An unsupported OS no longer receives security patches, leaving your device vulnerable to attacks that have already been fixed for everyone else.
- Step 1: Find out which operating system (OS) you're running:
- Click the Apple logo → About This Mac
- Step 2: Check if it's still supported here .
- Step 1: Find out which operating system (OS) you're running:
- Press
Windows key + R, type winver, press Enter - Step 2: Check if it's still supported on Microsoft's official page . Also this page with full Windows lifecycle/support date can be useful.
Most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that updates have already fixed. Enable automatic updates so this happens without thinking about it — and do a manual check now if you haven't recently.
- Enable auto-updates: System Settings → General → Software Update → turn on Automatically keep my Mac up to date
- App Store auto-updates: App Store → Settings → Automatic Updates
- Keep your Mac up to date
- Check for updates now: Check for Mac updates
- Enable auto-updates: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → turn on Automatic updates
- Microsoft Store app updates: Microsoft Store → Account → Settings → App updates → Update apps automatically
- Turn on automatic app updates
- Check for updates now: Check for Windows updates
- Enable auto-updates: Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates → turn on all toggles
- Check for updates now: Check for iPhone/iPad updates
- Enable auto-updates: Settings → Software update → Auto download over Wi-Fi (exact path varies by manufacturer)
- Check for updates now: Check for Android updates
Without a lock screen, anyone who picks up your device has instant access to your accounts, files, and messages.
:
:
A device left unattended but unlocked is just as exposed as one with no password at all. Auto-lock ensures the protection actually kicks in.
:
- Apple menu → System Settings → Lock Screen, then set "Start Screen Saver when inactive" and enable "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off."
- Change Lock Screen settings on Mac
(Set screen/sleep timeout + screensaver with lock-on-resume):
Malware and ransomware can silently steal data or lock you out of your own files. Security software catches threats before they cause damage.
- MacOS includes built-in antivirus technology called XProtect for signature-based detection and removal of malware. Apple issues updates automatically — by default, macOS checks for these daily. No action needed; it runs silently in the background.
- For more info - Apple support page
- Microsoft Defender is already built into Windows 10 and 11.
- To check if it's enabled: Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection. Under "Virus & threat protection settings", select Manage settings and check that Real-time protection is set to On.
- Microsoft support official guide
- Both platforms have strong built-in security. Apple's App Store and Google Play both vet apps for malware, and neither platform officially recommends or supports third-party antivirus apps. No action needed.
If your organisation requires additional security software beyond the built-in tools, here are 2 install guides:
If your device is lost or stolen, encryption makes your files completely unreadable to anyone who doesn't have your password.
- Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education: BitLocker
- Important:once enabled Bitlocker, make sure to back up your recovery key — without it you can lose access to your data.
- Windows Home: Device Encryption
- Check if it's already on: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Device encryption. If Device Encryption is turned off, turn it On.
Automatic deletion ensures sensitive data doesn't linger there indefinitely.