10 ways to secure your previous Mac of threats and malware
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Apple Mac computers are usually considered safer than Windows PCs, thanks to the strict company control over hardware and software. Whether you use a MacBook, IMAC or MAC Mini, built -in protections help protect your device from common threats. But no system is completely immune. Computer pirates have repeatedly found ways to avoid Apple’s safeguards, especially in older Mac that no longer receive regular security updates.
The good news: the fact that your MAC is aging does not mean that it has to be at risk. With some intelligent precautions, you can keep it safe and working without problems, even if it is no longer eligible for the latest version of macOS.
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1) Keep your oldest updated mac
Even if your Mac no longer supports the latest version of macOS, Apple often launches security patches for previous versions. Be sure to enable automatic updates. Follow the steps below to do it:
- Choose the Apple menu.
- Select System configuration
Mac-Long-Long malware returns with advanced abilities

Screen capture showing steps to enable automatic updates (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Then click General In the sidebar (it may be possible to move down).
- Click Software update.

Screen capture showing the software update option in Mac (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Click on the Information button Next to automatic updates
- Then turn on All options.

Screen capture showing alternative options for Mac software updates (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
2) Update your applications and browsers
Applications, especially web browsers, are an important objective for attackers. If you are using Chrome, FireNews, Brave or other browser, make sure you are updated. Most browsers have their own macOS independent update systems, which is good news if you are executing an older operating system.
I will guide you through how to update Chrome in your Mac. If you are using safari, you can omit this step since it is automatically updated together with your device’s software.
How to update your chrome browser
- Open Google Chrome browser
- Select About Google Chrome From the Chrome menu

Screen capture showing steps to update Chrome (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Let scan from a more recent update

Screen capture showing steps to update Chrome (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Click Relaunch To complete the update
Also verify the updates of productivity applications, multimedia players and email. Developers often patch the vulnerabilities in silence, so it is worth maintaining everything current, even if the MAC itself is not.
3) Strengthen password protection
A safe Mac begins with a safe password. Avoid simple combinations or anything that includes personal information. Use a phase phrase if you have problems remembering complex chains. Do not reuse passwords in services. If an account is compromised, others will also be. Consider using a password administrator to generate and store complex passwords.
See the best password administrators reviewed by 2025 experts in Cyberguy.com.
How to change your Mac session password (with current password)
- Click on the Apple menu In the upper left corner.
- Select System configuration (called system preferences in older macOS versions).
- Navigate Users and groups or log in password in newer versions.
- Click on the Information (i) button next to your user account.
- In the emerging window that appears, click Change Next to the password.
- You enter Ancient password (current)Then write you New password, Verify it, and establish a Password suggestion (optional).
- Click Change password Finally.
4) Enable two factors (2FA) authentication
Two factors authentication (2FA) Add an additional layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone guess or steal their password, they will not be able to log in without the second code, usually sent to your phone or generated by an application.
The main authentication applications of multiple factors to protect their accounts
Make sure 2FA is enabled in your Apple, Gmail, social media accounts, bank applications and any cloud service you use. It is a simple step that significantly increases the safety of your account.
5) Install strong antivirus software
While Macs have safety characteristics incorporated such as Gatekeeper and XProtect, older systems may not receive the latest definitions of threats. The installation of third -party antivirus software can help fill the gaps.
The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malware, which potentially access their private information, is to have an antivirus software installed on all its devices. This protection can also alert it to the PHISHING Electronic Correos and Ransomware scams, maintaining their personal information and their safe digital assets.
Get my choices for the best 2025 antivirus protection devices for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices in Cyberguy.com.
6) Filevault turns on to encrypt your data
Even if your Mac is older, Filevault can still encrypt your entire hard drive. This protects your data if your device is lost or stolen.
How to activate Filevault:
- Gonna System configuration > Privacy and safety > Filevault.
- Click Activate Filevault.
- Choose Use your ICloud account or create a Recovery key.
- Restart your Mac To start encryption.
For the Council: If your Mac is too old to admit Filevault 2 (complete disk encryption), consider encrypting confidential files manually using disk utility.

Cybersecurity experts recommend regularly updating the oldest Mac computers to reduce the risk of safety threats (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
7) Use a VPN
Uncecated macOS versions can be vulnerable to the kidnapping of DNS or network -based attacks. Ensure your Internet traffic allowing a VPN to encrypt your transit data. A reliable VPN is essential to protect your online privacy and guarantee a safe high -speed connection. Use a VPN with a non-logs policy for greater privacy and protection.
To obtain the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPN to navigate the web in private in your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices in Cyberguy.com.
8) Eliminate unused applications and system extensions
Older background applications and processes can introduce vulnerabilities if they no longer maintain.
- Open search engine > Applications and delete Anything you don’t use.
- Check System configuration > General > Login items For anything unknown.
- Review System configurations> Privacy and safety > Extensions and disable obsolete tools.
9) Use a limited (non -administrative) user account for daily use
Executing as administrator all the time increases. Create a standard user account for daily use Limits of what malware can do if you sneak.
How to add a standard user:
- Gonna System configuration > Users and groups.
- Click Add account (+).
- Choose Standard instead of admin.
10) Make a backup of your data regularly
If the malware is placed or the system is blocked, a recent backup can save the day.
- Wear Hourly machine (Integrated in macOS) to make a backup of an external unit.
- Or choose a Cloud backup providesR that admits macOS.
Set to make a backup automatically, at least weekly. Here are step -by -step instructions to make a back copy of your MAC.
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An Apple store on August 29, 2025, in Chongqing, China. (Cheng Xin/Getty Images)
Kurt key takeway
The fact that your MAC is aging does not mean that it is helpless. With regular updates, safe passwords and layers added such as Filevault and antivirus protection, it can be maintained at the forefront of threats. Take time now to block things, delete risky applications and make a backup of your data. These small actions make a big difference in maintaining their oldest safe mac.
How often do you change your Mac? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com.
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Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson is a award -winning technological journalist who has a deep love for technology, equipment and devices that improve life with their contributions for News & News Business Startzing Mornings in “News & Friends”. Do you have a technological question? Get the free Kurt’s free newsletter, share your voice, an idea of the story or comment on Cyberguy.com.


