In the face of rampant digital security breaches, robust passwords for your online accounts are the most crucial things you need to do. As an imperative element of digital identity for Mac users, the integrity of their passwords is key to fortifying the protection of their personal data against rouge cyber-criminals.
Secure password management does not only mean using complex passwords; it incorporates the use of best practices, including creation, safekeeping, and usage. Knowing those best practices reinforces Mac users’ security mechanisms and allows them to draw confidence when navigating through the cyber world.
Use A Password Manager
A dedicated password manager application should be the cornerstone of any solid password strategy for Mac users. Top password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass offer macOS versions that securely store login credentials within encrypted vaults while conveniently auto-filling usernames and passwords across sites and apps. Look for managers with native integrations with Safari, iOS, and iCloud for seamless syncing between Apple devices.
Core password manager features should include robust master password protection, automatic password generation to assign unique random credentials for each site, secure sharing of logins with trusted users, password inheritance in case of emergency, and dark web monitoring for credential leaks.
Relying on an end-to-end encryption-based password manager bolsters Mac security immensely for little added effort compared to high-risk practices like password reuse or plain text storage
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
While the password manager lifts the mental load of recalling logins, users should still configure randomly generated, complex passwords of at least 12+ characters containing mixed case letters, numbers, and special symbols when creating new credentials or changing existing ones.
Using a random password generator ensures uniqueness, while length and complexity prevent easy cracking via brute force. In case you forget any password, you can view saved passwords on Mac via the System Settings, iCloud Keychain, and even Safari.
Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Any accounts offering an extra verification step like multi-factor authentication should have this security layer mandated for accessing a Mac. Two-factor requires entering a temporary numeric code from an authenticated device along with your master password to add additional proof of identity during sensitive operations like logging in from new browsers. Prioritizing 2FA provides essential extra insulation if any one master password does get compromised somehow, by requiring additional dynamic codes thieves cannot access on their own.
Regularly Update Passwords
Alongside native password manager features that facilitate periodic batch updates of stored passwords with newly generated credentials, users should manually review and refresh high-priority passwords for email, financial, and work accounts every 60-90 days. Schedule calendar reminders to prompt updating passwords on this regular cadence, retiring older unused logins altogether to prevent lingering stale credentials if they ever got exposed in historical breaches.
Use Biometric Authentication
For added convenience that does not undermine core security protocols, enable Apple's biometric Touch ID fingerprint scanning or Face ID facial recognition wherever offered as a built-in verification factor beyond just passwords and 2FA. Fingerprint and face data introduce unique non-password factors only you possess for permitting access to password manager vaults and other sensitive Mac apps and data, creating an authorization triangle of factors by inheriting what you know (master password) and what you have (Mac device) and what you are (biometrics).
Be Cautious Of Phishing Attempts
Users should be hyper-vigilant against sophisticated phishing attempts aiming to trick victims into surrendering login credentials or installing malware. Hover over links to inspect actual URLs before clicking, use common sense to scrutinize any unsolicited login prompts for legitimacy, and avoid entering passwords or personal data on unfamiliar sites.
Avoid Sharing Passwords
No matter the circumstances, users should maintain a strict zero-sharing policy when it comes to login credentials, only putting them on personal devices logged into their private accounts. Once shared, you permanently lose control over how that password propagates across additional devices and services as well as future potential misuse. This remains true even if shared with close confidants. It only takes one instance of being shoulder surfed, one piece of paper falling into the wrong hands, one forwarded email getting intercepted for shared passwords that seemed harmless at the time to enable devastating identity theft and financial fraud.
Instead, rely on built-in password manager sharing features to selectively grant time-limited access to certain logins with trusted associated users, keeping the credentials themselves opaque. The universal policy must remain - never recite, type, write, or otherwise directly reveal a non-public password to another human.
Regularly update OS and apps
While inconspicuous compared to active threats, delaying major software updates on MacBooks and iMacs prevents the installation of critical security patches that eliminate discovered vulnerabilities. So alongside password fundamentals, continually updating the macOS version itself and first-party Apple apps ensures you run the most hardened, malware-resistant iteration on hardware and software levels. The same applies to diligent version updates of any third-party apps, especially browsers like Safari and Firefox that access sensitive user data.
Conclusion
While strong password habits remain critical universally, Mac users face expanded vulnerability from an increasingly interconnected world of Apple services and internet integration. Gladly, these best practices enable airtight password hygiene and fraud prevention.
No single tactic fully protects against every edge case breach scenario. However, layered security governance with passwords treated as pure encrypted secrets accessible only through authorized channels leads Mac users towards computing refuge, flanked by proactive defenses on all sides.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).