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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1491529
systems, Apple also released updates for older Macs: macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 and macOS Monterey 12.6.3. • watchOS 9.3 fixed 11 vulnerabilities, and tvOS 16.3 patched 10 security issues If you haven’t already updated, now’s the time to do it! Apple ID and hardware security keys The biggest security feature introduced in this week’s updates was support for hardware security keys as a way of protecting Apple accounts. If you’re unfamiliar with hardware keys, Apple gives a succinct explanation of the technology and how it can be used to protect an Apple ID: A security key is a small external device that looks like a thumb drive or tag, which can be used for verification when signing in with your Apple ID using two-factor authentication. The idea is that you’d sign in to your Apple account with your password, but would then need to use a physical security key as your second authentication factor in order to complete the log-in. Of course, if your account access is riding on a small physical device, it’s important that you don’t lose that device! For this reason, Apple recommends using a minimum of two security keys (although you can have up to six) and storing them in a safe place. Ideally, you’d keep these in two different places in order to minimize the chances of losing account access if something happens to your storage location. Hardware keys are considered to be a very secure form of two-factor authentication, but they may not be for everyone. If you want to explore the topic further, check out Apple’s support document as well as the SecureMac blog for more information: • About Security Keys for Apple ID • What is key-based 2FA? Apple celebrates Data Privacy Day January 28 is Data Privacy Day, but Apple kicked off the celebration a bit early this week. In a press release on Tuesday, Apple reaffirmed its commitment to data privacy and introduced a couple of privacy initiatives. The first of these is an informative (but entertaining) video called “A Day in the Life of an Average Person’s Data.” It explains how a typical user’s data is tracked, and offers a number of simple tips to improve your privacy. The second thing that Apple is doing for Data Privacy Day is a Today at Apple session called “Taking Charge of Your Privacy on iPhone.” According to Apple, the session will explore the most important iOS privacy features and help people learn how to use and customize them. These will be in-person events at Apple Stores around the world. To find one near you and/or sign up to attend, go to apple.com/today. About SecureMac Founded in 1999, SecureMac (www.securemac.com) has been a leading contributor to Apple security since the 2005 release of the original MacScan anti-malware tool. In the years since, SecureMac has continued to play an essential role in providing macOS users with straightforward options for better security. From the development of the faster and more powerful MacScan 3 to the company’s ongoing development of online privacy tool PrivacyScan, users can easily equip themselves for protection. With the addition of The Checklist, SecureMac continues to showcase a deep commitment to accessible security and the importance of digital awareness for all Mac users. For more info visit www.securemac.com