MacMost: Security

Web-based email accounts have been the target of malicious hackers and spammers recently. Find out how they get access to an account, and how to protect yourself. See how to check your Gmail account for unauthorized access. Protect your account with a strong, secure password.

Learn about the Snow Leopard firewall. You can turn it on in your system preferences and it will block unwanted access to your Mac from inside your network or while you are on a public network.

If you have a wireless network at home you should set up wireless security. It is as simple as setting a password through the Airport Utility application or the Web interface of your wireless router. This will not only prevent others from accessing your network and using your Internet connection, but it will also encrypt your data.

Learn how to walk away from your Mac without worrying about others easily getting access to your data or messing up your settings. By setting your Mac to log you out, or require a password when you have left it, you can walk away from a Mac in a semi-public area like your work space or home office.

Gary Rosenzweig tackles the controversial question of whether you need to buy anti-virus software for your Mac. There are currently no active Mac viruses and anti-virus software could cause unexpected problems. Staying informed and up-to-date is a better option.

Do you use a dictionary word, date or common password for your online accounts? Then it is only a matter of time before your accounts are compromised. Learn how to use strong passwords for your online accounts to protect yourself. You can use the Mac OS X Password Assistant to create random letter and number combinations. Read more about online password security at http://macmost.com/online-password-security.html.

The MacMost.com Guide to Online Password Security
When you create an account at a Web site you are usually asked to provide a password. What do you choose? Your child’s name? Your dog’s name? Your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Choosing a weak password opens your account up to being invaded. Someone could mess around with your Facebook status and spam your friends. Someone could order gifts for themselves on your Amazon account. Someone could drain your bank account or credit card. Or, worse, they could steal your identity and cause problems that could last for years.

If more than one person uses your Mac, you should set up multiple user accounts so each person has their own space for files and their own application preferences. You can use Fast User Switching to keep multiple accounts logged in at the same time so applications remain running and documents remain open.

Spam isn't just for email inboxes any more. You can also get spam on your social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Learn how to cut down on the amount of junk you get. Find out what works and what doesn't.

Learn about the different options in Safari's security preferences, such as fraud alerts and disabling plug-ins, JavaScript and cookies.

Mobile phone users must be vigilant and check for fraud on their monthly bills. iPhone users may find recurring charges for services they never asked for and possibly can't even use on an iPhone. Here's how to check for and deal with them.

The new version of the Safari Web browser includes a feature that will alert you if you go to a suspected malicious Web site. Learn more about this protection and how you can further protect yourself against phishing attacks.

Gary Rosenzweig looks at those emails you get forwarded that present urban legends as truth: gas price boycotts, social security changes, store bankruptcies, microwaving water, etc. Check out snopes.com and scambusters.org when you get these emails.

Gary Rosenzweig takes a look at best practices for making and storing passwords. You should have a different password for every account, use secure passwords and store them in using a security utility.

Gary Rosenzweig looks at using two Macs to connect to the Internet securely while traveling.

Gary Rosenzweig takes a look at phishing: conning someone out of their personal information using deceptive email. Learn how to recognize and protect yourself against phishing.

Gary Rosenzweig looks at ways to protect your MacBook from being stolen, and how to prepare for the worst. Methods include: cable locks, security software, backing up and insurance.

Gary Rosenzweig looks at one method to protect a set of files with a password. It involves using Disk Utility to create an encrypted disk image.

Gary Rosenzweig shows the Keychain access application and how you can control which passwords are stored and how.

Gary Rosenzweig gives some basic tips for being safe while shopping online. Look for secure checkout pages, use a credit card, have good passwords, and trust your instincts.