One tool often touted as a privacy savior is the VPN or Virtual Private Network. But do you need a VPN on your Mac? 

Is its protection limited to public Wi-Fi, or can it offer value even for when using your private network? 

Let’s dive into the details of internet privacy and determine whether a VPN deserves a permanent place in your digital toolbox. 

Public Wi-Fi: A Hacker’s Playground 

Imagine sipping your latte at a bustling coffee shop, oblivious to the unseen predators lurking in the digital shadows. Unfortunately, despite their convenience, public Wi-Fi hotspots are notorious havens for cybercriminals.

Unfortunately, many internet users encounter malware or attempted data breaches while using public Wi-Fi. These unencrypted networks act like open highways for your data, allowing anyone with enough skill to intercept your emails, passwords, and online banking information. 

This is where the VPN steps in. It encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. It hides your online activities, rendering your data unreadable to any prying eyes, even on the most insecure network. 

How a VPN Can Enhance Your Privacy at Home

But what if you primarily connect from the comfort of your home network? Is a VPN still worth it? 

The answer, surprisingly, is yes. 

While your home network might seem like a haven, it’s not without privacy concerns.

●        Your ISP is Watching: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often act as the silent custodians of your online activity. They can track your browsing history, sell your data for targeted advertising, and even throttle your internet speeds based on your online habits. A study by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found that seventy percent of ISPs in the US collect and sell browsing data. 

●        Malware Lurks: Even the most vigilant home network can succumb to malware infections. These nefarious programs can monitor your keystrokes, steal personal information, and even spy on your webcam. A VPN for home network adds an extra layer of protection, preventing malware from communicating with its command center and transmitting your data. 

●        Geo-Restrictions and Censorship: Geographical boundaries can often limit your access to online content. Streaming services might withhold popular shows based on your location, and news websites might be unavailable in certain countries. A VPN can help override such geo-restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as though you’re connecting from a different location. 

Important Things To Consider When Choosing a VPN on your Mac

With many VPN options available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. Remember, not all VPNs are created equal. When choosing one, prioritize providers that can provide you with the following: 

●        Strong Encryption: Look for VPNs that use military-grade encryption protocols like AES-256 to ensure your data remains uncrackable. 

●        No-Logs Policy: Choose a VPN that adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any records of your online activity. 

●        Global Server Network: A more comprehensive server network provides more connection options and helps bypass geo-restrictions more effectively. 

●        Transparency and Trustworthiness: Opt for VPNs with a proven track record and a transparent privacy policy clearly outlining their data handling practices. 

To Sum Up

A VPN can be a valuable tool in your quest for online privacy. It shields your data from prying eyes, empowers you to bypass geographical restrictions, and offers an extra layer of protection against malware and ISP tracking.

While not mandatory, prioritizing online privacy in today’s digital landscape is paramount. 

So, the next time you connect online, ask yourself: is online privacy a right or a privilege? With a VPN, you can choose to make it both.

The post Do You Need A VPN on your Mac When Connecting Privately or Only on Public Networks? appeared first on MacResearch.org.

In today’s digital age, where personal information is constantly shared and stored online, protecting your digital footprint has never been more crucial. Data removal services have emerged as a key player in enhancing online security. Companies like DeleteMe reviews claim that they offer a solution to individuals concerned about their personal data exposure on the internet. Let’s take a closer look at how these services can bolster your online security, providing peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.

What Are Data Removal Services?

Data removal services are designed to assist individuals and businesses in removing their personal information from the internet. These services can remove data from websites that collect personal information, social media profiles, and public records. By doing so, they help reduce the risk of identity theft, data breaches, and other digital threats.

Data removal services provide useful advice on protecting personal information online, such as using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Some companies offer identity theft protection services, including monitoring credit reports and sending alerts when suspicious activity is detected.

Data removal services offer additional protection to safeguard your personal information. They address vulnerabilities that traditional security measures, such as antivirus software and strong passwords, fail to solve. These vulnerabilities include personal information remaining on old accounts or data broker websites. By removing this data, you can better defend yourself against digital threats. Furthermore, data removal services protect against data theft, breaches, and other malicious activities. They provide peace of mind, assuring you that your data is securely removed.

How Data Removal Services Complement Traditional Security Measures

Data removal services provide an extra layer of security to protect your personal information. They address vulnerabilities that traditional security measures, such as antivirus software and strong passwords, cannot solve. These vulnerabilities include personal information remaining on old accounts or data broker websites.

By removing this data, you can better defend yourself against digital threats. Additionally, data removal services protect against data theft, breaches, and other malicious activities. They provide peace of mind, knowing that all your data is securely removed.

Choosing the Right Data Removal Service

When searching for a data removal service, consider a few key factors. First, ensure the service can remove all the data you want to get rid of. Check the company’s privacy policies to ensure they’re transparent and trustworthy. Look for a service with a proven track record of success. Remember that no service can guarantee complete data removal, but a reputable service can greatly reduce your online presence.

The Limitations and Responsibilities

Data removal services can greatly improve online security, but it’s important to remember that they are not a complete solution. Users must still practice good digital hygiene by using strong passwords and being mindful of sharing information online. Maintaining online security is a joint effort between the individual and the service.

Data removal services are a valuable tool in enhanced online security. They provide a specialized solution to personal data exposure concerns. However, it’s important to remember that these services should be used with traditional security measures and responsible online behavior. By effectively understanding and utilizing these tools, individuals can take significant steps towards safeguarding their digital presence in an increasingly interconnected world.

The post Enhancing Online Security: The Role of Data Removal Services appeared first on MacResearch.org.

So, here’s a practical cybersecurity checklist, recognizing that cybersecurity isn’t just about getting started; it’s about your continuous commitment and unwavering vigilance.

Strengthen Your Passwords

Strong passwords shield you from cyber threats and unwelcome access. Create passwords that mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, aiming for at least 12 characters. Resist the urge to use predictable options like birthdays or common phrases.

Never reuse passwords across different accounts, and update them regularly. Steer clear of unsecured sharing methods and consider using a password manager. Password managers encrypt and securely store your passwords. They can even generate complex passwords on your behalf. 

Protect Your Devices

Securing your devices is essential because they hold a treasure trove of your personal information. Here are practical steps you can take to enhance its security:

• Stay Up-to-Date with Software. Software updates address security gaps that cybercriminals exploit. To fortify your defenses, consider enabling automatic updates whenever feasible. On Windows, navigate to “Settings” > “Update & Security,” then toggle on “Windows Update.” If you’re on a Mac, venture into “System Preferences” > “Software Update” and select “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” For mobile users, typically, the “Software Update” option awaits in your device settings. 
• Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools. These tools are your devices’ bodyguards against malware. Select a reputable antivirus program, install it, set up regular scans, and make sure real-time protection is active. 

Safeguard Your Online Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication

2FA serves as a powerful additional layer of protection beyond your password. It demands a second form of verification, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile device, a fingerprint scan, or a hardware token. Begin by ensuring that the online services you use support 2FA. Activate 2FA in your account settings, choosing from methods like SMS, email, or authenticator apps.

Recognizing phishing attempts is crucial. Scrutinize sender email addresses, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and verify any requests for sensitive information to keep your email secure. Strengthen your email account with a robust, unique password, and activate 2FA for that extra layer of security.

Social media platforms contain a wealth of personal information. In fact, hackers could guess your SSN based on the information found in your social media profile. Adjust your privacy settings regularly to limit the visibility of personal data to the public. Remember that once something is posted online, removing it can be challenging, so think twice before sharing sensitive or personal information. 

Hide Your Online Activities

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) cloaks your invaluable data away from prying eyes, be it your internet service provider or potential cyber intruders. This encrypted conduit guarantees the confidentiality of your online endeavors and builds an additional fortress when you venture onto public Wi-Fi networks.

Picking the right VPN provider holds paramount importance. Seek out one that ardently adheres to a no-logs policy, flaunts stalwart security features such as encryption and a fail-safe mechanism, and boasts an extensive network of servers thoughtfully positioned to cater to your specific requisites. The process of configuring and utilizing a VPN is a breeze. Simply retrieve the app, sign in, opt for a server, and you’re poised to traverse the web incognito. The rewards are substantial: anonymous browsing, access to otherwise restricted content, and the peace of mind accompanying secure public Wi-Fi connections.

Conclusion

As you embrace the steps outlined in this checklist, you’re empowering yourself in the digital realm. It’s about safeguarding your online presence and giving yourself the confidence to explore the web worry-free. When you follow these guidelines, you’re not just protecting your digital identity but also opening up a world of online possibilities where you can navigate with ease and assurance.

The post Your Cybersecurity Checklist: Easy Steps to Stay appeared first on MacResearch.org.

IP addresses are crucial in terms of the security of any network. It has been used in VPN (Virtual Private Servers) and in every connection in a company’s network. Among many of them, we will discuss dedicated and shared IP addresses and give you some tips on how to choose the right one for your organization. 

Dedicated IP Explained 

A dedicated or fixed IP is an IP that is used through the network by only company team members. We can consider dedicated IP as a special and private IP connection. Other users who are not assigned to this IP can not obtain access permission. Thus, organizations can create secure traffic that prevents access from the outside of the company. 

In dedicated IP, a business owner or IT admin can decide who can access company data through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The admins assign only their employees to this specific IP address and can be sure that only allowed people have granted access to the private resources of a company. Since only authorized people are assigned to fixed IPs, companies can protect their networks from unauthorized access. 

What are the benefits of a dedicated IP?

Secure your remote workforce 

Although dedicated IP has so many benefits in on-premises work models, it offers more advantages for the remote workforce. The very first reason is it is hard to control remote employees and they are more prone to cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Firstly, remote employees use different devices that are not as secure as office computers. It is a fact that there are companies that adopt bring your device (BYOD) policy and let their employees use their own devices for office work. While office computers are protected better due to regular updates and protection software, personal devices can be neglected. Even if you warn your workforce about updates and other safety procedures, they can disregard your recommendations. This neglection makes your company more vulnerable to attacks. 

Furthermore, most employees use devices for both their business and personal work. It is another mistake in terms of security. This implementation can cause catastrophic data breaches. We know that data leakages harm companies’ reputations and financial situations. They can lose clients and be subject to legal sanctions. To avoid these kinds of devastating consequences, you can consider dedicated IP for your organization. 

Here, dedicated IP benefits show up and diminish the drawbacks of remote work. This benefit is about the working policy of dedicated IP. It provides private access and avoids third parties. So, even though the remote workforce shows some risky behaviors, dedicated IP does not let them be a risk by preventing external interventions. 

Get more control over your company network 

While using a dedicated IP, your company’s traffic is sent through this exclusive server. You do not need an extra IP address to provide access to the servers. On the other hand, it is more straightforward to monitor a dedicated IP connection and interfere with it. Moreover, dedicated IP makes your digital steps private and other users can not obtain access to your private server. 

As a company owner or IT manager, you can determine allowlists. These allowlists include the specific IP addresses that are allowed to reach company resources. It is a good way to permit employees to make them authorized to access specific company resources. When companies eliminate privileges and give their employees adequate authorization to access only necessary resources, they decrease their attack surface and create a safer environment. Choose the IPs, gateways, and users to make them authorized. 

Drawbacks of a Dedicated (Fixed) IP

Less affordable 

While shared IP has been used by many users, dedicated IP is dedicated to smaller groups. Since the dedicated IP is only used by a specific team of a company, it costs much when compared to shared IP. That is why it is preferable to large-sized businesses since small businesses can not afford it. 

Complicated management 

It is hard to manage dedicated IP due to its complexity. In dedicated IPs, there is no responsible host to manage IP addresses. So, you are the one who is responsible for managing your IP address. This fact adds an extra burden to your security compliance and makes it hard to control without adequate staff. 

Shared IP Explained 

In shared IP, there is no private server so other unknown users can use the same server that your company used for business. Shared IP means that your domain takes place with other domains. 

While dedicated IP offers a particular server so only your team can use it, you share the same server with other unknown users in a shared IP. Furthermore, shared IPs determine new addresses according to the server that your team uses. On the other hand, the IP address remains the same in the dedicated IP and the dedicated IP does not change the address to provide security. 

Advantages and disadvantages of a shared (dynamic) IP

Pros 

When compared to dedicated IPs, shared IPs are more affordable. The costs are available for small to large-sized businesses. On the other hand, it is easy to construct shared IP in your company. In dedicated IP, there is a need for a warm-up period to get used to the volume of traffic. It means that you have to familiarize your e-mail traffic and volume to the dedicated IP. Otherwise, sending a high amount of e-mails through a new dedicated IP can result in a reputation loss. So we can sum up the benefits of a shared IP in two: cost-efficient and established volume. 

Cons

Shared IP can not provide a secure environment for remote users as the dedicated IP offers. It handles the whole traffic of the users so can not establish a private and dedicated service. Since shared IP changes the locations of IP addresses all the time, it can create access issues for some websites and networks. Eventually, it causes a slowdown and diminishes the productivity of a company. 

Last Remarks on Dedicated vs Shared IP

Utilizing dedicated or shared IP can make different gains for your company. You can consider your business type, scale, financial and reputational goals while deciding on the IP type. Although both of them offers a great range of advantage, specific features can help you to choose the one. In terms of modern business requirements and today’s security climate, you can give dedicated (fixed) IPs a try to take advantage of the remote work safety offerings. 

The post Dedicated IP vs. Shared IP: Which is Right for You?  appeared first on MacResearch.org.

What Is The Definition of a Startup App?

mac OS startup apps, as the name implies, are applications and other services that launch automatically as soon as macOS starts. Overall, this is a positive thing. Antivirus software should run continuously for maximum security, and you shouldn’t have to start it every time your Mac boots up. 

The issue is that your Mac needs to load each of these applications before it can attempt to launch the system. After that, they will keep running unless you turn them off. It is easy to imagine how employing too many startup items could cause your Mac to run slowly. Luckily, disabling auto-starting Mac programs is relatively easy.

How To Manage Mac Startup Apps

Automatically launching applications on a Mac is also known as login items for Apple users. In other words, this is a specific command for the system to open certain applications when rebooting or turning on the computer. Very often, when installing software, the automatic launch is an option. Without hesitation, we agree, after which we simply forget about it. As a result, programs that are not needed right away are launched, stopping those that are needed. Also, if a large number of applications are open at the same time, performance may decrease. Luckily, configuring these settings is very easy:

1. Select “System Settings.” 
2. Locate the “Users and Groups” icon and click it. 
3. A system administrator should be chosen (or another user if there are several). 
4. Put your password in the lock symbol after clicking it. 
5. Choose the “Login Items” tab from the window’s top menu. 
6. A list of automatically starting programs appears. 
7. Choose the one you want to omit by clicking the “-” button at the bottom. 
8. Click the addition symbol “+” to add an app if necessary. 
9. The “Hide” checkbox next to a program’s name must be selected for the application to launch while being minimized in the Dock panel. 
10. Lock it up and leave the settings.

This enables the swift and comprehensive arrangement of all the Mac login items. Only specified apps will run automatically when the machine is powered on or restarted.

How To Hide Startup Items

Each item in the list of Login Items has a checkbox labeled Hide next to it. The software starts whenever the Hide option is selected, but no windows are visible. Hiding an app can be useful when it has to run, but you do not need to see its window. For example, if you want the Activity Monitor software to start without the window opening. The app’s Dock icon alerts you when CPU loads get too high. Open a window at any time by selecting the app’s Dock icon.

What Startup Programs Do You Have On Your Mac?

To find out which programs are configured to execute upon startup, check your Mac’s program files. Additionally, you can immediately add or remove these elements. 

Here’s how to look through your macOS Dock’s startup applications:

1. Choose Options from the pop-up menu when you right-click an app or program on the Dock. 
2. Choose “Open at Login” or deselect it. Using the Dock, you can add or delete each startup program located there one at a time.

What Programs Should You Remove From a Startup?

Which apps you can disable at startup depends on your needs. You may be surprised by a few startup apps on your list. Games, unrelated apps, and sometimes even Mac apps can end up in your start list when you install them without your knowledge. But do you really need to be greeted by the Messages app, the world news app, and the gaming app every time you sign in? So these apps can be easily removed from the login items. 

Remember that too many login items can influence your computer’s booting and operation time. So try to create a list of essential startup items as a part of regular Mac maintenance and remove the secondary apps like games or music apps. 

If you doubt what apps to remove from the login items, please, follow this checklist:

• Remove apps you didn’t add to the startup list. Some apps get to the list of login items automatically after downloading, so keep your list of essential apps consistent. 
• Remove suspicious apps you don’t remember installing on your Mac. Sometimes, while downloading one app, you may get an extra one from the same developer. Or you may face a cyber attack when apps are downloaded from suspicious websites by themselves. So be careful, get antivirus, and forbid downloading apps from third-party resources in advance.
• Remove rarely used apps that you don’t need to start automatically. Just like iTunesHelper, Microsoft Word, if you’re working in Google Docs, etc. 

With startup apps excluded, your Mac will run faster and have more storage space. However, the launch link to the application may sometimes be broken after a piece of software or application is uninstalled. These URLs make no sense and drain your Mac’s resources by looking at these apps. 

Learn More About Startup Items On Mac

Early versions of macOS stored startup programs in the /System/Library/StartupItems and Library/StartupItems folders. Although this is an outdated mechanism today, some older software may add itself to these folders.

In addition, there are folders in macOS from which running background services launch. While it is better not to touch the components from the System folder, Mac system services also start from here:

– /System/Library/LaunchDaemons and /System/Library/LaunchAgents

– /Library/LaunchDaemons and /Library/LaunchAgents

– /Users (Users)/Username/Library/LaunchAgents

So you can check these folders to find out what starts automatically once you boot your Mac.

The post How To Add Or Change Startup Apps On macOS appeared first on MacResearch.org.

If your Android smartphone runs on Google Android, it’s your lucky day. Google always comes to the rescue and offers up a slew of free antivirus apps to help protect your cell phone from viruses. But the problem is that most users, especially new ones, are hesitant to install any app from third-party sources.

They hardly worry about the risks and consequences of downloading random apps. However, it’s essential to keep your smartphone clean and virus-free, and that’s because, at the end of the day, it’s our only gateway to the Internet. Viruses can delete data, corrupt the app, or even damage the entire mobile phone if the virus takes complete control over the device. And with viruses coming in all shapes and sizes, you need to ensure that your Android gadget is fully protected.

If you don’t have a good antivirus app downloaded from https://clario.co/android-antivirus/ and installed on your device, the chances of an app or website getting hacked and having malware on your smartphone is pretty high. The thing is that no antivirus app is perfect. So, if you do not want to end up having to replace your smartphone every time you get infected by malware, here are the top reasons you should install a good app on your android smartphone.

Reason #1: Protection From Cyber Attacks

We all know that hackers are good at finding new ways to hack devices. They find a way to hack into your private information, photos, messages, contacts, and so much more. They are also known to hack into your social media accounts. If you want to be safe, you need to safeguard yourself and your device from all types of attacks. While an antivirus app is only effective at detecting malware, a good security app should make you more vigilant to online threats. And the best way to be vigilant is by having an app that keeps you up-to-date with the latest virus warnings.

Reason #2: Preventing Ransomware

If you’ve been downloading apps from unofficial sources, it is possible to get infected by a ransomware app. Once the malware is installed, it will corrupt the operating system and won’t let you open your files and apps. Your mobile can get locked in exchange for ransom. And this is a terrifying situation for users. You may lose your device and precious data if you don’t know how to deal with ransomware. You may even need to pay a ransom to get back your device. Luckily, this is not a problem if you have a good antivirus app on your device. The solution will automatically identify the threat and block a ransomware app. In this case, malicious software will never get to the core of your Android phone. 

Reason #3: Free Storage Space

If you need to free up some memory, you can remove the junk files or apps to gain more space. For example, Avast app allows you to uninstall non-essential apps and keep your storage space intact. It can also speed up your device with RAM Boost. 

Reason #4: Backup Data

Antivirus apps can provide the bonus backup option for the most important information and assets on your phone. Apart from that, with the app, you have the chance to restore your contacts or photos in case of any emergency. 

Reason #5: Regular Security Updates

When installing a quality antivirus app on your mobile phone, you can be sure that your “security system” is always up to date and updated regularly without your extensive involvement. You do not need to install any extra software packages or subscribe to additional service features; software updates happen automatically. So as vulnerabilities and exploits pop up, your Android phone is “ready” for them and is fully safeguarded. 

Wrapping Up

Well, having a security antivirus app is a must today, especially if you are an owner of a used smartphone or use a device of an older model. As the number of different viruses and malware attacks increases daily, it is important to be safe on the safe side and protect your precious gadget from being infected and damaged. This way, you can ensure that no one will ever access your sensitive information or delete the important files.

The post Does Your Android Smartphone Need an Antivirus App? appeared first on MacResearch.org.

That said, the implementation of certain security features does come at the expense of convenience. For most people, it’s about finding the right balance between protection from the most obvious threats while enjoying a fast and efficient user experience. In this article, we’ll discuss a few easy and effective ways to achieve this balance. We’ll also check out some other ways to improve privacy on your Mac via services like a rotating proxy, for example.

Keep your Mac updated

Cybersecurity threats are evolving all the time as hackers discover new vulnerabilities in networks and systems. Apple is extremely proactive in keeping its MacOS software safe, releasing regular updates that take just a few moments to install. The easiest way to stay on top of updates is to make sure automatic updates are enabled. This is simple to do: just go to System Preferences > Software Update and make sure the “Automatically keep my Mac up to date” box is ticked.

Enable Apple’s built-in firewall

A firewall monitors and controls incoming connections to your Mac. This is an essential security feature that shouldn’t have a noticeable effect on your everyday use. Make sure that your firewall is enabled by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. From there, choose the Firewall tab and then click the “Turn On Firewall” box.

Back up your Mac regularly

Just in case your computer does get compromised and you’re forced to wipe your data, it’s always a good idea to have backups on hand. The best way to do this on a Mac is to set up the Time Machine feature. This automatically backs up your computer every day, making it easy to restore factory settings while still keeping access to your files, photos, music, apps, and other personal data.

Encrypt your data with FileVault

FireVault is an in-built security feature that encrypts your Mac’s entire hard drive. This
means that anyone who gains access to your computer is unable to read your data unless they know your password. FireVault automatically encrypts your Mac’s data as soon as it is shut down, only allowing access to authorized users who are able to log into the system. To

enable FileVault, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault. From there, click the “Turn on FileVault” box.

Enable Intelligent Tracking Prevention on Safari

Many of the websites that you visit will track and collect your data to sell to advertisers. Most users agree to this by failing to read pages of deliberately long and complex smallprint. Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature limits the amount of data websites can collect, helping you to maintain your privacy and prevent this exploitative practice. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy and click on the “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” box. You’ll be able to see exactly which sites are trying to track you, as well as the number of trackers that Safari has successfully blocked. When you see how numerous and invasive these trackers are, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this feature.

Adjust your privacy settings

Check on your privacy settings periodically to ensure that they’re still relevant. Over time, you may have granted certain apps and websites access to your cookies, contacts, location, camera, and microphone. If you’re not regularly using these apps, it’s a good idea to limit their access to your sensitive data. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. Check through your permissions and untick those that no longer apply.

Use a proxy server

The most effective and easily-implemented security measure beyond your built-in settings is a professional proxy server. Proxy servers anonymize your online activities by providing a substitute IP address. While there are many free and cheap options available, only professional proxy servers can guarantee your security and anonymity. Look for a service that offers rotating proxies, which automatically assigns a new IP address for each new connection you make.

Wrap up

There are countless other methods, settings, and software that you can apply to fortify your Mac. However, too many security measures can have a negative effect on your computer’s performance without offering a great deal more protection. We recommend that you focus on optimizing Apple’s excellent built-in features, with the added benefit of a rotating proxy, for a smooth and secure user experience.

The post 7 easy and effective ways to keep your Mac secure appeared first on MacResearch.org.

The Fire TV stick comes pre-registered to your account if you have Amazon Prime. Just plug it in your TV HDMI port. However, with all the fun, some disadvantages come with the FireStick. 

For example, you might need a good internet connection when traveling. Public WiFi isn’t the safest option, even when it comes to the hotel internet. Apart from this, there are some settings on your Amazon account that you might need to change to have some privacy, and your FireStick can also be hacked. So what can you do to prevent this? Use a VPN! 

The Advantages of Using VPN with Amazon Firestick 

A VPN is a virtual private network, and you can use it to encrypt your online data. The Amazon Firestick is an online video streaming device, after all. It can turn any regular TV into a “smart TV.” 

The Fire TV software is built on the Android OS, but it has an Amazon twist. Though it can’t operate Android apps, it is susceptible to various malware and viruses, just like the Android OS. Apart from the fact that the Firestick works on an online connection, it also has some default settings that make you a potential target for hackers. 

Firestick TVs monitor the user’s data to enhance content preferences. These trackers collect information about you, your viewing habits, and preferences. Bad actors usually highly prize such information since it can be sold online to third parties. According to a report conducted by the University of Chicago and Princeton University, about 89% of the channels provided by Fire TV contain online trackers. 

These trackers collect personal information such as serial numbers, IDs, WiFi networks, MAC addresses, and others. Millions of Pluto TV users recently leaked their data in one recent online breach. 

However, with a VPN for Firestick, you can protect yourself from such cyberattacks. As mentioned above, a VPN encrypts your online data. Here are some other advantages: 

Accessing Geo-Restricted Content

Though there are plenty of shows you can access with your Amazon Firestick, in combination with a VPN service, you can access shows that might not be available in your country. Pick a VPN provider and see what countries they can provide a network from. 

You can instantly change your geo-location with a VPN to access any show, music, or video games that might not be available with your Firestick. This is especially useful if you are traveling to other countries, and you might not have access to the content from your own country. 

Securing Connections 

Everyone loves to travel, and a critical element while traveling is safety. You have to rely on unsecured public WiFi connections to enjoy your Amazon Firestick when you travel. However, with a VPN, you can turn any connection into a secure one, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your Firestick without worrying about data breaches. 

It’s not just your Firestick that will become safe. It’s everything on your smartphone or laptop. If you are a digital nomad or simply have some work to do while traveling, you are just one click away from securing a VPN connection. 

Secure Multiple Devices 

A VPN is not something you can only use on one device, such as your TV Firestick. You can also benefit from its numerous cybersecurity advantages on any device that requires an internet connection. You can connect your smartphone, TV, laptop, PC, anything! 

Faster Connections 

In some instances, a VPN can provide you with a faster internet connection than your public WiFi. Say, for example, you want to play a video game on your Firestick. You can use your VPN to connect to a geo-location closer to the game’s main servers and benefit from faster connection speeds.

The post Top Reasons Why You Need a VPN for FireStick  appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Here are five ways you can improve your Mac’s security:

• Enable all iOS security features
• Install a third-party antivirus
• Use a password manager
• Backup and encrypt your files
• Consider using a VPN

Let’s explore these methods in more detail and see how they can help you stay safe when using your Mac.

Enable All iOS Security Features

The first step in securing your Mac is enabling all the security features that come with it. When you first boot your system, many of these options won’t be enabled, so you have to do it manually.

To edit security options, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. There, you will see four tabs:

• General – Add a password and disable automatic login. Only allow apps downloaded from the Mac AppStore.
• FileVault – Turn on FileVault to encrypt all your data.
• Firewall – Always keep Firewall on to prevent unwanted apps or services from causing damage to your system.
• Privacy – Limit Ad tracking and choose which apps can access your data.

Another security feature that is very beneficial is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). You can enable this feature by navigating to System Preferences > Apple ID > Password & Security, and ticking on “Two-Factor Authentication.”

This feature lets you receive a code through an alert or text to your phone each time you try to use your password. Without entering the code, nobody will be able to log in.

Apple is also very quick to release new updates containing various fixes that can address potential vulnerabilities. Check for updates regularly, or set up automatic updates to ensure that your system stays protected.

Install a Third-party Antivirus

Even with all the security measures in place, malware and other threats can still find their way onto your Mac. It’s best to have an additional, third-party antivirus to go along with the built-in Firewall and encryption features.

Antivirus software is specifically designed to detect and remove the latest vulnerabilities and will be able to catch suspicious files or actions at a higher rate than the native Firewall. It also protects against other vulnerabilities like:

• Ransomware
• Phishing
• Spyware and more.

Since many antivirus software only works on Windows, make sure the one you choose supports Mac before committing to anything.

Use a Password Manager

Using a strong password for all your accounts is important, but won’t fully guarantee security. To stay one step ahead of threat actors, it’s best to update passwords regularly across all your accounts. Since that can be time-consuming to do manually, you should consider using a password manager.

Apple has its own password manager called iCloud Keychain, that’s capable of storing and encrypting login credentials, passwords, and payment information. However, iCloud Keychain has one significant limitation in that it only works with Apple products, which means that you can’t save passwords from popular browsers like Google Chrome.

For maximum protection across all your passwords and information no matter where you save them, it’s best to use a separate password manager.

Create Backups

Creating backups for your files and data has long been a popular security measure, and for good reason. Backing up your data prevents the risk of losing valuable information due to data loss or attacks.

Macs are particularly easy for creating backups thanks to Apple’s Time Machine feature, which allows you to regularly save your data on a separate hard drive. You can also save all data from your current Mac and access it on a different one. Set-up automatic updates to always have a recent save file available in case of data loss.

Consider Using a VPN

When you access the internet through a public network, hackers can easily track your activity and potentially steal valuable information such as login credentials or banking information.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a private network from a public internet connection, giving you privacy and anonymity when browsing online.

Unless you’re using a WiFi network you trust (such as home or office) it would be best to use a VPN, especially when browsing the internet. A VPN will disguise your real IP address with one set in a different location, making your connection impossible to trace for hackers and websites.

The post 5 Ways to Improve Your Mac’s Security appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Windowserver on Mac causes high CPU usage when resource-intensive programs that constantly change what’s happening on the screen are running on the Mac. It’s common for Windowserver on Mac to consume lots of CPU power when the user is running games or video-editing software.

Windowserver is an important macOS process that’s constantly running and is responsible for the communication between the apps that are running on your Mac and Mac’s display. Basically, the windowserver process is responsible for the visualization of every app that you open and use on the computer. For this reason, it wouldn’t be surprising if windowserver starts using up significant amounts of CPU in order to function. High CPU usage caused by this process is especially likely if you are running any visually-intensive software, such as video-editing apps or video games. In such cases, if you want to decrease the CPU that’s being used, you’d need to close those programs. Obviously, if you need to use the visually-intensive software that’s triggering the increased CPU usage, you’d need to put up with the potentially decreased performance of your Mac.

In some cases, however, it’s possible that the high use of CPU that’s coming from windowserver is triggered by a bug in a program that you are running. If, for instance, you’ve noticed that a certain app that shouldn’t be too resource-intensive is causing an unusual increase in CPU usage, then, if you know that the app is legitimate, you can contact its developer and let them know about the potential issue they may need to fix. On the other hand, if you are uncertain about the program’s trustworthiness, it may simply be best to uninstall it.

It’s also possible that the windowserver process is using lots of CPU power even when you don’t have any resource-intensive programs open on your Mac. In such cases, there are several possible fixing methods that you can try in order to troubleshoot this issue. We will explain those methods in the troubleshooting section of this article that you will find down below. 

About Mac kernel_task – high CPU

Mac kernel_task using high CPU amounts is normal, and you shouldn’t worry about it if it doesn’t affect the performance. If your Mac is slower due to the Mac kernel_task using lots of CPU power, there are several things you can try to fix it.

The “kernel” of your Mac is a very important part of your system – it loads first when you start your Mac, and it is responsible for the communication between your macOS and the software you run on it, on the one hand, and your Mac’s hardware components, on the other. The kernel_task is a macOS process related to your Mac’s kernel, and it’s normal if that process consumes large amounts of system resources. In fact, it is designed that way with the goal to make use of all available resources (especially memory) at any given time, even if no resource-intensive tasks are being run at the moment.

Obviously, if you are running any programs or tasks that require a lot of resources, the kernel_task process may start using up even more of your CPU and memory, which is to be expected. However, if the task seems to be causing slower performance due to increased CPU usage even when no demanding apps are open on your Mac, then you may need to dig a bit deeper to find out what the source of the issue is and troubleshoot it.

There are different potential causes for unusually high and performance-affecting CPU usage caused by kernel_task. A common example in the past that could still be seen on older Macs is when Adobe Flash is causing spikes in CPU usage. If you still have Flash on your Mac, disabling it may help relieve some of the used CPU. Another thing you can try is you can reset the SMC of your Mac – SMC stands for System Management Controller, and it’s a chip within your Mac that controls various functions of the computer. Errors or bugs in the SMC can trigger various issues such as increased CPU usage, and the way to take care of this issue is through an SMC reset.

A more advanced solution that has helped some users relieve the high CPU use coming from kernel_task is to disable third-party kernel extensions (also known as kexts). This is a more advanced troubleshooting method, but if the previous suggestions didn’t work for you, it may be worth giving it a try. Below, we will guide you through the process, so that you should be able to disable those third-party extensions without any issue.

About Mds_stores – high CPU

Mds_stores high CPU usage is typically triggered when Spotlight needs to index a large number of items, typically after adding new data or deleting data. If the Mds_stores high CPU usage persists, the Spotlight index is likely corrupted and needs to be rebuilt.

Mds_stores is yet another important macOS process, which is related to Spotlight, so if you notice that it is in your Activity Monitor and that it’s using large amounts of CPU (or memory), do not worry – it is not uncommon for this process to require lots of resources from time to time. If, however, mds_stores (or the other mds processes) is constantly slowing down your Mac’s performance by using up large portions of the computer’s memory and/or CPU, then you may need to do something about it.

The main reason why mds_stores have high CPU usage is that your Mac’s Spotlight is in the process of indexing files that are present in your Mac. In fact, the indexing process is happening very often, and in most cases, it shouldn’t be causing any performance problems. However, if the mds_stores process seems to be using too much of your CPU for an extended period of time and this is causing your Mac to operate at a slower speed, then you may want to do something about it.

The main solution here is to manually rebuild your Spotlight index. There are two main methods of doing this: you can either add your Mac’s drive to the Excluded Locations list and after that remove it from the exclusions list, or you can run the sudo mdutil -E / in the Terminal.

Other things that you can try are to prevent Spotlight from searching in certain locations and folders, remove some directories from Spotlight, or, if nothing else helps, you can also disable Spotlight.

Mac high CPU Fix Checklist

1. Restart your Mac
2. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode
3. Update your Mac’s software
4. Reset SMC
5. Free up storage space
6. Reduce Transparency
7. Reset NVRAM
8. Rebuild Spotlight Index

Some Mac high CPU fix methods you can try are to restart your Mac, quit unneeded apps, or update your Mac’s software through System Preferences. The more advanced high CPU use fixes for Mac depending on the process that’s responsible for the issue.

There are many different causes for increased CPU usage on Mac. In most cases, if your Mac is using too much of the system’s resources, the cause for this would probably be that you are either running some demanding program (such as a video-editing app or a video game) or that you are running a big number of apps at the same time (or possibly both of those variants at once). The obvious solution here is to only run the software that you need to use at the moment and close everything else. If that software is still being too demanding for your Mac and is slowing down its performance, there’s little else you could do other than put up with the slower performance or use alternative software that’s less demanding.

If, however, your Mac seems to be using lots of CPU for no apparent reason (you aren’t running any resource-intensive programs or a large number of programs), then there are several typical troubleshooting methods that you can try:

Restart your Mac

The most obvious troubleshooting method is to simply restart your Mac – oftentimes this would fix any small bugs or errors that may be triggering the increased CPU usage.

Restart your Mac in Safe Mode

You can also restart your Mac in Safe Mode to see if the CPU usage goes down when the computer is in Safe Mode. The difference would be that third-party software won’t be allowed to start automatically, and so if the CPU usage when in Safe Mode is decreased/back to normal, then you’d know that the likely cause of its increase when in normal mode is such third-party software. If this turns out to be the case, one thing you can try is to go to System Preferences >  Users & Groups > Login Items and disable any unnecessary and/or demanding software shown there so that it doesn’t automatically start when you log in to your Mac account.

As for restarting your Mac in Safe Mode, here’s how to do it:

For Intel Macs – Turn off your Mac, wait for several seconds, then press the Power button, and right after that press and hold down the Shift key from your keyboard. Release the key when you see the Apple logo and log in to your Mac account.

For M1 Macs – Shut down the computer, wait for a bit, press and hold down the Power button, and release it when the Startup Options screen appears. Select the startup disk of your Mac, hold down Shift, select Continue in Safe Mode, and then release the Shift button.

Update your Mac’s software

A possible cause for performance issues and increased use of CPU in your Mac is if there are software updates that need to be installed. To see if there are any available updates, open the Apple Menu – if there’s an update notification next to System Preferences, click on System Preferences.

Next, see which of the icons there has a small number over them that indicates an available update, and open them to install the update.

Reset SMC

Resetting the SMC is a standard troubleshooting procedure for many different Mac issues, including unusually high CPU use. You can learn how to perform an SMC reset on the guide available on this page.

Free up storage space

If there’s little to no free storage space left on your Mac, different problems may start taking place, including increased use of CPU. In such cases, it’s strongly recommended to free up some space on your Mac by deleting unnecessary software.

Check for unwanted/rogue software

You could still get malware on a Mac computer, even though macOS systems have very strong security. Even if your Mac doesn’t have an actual harmful virus in it, a potentially unwanted piece of software such as a browser hijacker or adware could still trigger uncreased CPU usage. If you have any sketchy apps on your Mac, especially ones downloaded from untrusted sources, it may be a good idea to uninstall them.

Now that we’ve gone through the generic solutions for high CPU use, it’s time to get more specific. There are several types of macOS system processes (mentioned above) that could oftentimes lead to performance slow-downs due to their high consumption of CPU power. Below, we will show what you can do about each of them in order to reduce the amount of CPU that they use and hopefully improve the performance of your Mac.

Windowserver mac high CPU fix

The typical windowserver high CPU usage fix for Mac is to simply close the program that’s triggering the spike in CPU usage, or close all other programs. If the windowserver high CPU use persists, another possible fix is to reduce the transparency of on-screen items.

As already mentioned, the main reason why the windowserver process on your Mac may be using lots of CPU power is that some visually-intensive program is currently running on your Mac. If closing any such programs doesn’t help and the processor use is still high, here are some other things you can try:

Reduce Transparency

Some users have reported getting better performance from their Mac once they reduce the transparency of items shown on their screens, so here’s how to do this:

1. Open Apple Menu > System Preferences.
2. Click on Accessibility and then select Display from the panel to the left.
3. Enable the Reduce Transparency option.

Reset NVRAM

An error in your Mac’s Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory also known as NVRAM can sometimes cause certain processes, such as the windowserver one, to misbehave. Resetting NVRAM could, therefore, help solve the problem – click the link to learn how to perform an NVRAM reset.

Mac kernel_task high CPU fix

The usual kernel_task high CPU usage fix is to reset your Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC). Other potential fixes for the kernel_task high CPU usage problem are to disable Flash on your Mac if you still have it or to disable third-party kernel extensions.

If the kernel_task is only getting occasional CPU usage spikes or if it isn’t affecting the performance of your Mac, then you should probably not bother with the methods shown below. However, if your Mac is noticeably slower for the majority of the time due to high CPU use from this process and none of the generic solutions shown above helped you resolve the problem, you can try disabling third-party kernel extensions (kexts) by following the next instructions:

1. Boot your Mac in Safe Mode (see the Safe Mode instructions for Intel Macs and M1 Macs that we’ve included above).
2. Open the Activity Monitor and see if the kernel_task process is no longer using an increased amount of CPU power.
3. If the CPU usage is normal now, this means that some third-party kernel extensions may be the culprit – in this case, restart your Mac normally, go to Utilities, and open the Terminal app.
   
4. Type/copy-paste the following command in Terminal and hit Enter to execute it: kextstat.
   
   • If you are required to provide your Admin password, type it and hit enter to execute the command. When typing your password in Terminal, the characters you are typing will be invisible, so do not be surprised if you don’t see anything being typed – type your password anyway and press Enter.
5. When you see all kernel extensions listed in the Terminal, take note of the ones that aren’t from Apple. The Apple extensions would look like this: com.apple.[etc].
   
   Remember (or write down) the extensions that aren’t from Apple.
6. Next, find the apps those extensions are associated with and uninstall those apps by dragging them to the Trash. If you need any of the related applications and don’t want to uninstall them, you may need to put up with the increased CPU usage.

Mds_stores high CPU fix

The mds_stores high CPU usage fix that should resolve the problem is to rebuild the Spotlight index. The quicker way to perform this mds_stores high CPU usage fix is to run the sudo mdutil -E / command in the Terminal app of your Mac.

Use the following methods if you’ve already tried the solutions shown under Mac high CPU fix, and they didn’t manage to fix the problem. Note that these next solutions should help with other Spotlight-related processes such as mds and mdworker, so if you are having problems with them as well, performing the fixes for the mds_stors high CPU usage problem should for them too.

Rebuild Spotlight Index

1. Go to Utilities and start the Terminal app.
2. Type in it the following command and hit Enter: sudo mdutil -E /.
   
3. Type your password and press Enter to execute the command if you are required to (do not be surprised if no symbols are appearing in the Terminal while you are typing the password – your keystrokes are still getting registered, it’s just that the characters are invisible).

Note that this process may take a while – be sure that your Mac doesn’t get turned off and that its lid doesn’t get closed until the Spotlight Index is rebuilt.

Prevent Spotlight from searching in certain locations or folders

1. Open System Preferences and select Spotlight.
2. Click on Privacy and select the + button below the list.
   
3. Add folders that you rarely use so that Spotlight won’t spend time and resources indexing the items in those folders.
   

Remove certain directories from Spotlight

1. Open the Utilities folder, and start Terminal.
2. Copy-paste the following command in it and press Enter to execute it: sudo rm -rf /.Spotlight-V100/*.
   
3. Enter your password and press Enter again if you are required to.
4. Perform the steps from the previous fix method – any directories/folders you add in the Privacy section of Spotlight will not be indexed.
5. Restart your Mac and wait for Spotlight to re-index the files in your Mac. It may take some time for the command to be executed – be patient and do not turn off your Mac or close its lid.
6. Restart your Mac again and see if the problem has been fixed.

Disable Spotlight

To disable Spotlight, you need to run the sudo mdutil –a –ioff command in Terminal.

This will turn off the Spotlight feature and should immediately result in decreased CPU usage from the mds_stores process. If you want to re-enable Spotlight, open Terminal again and run the sudo mdutil –a –ion command.

The post Fix Mac High CPU Checklist appeared first on MacResearch.org.