TOUGHENING UP YOUR MAC

I started writing this month’s ed’s intro with the intention of talking about all the new Apple devices that may or may not be coming in Apple’s March event, but as I put pen to paper, so to speak, I realized that I seem to be saying the same thing every other issue. So, instead of trying to look into the future when you’ve probably already seen it anyway, let’s talk about what’s happening this issue that I actually know about! We’ve got a pretty heavy emphasis on safeguarding your online activity this month, thanks to a triumvirate of features that have a slant on security. The first of these is a comprehensive roundup of antivirus apps for your Mac on page 52. Though Macs are well–known for being relatively secure, there’s still no harm in bolstering your security with an app that offers stronger protection. We’ve tested six of the best, and we’ll show you which is worth your time and money.

The second of these features focuses on the password side of things, and we’re showing you how to toughen up the passwords you use for your various online accounts, so you don’t get hacked (p68). You can do this for free with our handy tips and tricks, or you can get a free or paid–for password manager to do the hard work for you, so there’s really no excuse not to power up your passwords today.

The third of these is actually a smaller part of a bigger feature about iCloud, which, as I’m sure you’ve already noticed, is our main feature this issue. iCloud+ was recently implemented as part of the overall service, and the paid–for features are really worth having, as they do give security a boost. These include iCloud Private Relay, which aims to prevent websites tracking you, and Hide My Email, which enables you to use throwaway email addresses when you’re signing up for sites that you’re not entirely happy about revealing your regular email address to.

On another security tangent, this issue’s news (p8) looks at Apple’s new anti–stalking measures for AirTag. It’s worth a read!