

But with the ease of being able to work remotely comes some security risks. By using your laptop in a public place you may be exposing yourself to hackers, device thefts and noisy people sitting next to you in cafes. Since between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro The best business laptopAvailable, it is important to know how to protect yourself while working from a distance

In this article, we’ll share how you can safely use the Apple MacBook, one of the most popular devices, safely and publicly.

1. Use a VPN

When using your MacBook publicly, you need to make sure you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is essential because it gives you encrypted connections that cannot be easily hacked. Also, VPN protects your browsing history, email, passwords and social media activities from hackers. Therefore, your data cannot be easily collected by external servers. However, it is not right to use free VPN service.

This is because free VPN providers are quite insecure and their performance is low. Various cyber-security companies offer reputable VPN services. Some of these companies include ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and NordVPN. Therefore, Stupid VPN will help you use Mac safely in public.

2. Disable sharing options

To use a MacBook safely in a public place, make sure you have disabled all sharing options. For example, when you’re on your home network, you can use these different sharing options However, on a public network, these sharing options may be used by external parties to access your data. To disable sharing options, go to System Preferences> Sharing Then, make sure that the ‘File Sharing’ option is disabled

In addition, you should ensure that other sharing options are disabled. For example, make sure ‘Screen Sharing’ and ‘Remote Login’ are also disabled. You can re-enable these sharing options on your secure home network Disabling all sharing options will help you safely use a Mac while on a public network.

3. Use complex passwords

Most people use quite simple passwords to lock their devices. For example, general repetition of numbers like date of birth, anniversary, or 1234. However, these types of passwords make your MacBook quite insecure. It may be easier for external parties to access and manipulate your personal information from your MacBook. Complex passwords that include a variety of characters, numbers, and statistics will make your device more secure.

Also, you should be set to lock your MacBook within seconds of inactivity. To set a foolproof password, go to System Preferences> Security & Privacy> General. Additionally, make sure you disable automatic login on your Mac. To do this, you go to Preferences> Users and Groups. These options will help you use a Mac safely in public

4. Turn off Bluetooth

Turning off Bluetooth is an important step in using a Mac safely. While MacBooks may not be easily affected by Bluetooth attacks, it is wise to disable them. This will protect you from unnecessary invitations to connect while in public In addition, disabling Bluetooth will ensure that the person next to you does not disturb or distract you with unnecessary messages and requests. To turn off Bluetooth, go to System Preferences> Bluetooth.

5. Turn on your firewall

Launching the corresponding firewall will help you use Mac safely in public. Firewalls are important because they protect your MacBook from unauthorized parties to external software or public networks. Apple MacBooks have built-in firewall protection that protects the device against these threats. To make sure your firewall is enabled, go to System Preferences> Security & Privacy> Firewall. There are other firewall options that you can enable.

For example, go to Firewall Options> Enable Stealth Mode. This specific setting will hide your MacBook from the public network. Firewall options give you the option to block all connections except the required ones

6. Use 2 factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an effective way to secure your online information. 2FA works by requesting a unique six-digit code from a connected mobile device. This unique code is requested whenever you try to login from a new location Moreover, when entering this code, the device requires a specific password.

Therefore, for an external party to access your MacBook, he or she must know your specific password and have access to your mobile phone. You need to have a reputable 2FA application installed on your MacBook to get started. For example, free OTP and Google Authenticator provide better 2FA services. This will help you use a Mac securely on public networks

7. Use secure browser extensions

Apple MacBooks have a built-in feature that protects them from most malware on the Internet. However, there are some public networks for which you need to connect using a page so that third party ads can be harmful. This malicious content can be blocked using browser extensions.

For example, Adblock Plus is a browser extension that protects your MacBook from this threat. Also, you can install extensions provided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (HTTPS Everywhere). This enables your browser to secure your Internet connection through encryption. A secure browser extension will help you securely use a Mac on a public network.

8. Disable guest users

Apple MacBook’s operating system has a feature that provides a ‘Guest’ account. This ‘guest’ account can be accessed by your friends, family and coworkers. They can use programs and browse without access to your files and folders. However, it can be a dangerous bug that can weaken your MacBook. Therefore, when using your MacBook publicly, your guest users should be disabled. To disable this feature, go to System Preferences> Users and Groups Disabling guest users will help you use a Mac safely while you’re on a public network.

9. Quick lock up

It is important to lock the device when not in use. This will protect your device from the spying eyes of unauthorized parties. To do this, type Command-Control-Q or click the lock screen in the menu. Moreover, you can set your MacBook to lock itself when you press or swipe at a certain hot corner. To do this, go to System Preferences> Desktop and Screensaver and select Hot Corner. In the Hot Corner option, select Lock Screen. This will ensure that your MacBook will be locked automatically when you swipe to that hot corner. A quick and easy locking will help you use a Mac securely on public networks

10. Use a security lock

If your MacBook is stolen while you are using it publicly, it is possible to find the laptop using “Find My Mac”. However, if you first want to prevent it from being stolen, use a Mac security lock to secure your device.

These locks can be locked and secured to a table, rail or chair to prevent theft. When choosing the right lock, you need to decide if you prefer a lock that requires a key or if you prefer to remember a combination.

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