Checklist 167: Apple updates all of it

Cupertino rolled out new features and bug fixes for all of its operating systems, so we’re going to take a look at last week’s security news broken down by OS.

New fileless malware for macOS linked to Lazarus Group

The new malware sample bears similarities to the well-known AppleJeus malware, which targets cryptocurrency exchanges. AppleJeus is the product of Lazarus Group, a shadowy cybercrime organization believed by many to be linked to North Korea.

Checklist 166: Warnings from the FUN Bureau

On this week’s Checklist, we’ll look at some dumb ways to buy a smartwatch. We’ll share a PSA from the FBI. And we’ll talk politics and app security by way of FaceApp.

Setting up a new Mac for security: 7 tips and tricks

So you’re the proud owner of a brand new Mac — wonderful!

You’re no doubt eager to try out all the bells and whistles; install your favorite apps; start using your new machine. We know the feeling.

But part of setting up a new macOS device should always be making sure it’s secure — and that’s what we’re going to cover in this quick setup guide. Follow these “Day 1” steps so you can enjoy your Mac with confidence in the weeks, months, and years to come.

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Checklist 165: Safe shopping for the holidays

This week’s Checklist gets you ready for the seasonal shopping rush (from a cybersecurity perspective, anyway). We’ll show you how to keep safe as you shop online; what gifts you might want to avoid; and how to make sure everything arrives as planned; and what to do when all the madness is over! 

This week’s Checklist covers:

How to shopWhat (not) to buyDeliveries and checkups

Shop smart, shop safe

Before you actually purchase anything online, there are a couple of basic precautions you should take — and one or two seasonal threats you need …

10 ways to avoid Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams in 2019

The holiday shopping season is almost here, and many of us are gearing up for the big sales that go with it. In particular, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are sure to be two of the busiest shopping days of 2019.

But bargain hunters aren’t the only ones looking forward to these retail extravaganzas: Hackers are already preparing to take advantage of unwary shoppers amidst all the craziness.

And unfortunately, far too many consumers will fall victim to scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft this year. This is not the way you …

Checklist 164: Over the River and Through the Woods

A a complete guide to how to keep yourself safe during the holiday travel season. We’ll tell you what to do before you even walk out the door, how to protect yourself while you’re traveling, and what things to bear in mind when you reach your destination.

SecureMac’s Holiday Travel Survival Guide

The holidays mean lots of company in and out, and travel. Follow these simple 10 tips to harden your security and keep your privacy this holiday season.

5 Airbnb security and privacy tips

Holiday travel season is almost here. And while many of us will be staying with family, friends, or in hotels, a growing number of people are making use of Airbnb to find lodging during the holidays.

Airbnb rentals can be an excellent option for travellers: They’re cost-effective, conveniently located, and feel a bit more like home than the local Marriott! But staying in someone else’s space — as opposed to a large hotel chain — can also raise security and privacy concerns.

If you’re considering using Airbnb during this year’s holiday travel …

Checklist 163: Encryption Minus the Encryption

On this edition of The Checklist: Apple Mail Encryption, Now with Less Encryption!, Ransomware Revisited, and A Ring of Insecurity.

Encrypted messaging apps: Everything you need to know

Privacy is hard to come by these days. Malicious actors, large corporations, and governments are constantly trying to look over your shoulder when you’re online.

But some in the tech community are fighting back. Tools like ad blockers, no-track browsers, and VPNs can help keep digital snoops in check. 

One of the most important of these technologies is encrypted messaging, which is available through a number of third-party and native applications.

So how do these messengers work? Are they all the same? And the million dollar question: Are they truly secure? Here’s what …

The SecureMac Interview: Security Researcher Patrick Wardle talks nation-state malware and the future of macOS

Patrick Wardle is a security researcher and software developer whose areas of expertise include macOS malware and nation-state threats.

Wardle is Principal Security Researcher at Jamf and creator of the Objective-See suite of security tools. He is also the founder of the world’s premier Mac security conference: Objective by the Sea.

We caught up with Patrick to talk about macOS security as well as the advanced threats being created by nation-state actors around the world.

CNN once called Patrick Wardle “a sweet guy” who could “hack …