Online Security

gilesfromshanghia wrote:

I have a MacBook pro mid 2012 that I believe cannot run IOS, Big Sur. Is it safe to continue using my MacBook as normal or can I but an anti virus software package for it? If so, any recommendations?

Sure you can continue to use your Mac. You do not say what macOS you are currently running however the maOS is supported for at least three years w/ security updates after the next macOS is released.

Third party AV is not recommended— it typically does nothing but add issues to the macOS and competes directly with Apples own built in security:

macOS - Security - Apple https://www.apple.com/macos/security/

Apple Platform Security - Apple https://support.apple.com/guide/security/welcome/web

You will continue to receive security updates for Mojave until near the end of 2021.

Your laptop can also run macOS 10.15 Catalina which will be supported until near the end of 2022. Keep in mind Catalina no longer supports 32 bit apps so you either need to uninstall any remaining 32 bit apps or upgrade them to 64 bit versions before upgrading to Catalina.

32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later - Apple Support

How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support (includes a link to the Catalina installer). I highly recommend to have a good backup before attempting to upgrade to Catalina in case you don't like it or you realize an app is not compatible so that you can easily revert to back to Mojave.

gilesfromshanghia wrote:

Thanks for your reply! I'm using Mojave 10.14.1. Can I get security updates for this?

Combo update 10.14.6 https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2010?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US