Security Tips
Read these 7 Security Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Macintosh tips and hundreds of other topics.
Don't Lose Your Laptop
Estimates from the FBI indicate that eight percent of the laptops sold in 1999 were stolen. Don't let yours become a statistic!
There are several ways to secure your laptop while it's on your desk. The three basic types are cables, which attach to your security lock port; plates, which adhere to your desk and come with adapter feet to attach to your laptop; and entrapments (or enclosures) which fit around your machine like a hood for maximum security.
For links to companies which produce these devices, look in the Links section under Security.
Don't Advertise!
The first rule in protecting your laptop is: Don't Advertise! Those snazzy custom laptop-carriers are very stylish ... and as good as a billboard when it comes to letting a potential thief know you have a valuable laptop computer! So when you travel, disguise your laptop by putting the fancy case inside something plain ... a book bag, shopping bag, old gunny sack, or whatever suits your attire.
Don't Let Go
When you're passing time waiting for your plane, train or bus, never let go of your laptop. Accomplished thieves are just waiting for the opportunity to slide it away ... laptops are the most frequently stolen items in most airports and terminals. Keep it in a protective case, and keep it in your hand!
If you have a long strap or shoulder tote for your laptop, you can put it on the floor and slip your foot through the loop, freeing your hands to read, eat or whatever. Stay alert, and when possible sit with your back against a wall, so no-one can cut the strap and slip it out from behind!
Protect Your Mac!
If you download files from the internet, run your Mac on a network, or take in files from outside sources, your Mac is in danger of contracting a virus.
While Macs are not as susceptible to virus attack as PCs, the increasing number of Macs in use ensures that there will be a similar increase in virii that affect the Mac.
To protect your Mac, get a good Anti-virus Program, and use it regularly. I use Virex, and have it set up to check every incoming file as it is brought into the machine. I have several other virus-checkers as well, and run them any time something suspicious happens.
It may take a few extra moments, but believe me, the time is well spent!
Protecting Your System Folder (OS9+)
If you're accustomed to keeping your System Folder protected, you may be alarmed to find the option dimmed out in the Control Panel, on OS9 and above. To protect your files and applications, use the Multiple Users feature to limit access to your machine.
Two Good Anti-Virus Programs
How can you protect your Mac from Virii??
I recommend either Norton Anti-Virus, or Dr. Solomon's Virex. Both can be set up to check incoming files as they are loaded, and both come with free regular updates.
In fact, it's not a bad idea to have several virus checkers, if you can afford them ... one of them may well catch a virus that another may miss.
Protect Your Data
In many cases, particularly in business use, the data on the computer is more valuable than the computer itself. Whether you're mistrustful of your co-workers or concerned about corporate espionage, it's better to be safe than sorry, even in the office. Password protect your data, using the Password Security Control Panel (pre-OS9) or the Apple File Security encryption application (OS9+).
Be SURE to keep track of your password(s) … but don't do it on your computer!
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