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.
Without a lock screen, anyone who picks up your device has instant access to your accounts, files, and messages.
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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.
Most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that updates have already fixed. Staying current is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do.
Automatic deletion ensures sensitive data doesn't linger there indefinitely.
Unless a particular workflow makes this problematic.
- System Settings > Software Update > Automatically keep my Mac up to date
- App Store > Preferences > Automatic Updates
- Keep your Mac up to date
- Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are installed > Automatic (recommended)
- Microsoft Store > Account > Settings > App updates > Update apps automatically
- Turn on automatic app updates