OS X Mountain Lion: Keep your information safe
To protect your computer, perform regular backups, use secure passwords, and install software updates.
Perform regular backups
You should always back up. That way, if something happens to your computer or you accidentally delete something, you can easily recover your files.
The easiest way to back up is to set up Time Machine, which backs up your entire computer automatically every day.
Besides Time Machine, you have several other choices for backing up your important files, including burning CDs and DVDs, or copying files onto an external drive.
Limit unwanted access to your information
OS X has a number of features to help keep the information on your Mac safe. If you have multiple people using the Mac, you should set up individual users, so that one person can’t modify the files needed by another. For more information about setting up users, see this help topic:
Use secure passwords to prevent unauthorized access. For more information about passwords, see this help topic:
Tips for creating secure passwords
For more information about keeping your computer safe, see this help topic:
Install software updates promptly
Your computer is already set up to automatically check for software updates and to alert you when updates are available for you to download. The best way to keep viruses and other problems out of your computer is to promptly download and install these updates, which contain the latest security software.
If you want to check for software updates immediately, choose Apple menu > Software Update.
For more information about updating your software, see this help topic:
If nothing happens when you check for updates, you may not be connected to the Internet. For more information, see this help topic:
Avoid harmful software
Malicious software, or malware, is a threat to all computer users, especially those connected to the Internet. OS X Mountain Lion has many features that help protect your Mac and your information. For more information about protecting yourself from malware, see these help topics: