10 ways to secure your older Mac from threats and malware

03 Sep 2025 By foxnews

Apple's Mac computers are generally considered more secure than Windows PCs, thanks to the company's tight control over hardware and software. Whether you use a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini, built-in protections help shield your device from common threats. But no system is completely immune. Hackers have repeatedly found ways to bypass Apple's safeguards, especially on older Macs that no longer receive regular security updates.

The good news: just because your Mac is aging doesn't mean it has to be at risk. With a few smart precautions, you can keep it safe and running smoothly, even if it's no longer eligible for the latest macOS version.

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Even if your Mac no longer supports the latest macOS version, Apple often releases security patches for older versions. Make sure you've enabled automatic updates. Follow the steps below to do so:

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Apps, especially web browsers, are a major target for attackers. If you're using Chrome, Firefox, Brave or another browser, make sure it's up to date. Most browsers have their own update systems independent of macOS, which is good news if you're running an older OS.

I'll walk you through how to update Chrome on your Mac. If you're using Safari, you can skip this step since it updates automatically alongside your device's software.

Also check for updates for productivity apps, media players and email clients. Developers often patch vulnerabilities quietly, so it's worth keeping everything current even if the Mac itself isn't.

A secure Mac starts with a strong password. Avoid simple combinations or anything that includes personal information. Use a passphrase if you have trouble remembering complex strings. Don't reuse passwords across services. If one account is compromised, others will be too. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone guesses or steals your password, they won't be able to log in without the second code, usually sent to your phone or generated by an app.

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Make sure 2FA is enabled on your Apple ID, Gmail, social media accounts, banking apps and any cloud services you use. It's a simple step that significantly increases your account security.

While Macs have built-in security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect, older systems may not receive the latest threat definitions. Installing third-party antivirus software can help fill in the gaps.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

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 turn on FileVault:

Pro tip: If your Mac is too old to support FileVault 2 (full-disk encryption), consider encrypting sensitive files manually using Disk Utility.

Outdated macOS versions may be vulnerable to DNS hijacking or network-based attacks. Secure your internet traffic by enabling a VPN to encrypt your data in transit. A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection. Use a VPN with a no-logs policy for added privacy and protection.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

Older apps and background processes can introduce vulnerabilities if they're no longer maintained.

Running as an admin all the time increases your risk. Creating a standard user account for everyday use limits what malware can do if it sneaks in.

How to add a standard user:

If malware does sneak in or your system crashes, a recent backup can save the day.

Set it to back up automatically, at least weekly. Here are step-by-step instructions to back up your Mac.

Just because your Mac is aging doesn't mean it's defenseless. With regular updates, strong passwords, and added layers like FileVault and antivirus protection, you can stay ahead of threats. Take the time now to lock things down, remove risky apps, and back up your data. These small actions make a big difference in keeping your older Mac secure.

How often do you change your Mac? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.