Follow digital-hygiene best practices.A VPN encrypts all your traffic and prevents hackers on the same local network from intercepting your data. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to the internet, especially when using Wi-Fi when away from home or work.The built-in defenses on Macs are a bit more haphazard, and we strongly recommend using one of the best Mac antivirus programs.
Windows' built-in antivirus protection is good, but you can up your defenses with some of the best antivirus software, free or paid.
Use antivirus software and consider a VPN.Edge recommends granting access to an application only if you need the feature it enables and revoking privileges that aren't actively in use. Applications that access your camera or file system create opportunities for bad actors to access your information.
You should always follow password best practices, but they're especially important for your Apple ID or Microsoft login, both of which can grant access to your operating system. Use strong, unique passwords for your Apple and Microsoft accounts.Enable automatic updates on your machine to minimize opportunities for hacks.
Cybercriminals exploit security flaws, which updates are designed to patch.
"For a while, I would have simply responded that the Mac was more secure, for sure," Edge told Tom's Guide. Another factor, as security expert and software developer Charles Edge explained, is that Apple's closed platform has limited how developers can interact with the operating system, while Windows has generally given developers more flexibility.īut Edge notes that over the past few years, Windows has closed off elements of its platform, bringing it closer to Apple's security.