There has long been a vicious rivalry between Macs and PCs. Everyone who uses one or the other seems to think the one they use is the best. One of the biggest arguments between the two versions is which one is the safest. This can play a major role in which option people choose in the future. No matter which one you choose, though, it is important to know how to protect it as best you can.
Which Is More Secure?
In general, most people understand that Macs are notoriously safer than PCs. Why? Because a larger number of people own PCs, making it more lucrative for those who create viruses to steal information to concentrate on PCs. For many years, Macs were not exposed to the number or level of viruses that their PC cousins were. However, this has created a false sense of security in recent years when viruses, such as the Flashback malware, have been making appearances. Today, both types of computers are at risk for invasion.
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How to Keep Your Computer Safe
Regardless of which kind of computer you choose to purchase, you need to learn how to protect it. Staying safe and using caution online can help you avoid viruses and keep your computer as safe as possible.You can do your part by:
- Using Secure Passwords — Password protect everything on your computer for your own security, even if a virus or malware infects your computer. Make sure those passwords are strong. This means not using real words and using a random combination of lower and uppercase letters, symbols and numbers to keep individuals from guessing your password.
- Ignore Unrecognized Emails — Emails are becoming one of the most common ways to infect computers. Hackers send out emails that are cleverly disguised in an attempt to get individuals to give out usernames, passwords and other sensitive information. If an email is unexpected or you don’t recognize the sender, it is best to simply delete it. Never click links. Always visit websites directly in the browser before entering sensitive information.
- Keep Your Anti-Virus Updated — Never allow your computer to go unprotected with no anti-virus software. This software may seem expensive, but it is far cheaper than fixing many of the problems that can occur if your computer is compromised. Check for updates on a regular basis to ensure your computer is safe and protected from the latest attacks.
- Avoid Public Computers and Internet Connections — Public computers and Internet connections can be dangerous for both PC and Mac users. Hackers attempt to use these devices and connections as a way to access your information. If you forget to log out, someone can easily gain access to your most private information. Even if you do log out, you are at risk the entire time you are logged in. Public computers could also be infected with malware that is stealing your information as you type.
- Keep You Home Safe – This often sounds easy but is an overlooked issue in most homes. How safe is your home? Do you run through checks to make sure a thief couldn’t find an easy entry into your home? A well trained thief will scope out a home and enter and remove valuable in less than 5 minutes. One of the first items a thief will look for are high end electronics. These items are easy to discard and often hold valuable information that could be worth a lot more on the black market. Make an appointment with your ADT home security provider and see what you can do to better secure your home.
- Back It Up — Backing up your computer is one of the best things you can do to keep your data safe. When you don’t save your data to an external hard drive, cloud server or other alternate device, you could lose everything. A virus, hardware crash or other serious problem could cause you to lose everything, including important documents. Make sure you complete backups on a regular basis to give you the greatest security.
PCs and Macs have long been in competition. While viruses were once unheard of for Macs, times have changed. More people are using this type of computer, giving hackers the chance to focus on a new market. Don’t be fooled into thinking your computer is safe. Whether Mac or PC, take the proper steps to protect it.