It’s September, which brings the annual Apple crops: new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. At its recent Glowtime event, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4, alongside smaller announcements about existing products. As always, the enhancements in the new products are evolutionary, making them attractive to anyone already […]
Require a Password after Screen Saver Start or Display Sleep
Although paying attention to online security is of primary importance, don’t forget local security. You don’t want to go out for lunch and let someone wandering by your office poke through your email, messages, photos, and private files. To ensure this doesn’t happen, set your Mac to start the screen saver or sleep the display […]
When Should You Should Upgrade to macOS 15 Sequoia and iOS 18
The calendar has flipped over to September, so Apple will soon release major upgrades for all its operating systems. iOS 18 and watchOS 11 will undoubtedly ship alongside new iPhone and Apple Watch models mid-month. iPadOS 18 is likely to accompany iOS 18, as are tvOS 18 and visionOS 2. Although Apple has sometimes delayed […]
Night Shift Helps Your Sleep
Research suggests that exposure to blue light fools your body into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to fall asleep if you work late on a Mac with a bright white (which has a lot of blue light) screen. To help, a macOS feature called Night Shift subtly changes the colors of the screen as […]
Apple Unveils Apple Intelligence -a new Artificial Intelligence
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference keynote was a lightning-fast (even in the full 1:44-long video—or try the 3-minute recap) look at what Apple is bringing to the software side of the Apple experience in the next year. Although some past keynotes have introduced hardware like new Macs and the Vision Pro, this year’s keynote stuck to […]
How to use 2FA on a shared account with Apple Keychain
When your team or family shares access to a single account (such as for banking or social media, which seldom offer multi-user access), using two-factor authentication via SMS is awkward—whose phone receives the 2FA codes? One solution is to use an authentication app. Authentication apps are more secure, and multiple people can add 2FA support […]
Sorry, Apple Isn’t Going to Update the 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon
Are you a 27-inch iMac owner wondering when Apple will release a new model with speedy Apple silicon? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer seems to be an unequivocal “Never.” Late last year, Apple confirmed to The Verge that it would not be making an Apple silicon version of […]
Secure Your Mac: A Guide for Mac Supported Businesses
Expert Apple Consulting Services in Toronto
As Macs are now used in professional environments more frequently, they are under increasing threat from several cyber threats including ransomware. It’s important to take care of and manage their security, just like any other IT device. While Macs are known for their robust built-in security features, the evolving threats and challenges that come up might require additional layers of protection. Understanding the reality of Mac security, its built-in defenses, and when to consider extra antivirus support is important, but here’s why you might also need Apple consulting services in Toronto.
Unpacking Mac’s Built-in Security
Macs are equipped with several advanced security features designed to protect users from malware and breaches. These include Gatekeeper, which ensures only trusted software is run by verifying that apps are not known malware; XProtect, Apple’s antivirus software that works silently in the background to scan and block recognized threats; and Sandbox, which isolates apps to prevent them from affecting other parts of the system. Despite these safeguards, there are common misconceptions that Macs are immune to security threats, which is not the case. No system is impervious to all attacks, and relying solely on pre-installed tools may not suffice in the face of determined cyber attackers.
The Need for Antivirus Tools on Mac Systems
Businesses should consider additional antivirus solutions under certain scenarios to complement Mac’s defenses. This is particularly relevant if your organization operates in a high-risk environment, handles sensitive data, or uses software not vetted through the App Store. The limitations of Mac’s built-in protections become apparent as the complexity of cyberattacks increases. Additional antivirus software can offer more comprehensive security features, such as real-time scanning and advanced threat detection, which are essential in a connected and dynamic business landscape.
Apple’s Response to Threats
Apple is proactive in updating its security measures to tackle new threats. Regular software updates include enhancements to security algorithms and patches for known vulnerabilities. Historical instances, such as the Flashback Trojan attack, prompted Apple to deploy automatic security updates to mitigate similar threats swiftly. However, businesses should not solely rely on Apple’s updates and must adopt a proactive stance towards cybersecurity.
Strategies to Enhance Mac Security
To further secure Mac devices in a business setting, adopt some internal best practices such as ensuring all software is up to date, using strong, unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication where possible. Educating your team about potential security risks and how to avoid them is also critical. These steps, combined with professional antivirus solutions, can significantly mitigate the risk of security breaches.
Choosing the Right Antivirus Software
Selecting the right antivirus software for Mac involves several considerations. It’s important to choose a solution that does not overly tax the system’s resources while offering comprehensive protection against the latest threats. For businesses, recommended antivirus programs include those with a track record of minimal false positives and robust support for multiple devices and operating systems. Consider features like automatic updates, easy management, and compatibility with other business tools.
Contact Alary Technologies for Apple Consulting Services in Toronto
If you’re looking to improve your Mac’s defenses or need tailored IT solutions in Toronto, Alary Technologies can help. Our services span from Apple IT outsourcing and network security to comprehensive support for Mac desktops, both onsite and remotely. As a part of our IT Managed Services, we ensure that your business’s Apple environments are secure, reliable, and optimized for performance.
To explore how we can support your business or for more about our services, reach out at 1 (855) 800-4817 or contact us online. Our Mac consultants are here to provide expert guidance and support with Apple consulting services in Toronto.
How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac: Expert Tips From an Apple IT Service provider
Losing files, especially for a creative firm, not only disrupts the workflow but can also impact business outcomes when deadlines are coming into focus. As an Apple IT service provider, we are constantly being asked to help clients find lost files. Let’s take a look at some practical ways to recover deleted files on your Mac.
Understanding Data Loss on Mac
Data loss in the graphic design industry can result from various scenarios, such as accidental deletion, software crashes, malicious actors, or system failures. The impact of losing crucial files extends beyond just the loss of data—it hampers productivity, delays project timelines, and could potentially lead to financial and reputational damage. Recognizing the common causes of such losses is the first step toward implementing effective data recovery and protection strategies.
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
Recovering deleted files from a Mac, especially after emptying the trash, requires a structured approach. First, stop using the device to avoid overwriting the data. Double check the trash bin just in case the files are there. Next, if Time Machine Backup is set up then you may be able to restore your files from there. Click on the Time Machine icon, and navigate to the folders that hold the backup, then click Restore to recover the files.
The next place to look is to check if the files are stored in a cloud file system, like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Next, use reliable recovery software designed for Mac systems. Tools like Disk Drill or Stellar Data Recovery come highly recommended due to their effectiveness in restoring lost files from various scenarios, including formatted drives and corrupted partitions.
If none of these steps are successful, engaging a professional data recovery service can help. We’ve worked with a few that we trust that have made some incredible recoveries even from physically damaged drives.
Preventing Data Loss
To mitigate the risks of data loss, adopting robust data management practices is essential. Regularly backing up files ensures that you have historical versions to revert to in case of data deletion. Set up Time Machine—a built-in backup feature of macOS—to automate this process, ensuring your backups are up-to-date without manual intervention. Additionally, maintaining a structured file organization will minimize risks and improve efficiency in data handling. For more robust protection, a managed service provider can set up a business wide backup solution and can help manage recovery processes as needed.
Contact Alary Technologies for IT Services in Toronto
For businesses in Toronto, Alary Technologies has complete IT Managed Services, specializing in Apple IT outsourcing, Apple network security, and support, as well as onsite and remote Mac desktop support. Whether you’re looking to recover lost data or establish a resilient data protection strategy, our team is ready to assist. With a focus on reliability and expertise, we ensure your IT infrastructure supports your business effectively.
For more details on how we can assist you or to set up a consultation, contact us at 1 (855) 800-4817 or visit our website to learn more about our services. At Alary Technologies, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain a secure and efficient digital environment.
Battery Percentage to show in Your Mac’s Menu Bar
By default, the battery icon in your Mac laptop’s menu bar shows how full your battery is. Clicking it reveals the exact percentage, but you can also set macOS to display the battery percentage next to the icon. The setting isn’t where you might expect in System Settings > Battery. Instead, you’ll find it in […]