Need Advice Suggestions to build security configuration/ hygiene practices for new Macbook Air M1

[Ashish1+1]

My close relative have recently purchased 8GB memory and 256 GB storage- Macbook Air M1 ( experience level- student/ beginner and new to mac) and have asked me for few security configurations- antivirus and anti-malware/ recommended apps ( third party installations for routine tasks) and suggestions on basic hygiene practices for security or privacy for longevity, browser and its add-ons, maintenance tools etc possibly non- commercial but trustworthy etc. Being a native windows user would request to call upon experts for help which I would further aggregate and assist with the learning curve.

Have taken note on tools- Objective-See (Thanks @Ink for sharing)

Would be grateful for your valuable opinions/ experiences. Thank you for the reply.

 

[jerzy601]

if you want to match the configuration to your computer and system then browse here the various configurations of our members on this forum.
here you have link:
Computer Security Configuration

 

[Zero Knowledge]

Macbook Air M1

Download apps from the official app store. Patch when security fixes are released. Install adblocker in Safari. Maybe install Little Snitch. That's it.

 

[Ashish1+1]

Download apps from the official app store. Patch when security fixes are released. Install adblocker in Safari. Maybe install Little Snitch. That's it.

Thanks @Zero Knowledge @jerzy601. I think Adguard for Mac would be good choice for adblocker.


1. XProtect is a decent protection option along with CleanMyMac X. Other free options that were suggested- Malwarebytes and Avast
2. Enable Firewall
3. Work on day to day basis on Non- admin account
4. Browser- Safari and Firefox ( request for suggested addons for privacy and security)
5. Any suggestion for pdf editor for Mac ? Possibly free..

 

[Ink]

Avoid tuneup like CleanMyMac and AV software.
A browser-based extension for Ad-blocking is free and easier to manage.

Edit:
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