Security & Privacy

Macs have a well-earned reputation for longevity. Many users proudly keep their devices running for 8 or even 10 years. But just because your Mac powers on doesn’t mean it’s still safe to use. Over time, older models lose access to the latest operating systems, which leaves them increasingly vulnerable to security threats, software incompatibility, and online privacy risks.

This creates an emotional dilemma for users. You might love your older Mac. It still works, after all. But can you trust it with sensitive tasks like banking, emailing, or storing personal documents? Unfortunately, using an unsupported Mac carries real-world consequences, especially in today’s threat-heavy internet landscape.

Why Old Macs Can Become Unsafe

No More Security Updates

Apple typically supports each macOS version with security updates for around two to three years after its release. Once that support ends, vulnerabilities that arise are no longer patched. That means any bugs or flaws discovered after that date are free for attackers to exploit indefinitely.

This includes:

• Zero-day vulnerabilities that hackers can use before anyone knows they exist
• WebKit exploits, which affect Safari and many other Apple apps
• Remote code execution, which can allow attackers to take complete control of your system

Here’s a look at the current status of recent macOS versions:

If your Mac is stuck on Catalina or earlier, you’re likely using an insecure system.

Hardware Becomes Incompatible With Modern Security Tools

As Apple’s software evolves, its security capabilities increasingly rely on modern hardware components that older Macs simply don’t have. These features are critical because they provide foundational protections at the hardware level that software alone cannot replicate.

Many older Macs lack:

• The T2 Security Chip or Secure Enclave, which store encryption keys securely and power biometric login
• Support for full FileVault 2 disk encryption, making data more vulnerable if your Mac is lost or stolen
• Verified firmware boot, which ensures that the OS hasn’t been tampered with
• Secure Boot, preventing unauthorized software from loading at startup
• Kernel extension authentication and sandboxing, key to isolating processes and preventing malware from spreading

These technologies work together to defend against increasingly sophisticated threats. Without them, older Macs are at a much higher risk even if they’re running the newest OS version they can handle.

Modern Software and Apps Stop Supporting Older macOS Versions

Software developers constantly evolve their apps to include new features, meet security standards, and stay compatible with modern platforms. Supporting outdated operating systems becomes time-consuming and costly, especially as usage drops.

That’s why many essential tools—including Chrome, Firefox, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Adobe apps—phase out support for older macOS versions.

This leads to several issues:

• Web browsers fail to load certain websites securely, especially those requiring new encryption standards
• Antivirus software stops updating, leaving your system unprotected
• Cloud services stop syncing, cutting off file access across your devices
• New app versions become incompatible, forcing you to run outdated versions or abandon them entirely

Eventually, your Mac becomes a digital island, cut off from the broader ecosystem and increasingly exposed to risk.

How Long Does Apple Support Macs?

Apple’s product lifecycle includes several key milestones for both hardware and software support.

• Security updates: Generally provided for 2 to 3 years after a macOS version’s release
• Feature updates: Each macOS release typically gets 1 to 2 years of new features before security-only support
• Hardware service: Macs are considered vintage 5 years after Apple last sold them, and obsolete after 7 years

Here is a revised timeline of recent Mac models and their support status:

The newer your Mac, the longer you’ll continue receiving both software and security support.

Signs Your Mac May No Longer Be Safe

You Can’t Install the Latest macOS

Visit System Settings > General > Software Update to see if new versions are available. If your Mac is stuck on an older OS and cannot upgrade, you’re likely outside of Apple’s support window. Keep in mind that “Your Mac is up to date” might just mean “up to date for your model,” not the newest version overall.

You’re Not Getting Security Patches

Apple publishes security updates at support.apple.com. If your macOS version no longer appears on this list, it’s no longer receiving patches. That means any vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, leaving you exposed.

Essential Software Is No Longer Compatible

If apps like Safari won’t load secure websites or Chrome says it can’t update, your operating system is likely too old. Office apps might stop syncing to the cloud or warn that your system is out of date. These are all red flags that your Mac’s ecosystem is beginning to fail.

Strange Behavior or Performance Issues

In some cases, the system itself starts to break down:

• SSL certificate errors when visiting secure websites
• Pages failing to load or crashing frequently
• A surge in popups or strange app behavior
• Increasingly sluggish performance despite adequate storage and memory

These can all indicate that your Mac is no longer a reliable or safe option.

How to Stay Safe on an Older Mac (Short-Term Solutions)

Install the Latest OS Your Mac Supports

Update to the most recent version of macOS available for your device. Apple provides legacy installers if you need to manually download an older OS. Third-party patching tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher may allow unsupported Macs to run newer macOS versions, but these tools often require technical expertise, are not officially endorsed by Apple, and may introduce system instability or break future updates.

Use a Trusted Antivirus That Supports Older Systems — Intego Recommended

A reputable antivirus is essential if your Mac is no longer receiving Apple security patches. Intego is specifically designed for macOS and continues to support older versions like Catalina and Big Sur.

Intego’s features include:

• Real-time virus and malware scanning that detects even new and evolving threats
• Safe browsing protection, with filters that block phishing sites and suspicious links
• A smart two-way firewall to protect against network intrusions
• Scheduled scans and automatic updates
• Email protection that checks attachments and links before you open them
• Parental controls for families managing shared devices
• System cleaner tools to help optimize and maintain older Macs

Millions of Mac users trust Intego and it is one of the few vendors still committed to supporting legacy Apple systems.

Get Intego for your Mac computer today.

Adjust Security Settings Manually

To harden your Mac against threats:

• Turn on the built-in macOS firewall
• Disable automatic login so no one can access your desktop without a password
• Remove legacy plugins like Flash, Silverlight, or Java, which are common attack vectors

Avoid High-Risk Activities

Until you can replace your Mac, avoid activities that involve sensitive information:

• Do not access online banking or tax portals
• Avoid checking personal or work email
• Never store passwords or credit card details
• Do not download new apps or visit unknown websites

Treat the device like a semi-retired tool, not your main hub for critical data.

When Should You Retire or Replace Your Mac?

You should seriously consider replacing your Mac if:

• It’s no longer supported by the latest version of macOS
• You cannot install or update modern browsers and antivirus tools
• You rely on the device for work, finance, or communication
• Software performance is failing across multiple apps

Old Macs can sometimes be repurposed:

• As a local media server
• For offline creative work, such as writing or sketching
• Donated to non-profits or schools for basic use
• Recycled responsibly to avoid electronic waste

Apple’s trade-in program may offer credit for eligible devices, or they’ll recycle it for free.

What to Do Before You Stop Using Your Mac

Back Up Your Files

Before retiring your Mac, make sure to back up all essential data. You can use:

• Time Machine, Apple’s built-in backup utility
• An external SSD or USB drive, ideal for long-term physical storage
• A cloud backup service like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive for easy access later

Confirm that the backups are complete and accessible from another device.

Securely Erase Your Data

To prevent data theft, fully erase your Mac’s contents:

1. Open Disk Utility
2. Select your primary drive
3. Choose Erase and format as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
4. Reinstall macOS using macOS Recovery to return it to factory condition

This ensures your personal data is unrecoverable before donating or recycling.

Recycle or Trade In

After erasing your Mac:

• Visit Apple’s Trade-In page to check eligibility for a refund or recycling
• Consider local e-waste centers if Apple won’t accept it
• Donate it to community centers, schools, or nonprofits that accept used electronics

Ensure any donation recipient understands the device’s limitations and support status.

FAQ

Is it safe to use an old Mac in 2025?
It can be, but only under the right circumstances. You’re likely okay if your Mac is still receiving security updates and running a supported macOS version. If not, you need antivirus protection like Intego and should avoid sensitive activities such as online banking or logging into important accounts.

How do I check if my Mac is no longer supported?
Open Software Update in System Settings to see what macOS versions are available. If your Mac is stuck on Monterey, Big Sur, or earlier, check Apple’s compatibility list to confirm whether support has ended. You can also look up your Mac model’s release year and last supported OS.

Does Intego work on older Macs?
Yes. Intego supports a wide range of older macOS versions, including Catalina, Mojave, and even High Sierra in some cases. Its tools are optimized for Mac, offering powerful protection even when Apple has stopped patching the operating system.

What risks come with using an outdated Mac?
Outdated Macs are vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and exploits that take advantage of unpatched software. Incompatible apps may stop functioning or expose you to data loss. You may also face trouble connecting to websites or syncing files with modern services.

What’s the difference between a vintage and an obsolete Mac?
A vintage Mac is 5 to 7 years old and may still qualify for some hardware service from Apple. An obsolete Mac is more than 7 years old. Apple no longer offers hardware or software support, which means no repairs, updates, or security patches.

About Shira Stieglitz