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10 ways to secure your older Mac from threats and malware
Apple's Mac computers are generally considered more secure than Windows PCs, thanks to the company's tight control over hardware and software. Whether you use a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini, built-in protections help shield your device from common threats. But no system is completely immune. Hackers have repeatedly found ways to bypass Apple's safeguards, especially on older Macs that no longer receive regular security updates.
The good news: just because your Mac is aging doesn't mean it has to be at risk. With a few smart precautions, you can keep it safe and running smoothly, even if it's no longer eligible for the latest macOS version.
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Even if your Mac no longer supports the latest macOS version, Apple often releases security patches for older versions. Make sure you've enabled automatic updates. Follow the steps below to do so:
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Apps, especially web browsers, are a major target for attackers. If you're using Chrome, Firefox, Brave or another browser, make sure it's up to date. Most browsers have their own update systems independent of macOS, which is good news if you're running an older OS.
I'll walk you through how to update Chrome on your Mac. If you're using Safari, you can skip this step since it updates automatically alongside your device's software.
Also check for updates for productivity apps, media players and email clients. Developers often patch vulnerabilities quietly, so it's worth keeping everything current even if the Mac itself isn't.
A secure Mac starts with a strong password. Avoid simple combinations or anything that includes personal information. Use a passphrase if you have trouble remembering complex strings. Don't reuse passwords across services. If one account is compromised, others will be too. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone guesses or steals your password, they won't be able to log in without the second code, usually sent to your phone or generated by an app.
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Make sure 2FA is enabled on your Apple ID, Gmail, social media accounts, banking apps and any cloud services you use. It's a simple step that significantly increases your account security.
While Macs have built-in security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect, older systems may not receive the latest threat definitions. Installing third-party antivirus software can help fill in the gaps.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Even if your Mac is older, FileVault can still encrypt your entire hard drive. This protects your data if your device is lost or stolen.
How to turn on FileVault:
Pro tip: If your Mac is too old to support FileVault 2 (full-disk encryption), consider encrypting sensitive files manually using Disk Utility.
Outdated macOS versions may be vulnerable to DNS hijacking or network-based attacks. Secure your internet traffic by enabling a VPN to encrypt your data in transit. A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection. Use a VPN with a no-logs policy for added privacy and protection.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
Older apps and background processes can introduce vulnerabilities if they're no longer maintained.
Running as an admin all the time increases your risk. Creating a standard user account for everyday use limits what malware can do if it sneaks in.
How to add a standard user:
If malware does sneak in or your system crashes, a recent backup can save the day.
Set it to back up automatically, at least weekly. Here are step-by-step instructions to back up your Mac.
Just because your Mac is aging doesn't mean it's defenseless. With regular updates, strong passwords, and added layers like FileVault and antivirus protection, you can stay ahead of threats. Take the time now to lock things down, remove risky apps, and back up your data. These small actions make a big difference in keeping your older Mac secure.
How often do you change your Mac? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Will autonomous trucks replace drivers by 2027?
Self-driving trucks are moving closer to reality. PlusAI released its first half 2025 performance results, showing how far the company has come toward its goal of launching factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027.
The numbers are clear. Safety case readiness reached 86 percent, with a goal of 100 percent by launch. Autonomous miles percentage climbed to 98 percent. Remote assistance free trips rose to 76 percent, with a target of more than 90 percent.
These metrics may sound technical, but they show that PlusAI is moving steadily toward putting driverless freight trucks on the road within two years.
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159-YEAR-OLD COMPANY EMBRACES DRIVERLESS TRUCKS
Even if you never step into a truck, these results affect your daily life. Every product you buy travels by truck at some point, whether it's groceries, clothing or furniture. The way those trucks operate influences cost, availability and safety on the road.
The trucking industry faces three major challenges. There are not enough long-haul drivers to meet demand. Costs continue to rise due to labor shortages, tariffs and fuel prices. And safety is a concern because human drivers can get tired or distracted.
Autonomous trucks could help address each of these issues. PlusAI's vehicles are already hauling freight on Texas highways today, and they are also undergoing road testing in Sweden. The company has already logged more than five million autonomous miles across the United States, Europe and Asia. That real-world experience fuels the AI system with the data it needs to improve.
LUCID JOINS TESLA AND GM WITH HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING
PlusAI has created a roadmap that sets it apart. Instead of retrofitting trucks with autonomous systems, it is working with major manufacturers like TRATON GROUP, Hyundai and IVECO to integrate the technology at the factory. This approach makes scaling production faster and ensures consistency.
The initial launch is planned for the Texas Triangle, a major freight corridor connecting Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. From there, PlusAI plans to expand into other U.S. routes and eventually Europe.
The company has also committed to publishing regular performance updates as it transitions to a public company. By sharing measurable results, PlusAI builds trust with regulators, the public, and businesses that may one day rely on its trucks to move goods.
"We have a clear roadmap to the commercial launch of SuperDrive," said David Liu, CEO and co-founder of PlusAI. "By publicly sharing these performance metrics, we are showing our commitment to safety and scalability while bringing partners, customers, and regulators along on this journey."
PlusAI still has milestones to meet. Safety readiness must rise from 86 percent to 100 percent. Remote Assistance Free Trips must surpass 90 percent. These are ambitious goals, but the progress so far suggests the company can achieve them.
Fleet trials are scheduled to begin later this year, and PlusAI continues testing in both the United States and internationally. Each step adds to the case that driverless trucks will be ready for commercial launch in 2027.
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As a shopper, autonomous trucks could mean faster and more affordable deliveries. As a driver, you may soon share highways with self-driving freight haulers. As a business owner, this technology could reduce logistics costs and ease the impact of driver shortages.
The bigger picture is that autonomous trucks are moving from testing to real use. They are no longer limited to pilot projects. You may see them alongside you on the road sooner than expected.
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Transportation is changing quickly. Just as ride-sharing apps transformed how people travel within cities, autonomous trucks may soon reshape how goods move across the country. The difference is that this shift is approaching within just a few years. The progress PlusAI reports today offers a glimpse of that future. If the company continues on this track, driverless trucks could become a normal part of daily life by the end of the decade.
Would you feel comfortable seeing an 18-wheeler drive itself on the highway next to your car? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Solar companies deploy sheep across farms in growing green energy trend
Forget roaring lawnmowers and fuel-guzzling tractors. Today's solar companies are turning to flocks of sheep to trim grass and control weeds under solar panels. These eco-friendly grazers easily navigate narrow panel rows, cutting maintenance costs and carbon emissions at the same time. In fact, using sheep instead of gas-powered mowing crews can reduce upkeep expenses by up to 20 percent.
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WHY AI IS CAUSING SUMMER ELECTRICITY BILLS TO SOAR
Sheep fit neatly between solar arrays, reaching into nooks that mechanical gear can't. They chew rain or shine. And since sheep run on grass, not gas, their grazing helps reduce carbon emissions. Using these natural lawnmowers better aligns with solar's green mission goals. Developers like SB Energy in Texas now rely on herds of around 3,000 sheep to cover thousands of acres, benefiting both their bottom line and the planet.
WHY YOU SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE JOINING A POWER SAVER PROGRAM
This isn't your average landscaping story. There's even a fancy word for it: agrivolatics, or the practice of combining solar energy production with agriculture. Farmers who jump on board aren't just maintaining the lawn; they're opening up multiple revenue streams. First, ranchers can lease land to solar companies, sign grazing contracts, while still earning from traditional farm products like wool and lamb.
Chad Raines is a rancher from Texas. He decided to trade in cotton farming for sheep grazing on solar land. That move has paid off. Last year, he brought in around $300,000. If he had stuck with cotton, he estimates he would've lost about $200,000 instead. That's a huge swing, and it's a real-world example of how solar grazing is helping revive a sheep industry that had been stuck in neutral for decades.
Letting sheep do the mowing isn't just about saving time or money. It actually helps the land. As they move through the fields, sheep naturally break down plant material, aerate the soil and leave behind fertilizing manure. This leads to healthier dirt and better carbon capture.
Companies like Lightsource BP are already seeing those benefits. They manage over 14,000 sheep across solar farms that produce more than 3 gigawatts of power. These sites aren't just power generators, they're also habitats. Flowers that support bees and butterflies are planted among the panels, creating ideal conditions for pollinators. Some farms have even started producing honey thanks to the thriving bee population.
GOOGLE TURNS CO2 INTO BATTERY POWER FOR CLEAN ENERGY
This isn't just happening on a small scale. Enel North America recently signed one of the biggest solar grazing deals in the country. They're deploying over 6,000 sheep across eight large solar farms, covering more than 10,000 acres.
At some of those sites, the amount of organic matter in the soil has more than doubled. For solar operators, this approach just makes sense. It cuts operations and maintenance costs, strengthens environmental credibility and builds better relationships with nearby communities.
Investors are paying attention, too. In just two years, the number of solar grazing projects has skyrocketed, especially in places backed by heavy hitters like DE Shaw and Berkshire Hathaway.
If you care about clean energy, sustainable farming or smart land use, solar grazing is worth watching. It shows how innovation doesn't always require high-tech gadgets; sometimes, it just takes some sheep. For farmers and ranchers, this model opens the door to new income by partnering with solar companies. If you own land or work in agriculture, grazing contracts could provide a steady stream of revenue without giving up traditional operations.
For everyone else, this trend offers hope that renewable energy can coexist with rural livelihoods, boost biodiversity and fight climate change, all at once. As solar farms expand across the country, expect to see more flocks doing the work of machines, quietly transforming how we power the planet.
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Sheep-powered solar farms are transforming the way we manage clean energy sites. By replacing gas-powered machines with grazing animals, solar companies are cutting costs, reducing emissions and creating new income opportunities for farmers. This approach blends sustainability with practicality. It supports healthier soil, boosts biodiversity and strengthens rural economies, all while helping solar farms operate more efficiently. With growing investment and proven results, solar grazing is emerging as a smart, scalable solution. And as the industry evolves, don't be surprised if the quiet hum of panels comes with the occasional baaa.
What other ways could we find to tie together the future of clean energy with sustainable and natural solutions like farm animals? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.