In recent years, the amount of malware for macOS has grown dramatically. Take at least OSX / Dok - a boy who bypassing Gatekeeper steals passwords and learns Internet traffic of its victims. In this regard, you need to think about protecting your computer.

Gatekeeper and firewall.

Mac users first need to check Gatekeeper settings. This is a built-in function that blocks the installation of any software not subscribed to by Apple. You may have encountered Gatekeeper limitations when trying to install an application from the non-App Store.

In order to open the parameters of the Gatekeeper function, go to System Settings -> Protection and Security -> "General" -> "Allow software downloads from:". Be sure to check "App Store for Mac and from the installed developers". This means that only approved Apple applications can be launched on the Mac.

If you need to bypass the Gatekeeper and install the program from the developer you trust, just hold down the Ctrl button and click on the dmg file, then click "Open".

In addition to suspicious software, Gatekeeper also blocks the installation of malicious plug-ins in Safari, such as Flash or Java. Browser Safari is also protected from phishing.

In addition to Gatekeeper, you must enable the firewall (firewall). This is a network interface element that filters traffic. You can also turn on the firewall in macOS by going to System Preferences -> Security and Security.

Be carefull.

The second and most important advice - do not lose vigilance. Try to avoid suspicious sites and programs, this will significantly reduce the risk of infection. Unfortunately, in our time, malicious programs are becoming more sophisticated.

For example, OSX / Dok is a trojan, which, as noted above, was able to bypass Gatekeeper, because it used a real developer account and trusted certificate.

The virus spread via email. Therefore, never reply to emails in which you are asked for passwords, and even more so do not give anyone your personal data and do not install any software directly from the mail.

Another example is MacDownloader. This virus was distributed as an Adobe Flash update. If you receive a notification about the need to update any plug-in or application, do not agree immediately, it's better to double-check on the official website of the developer.

Apple is trying to do everything possible to quickly get rid of malware, but "makovodam" must remain vigilant.

Always update the software.

When you install the macOS update, many expect new features in the user interface and new features. If there are none, then people often reject updates.

However, with each operating system update, new threats are added to the XProtect file on the Mac. XProtect stores definitions of all malicious software that is known by Apple to protect the Mac. In addition to updating XProtect, updates fix vulnerabilities in the macOS.

Therefore, always pay attention to what version of macOS you have installed.

Check the Mac with third-party software.

Apple has an excellent built-in security system, but you can even deceive it, as we see on the example of OSX / Dok. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to use third-party applications. There are several free ones on the Mac, for example Bitdefender and Malwarebytes.