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 […]
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
Apple’s iCloud Keychain Password Management Is All Many People Need We constantly recommend using a password manager like 1Password, BitWarden, or Dashlane. But many people resist committing to yet another app or paying for yet another service. Isn’t Apple’s built-in iCloud Keychain password management good enough? The answer now is yes, thanks to two recent […]
When an Apple device requires repairs, users have the option to choose between authorized and unauthorized repair services. Authorized Apple repair services, such as those provided by Alary Technologies in the Durham Region, offer several advantages over unauthorized alternatives.
Here’s how Alary Technologies provides a superior alternative to standard Apple repair services, with unique authorized Apple repair in Oshawa and Durham Region.
One key difference is the availability of loaner devices. Authorized repair centers often provide loaner Macs to customers during the repair process, allowing them to continue working with minimal disruption. This service is particularly beneficial for professionals and businesses that rely heavily on their devices for daily operations.
Our promise of one-day service means you’ll experience significantly less downtime compared to traditional repair timelines, which can vary widely depending on the complexity of the issue and parts availability.
Another important factor is the turnaround time. Authorized repair centers typically have access to genuine Apple parts and certified technicians, enabling them to complete repairs quickly and efficiently. They might offer a one-day service turnaround for many repairs, significantly reducing downtime compared to unauthorized service providers, and getting your business back up and running faster.
The repair process itself also differs between authorized and unauthorized services. Authorized centers follow strict guidelines and use approved tools and techniques, so repairs are performed to Apple’s standards. You will get more reliable and long-lasting repairs with an authorized service every time.
Cost is always a prime business consideration when choosing between authorized and unauthorized repair services. While authorized repairs may sometimes be more expensive upfront, they often provide better value in the long run. Authorized centers use genuine Apple parts, which are generally more durable and reliable than aftermarket alternatives. Additionally, the efficiency and expertise of authorized technicians can help minimize indirect costs associated with extended downtime.
Post-repair support is where authorized repair services truly excel. Authorized centers offer robust warranties and accessible customer support, making sure that any issues that might come after the repair are addressed promptly and effectively. Unauthorized services will not provide the same level of post-repair support, leaving customers to deal with potential problems on their own and extending downtime and costs.
For Toronto-based professionals and businesses that depend on Apple devices, Alary Technologies offers a service that combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliable customer support. Whether it’s minimizing repair times with loaner Macs or providing rapid, effective solutions, Alary understands the high stakes involved in Apple device repairs.
Contact us today at 1 (855) 800-4817 to experience the best in authorized Apple repair services and Mac computer repair or explore our IT Managed Services for comprehensive tech support that keeps your operations running.
In iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, and macOS 14.4 Sonoma, Apple enhanced its Podcasts app to include transcripts of all podcasts in the Apple Podcasts catalog as long as they’re in English, French, German, or Spanish. (It doesn’t translate from one language to another.) Much like song lyrics in the Music app—open it by tapping the […]
Although many of us think of Messages as an iPhone app, Apple’s platform integration lets you read and reply to conversations in Messages on other Apple devices, including the Mac and iPad. All your devices must have the correct settings to make this work reliably. We regularly hear from users who don’t see all their […]
In November 2023, Apple unveiled the M3 chip in new versions of the 24-inch iMac and MacBook Pro, causing speculation about when other Mac models would be updated to match. If you’ve been longing for a MacBook Air with an M3 chip, your wait is over. (And we expect Apple to update the Mac mini […]
I’d like to take a moment to share some observations regarding recent changes
implemented by Microsoft, which may have implications for the way users and admins
navigate and utilize their 0365 suite of tools.
I want to share the best practices for creating mailbox delegations that work well for me
personally. The key is to navigate to the Admin Portal (not Exchange) and utilize the
“Send on Behalf of,” “Send as,” and “Read and Manage mailbox” settings. However, its
longevity in both the Admin and Exchange Portal is uncertain as Microsoft continues to
push towards groups.
For User Mailboxes the setting options for both Admin and Exchange are similar however they
differ when it comes to Shared Mailboxes. For a standard this article recommends using
the Admin Portal.
In the Office 365 admin portal, the following settings for Shared Mailboxes are available:
Read and manage permissions: This permission allows the assigned user mailbox to
read and manage emails in the user mailbox on which the delegate access is assigned. Read
and Manage permission does not grant “Send as” or “Send on behalf” permissions.
Why is this important: If you only enable Read and Manage Permissions, the user has
full read access to the mailbox but does not have permissions to send any emails, which
is ideal for monitoring.
Mailbox permission to send an email message on behalf of another person (original
email is not shown).
Emails sent to recipients through a delegate’s mailbox on behalf of a user’s email address show
as if they are coming from the original user’s mailbox, even though they are sent by a
delegate.
Emails sent through the user mailbox by the delegate will indicate that
the emails are being sent on behalf of the user.
Emails sent through one user’s mailbox by the delegate will
indicate that the emails are being sent on behalf of the other user, including the original
email address it was sent from.
Meanwhile, the Office 365 Exchange Portal has the following settings (Shared Mailboxes) see Figure 2:
You might be asking, why would I care if “Send on Behalf” is not in the admin portal?
This allows journaling for both the sender of the email and the recipient. While “Send
as” is a great function, it simply sends the email as if the user is active. This is especially
important if a user is away and delegation access has been given to another user. Any
emails that need to be addressed to contacts can be done from the delegate’s email address, and when the user returns, they are able to see all the mail sent on their behalf. These settings are
consistent for both shared mailboxes and user mailboxes in the Administrators portal and not in
the Exchange portal.