When you get a new Mac, it’s fairly easy to set it up and start using it, but if you’re concerned about privacy, you need to take the time to make sure your Mac security settings meet your needs. Mac security settings can be particularly difficult to configure, as there are more and more of them as Apple focuses on protecting users. Whether you’re setting up a new Mac or updating to the latest version of macOS, it’s worth checking your privacy settings.
Many factors can lead to data loss, and each is a reason to make regular backups. Furthermore, downloading files and sharing files with others brings many risks, and the number of threats to Mac devices is constantly growing. Whether you use a personal computer or a public computer, there are many steps you can take to improve your protection and privacy.
Top 6 Tips to Keep Your Mac Safe
1. Activate FileVault Full Disk Encryption
To protect the data on your Mac, you should use Apple’s FileVault full disk encryption. It’s been available on Macs for about a decade, it’s solid, and it doesn’t slow down your device. FileVault encrypts your entire hard drive using XTS-AES 128 with a 256-bit key, a very secure encryption algorithm.
If your Mac’s drive isn’t fully encrypted, anyone who steals your computer will have access to all the data on it. Once FileVault is activated, as soon as your computer is turned off, its hard drive is locked. Only when an authorized user turns it on and logs in will the contents of the drive be unlocked.
To activate FileVault, first make sure you’re logged into macOS with an administrator account, then go to “System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.” Then click Turn on FileVault.
FileVault works transparently, and after the initial encryption, which can take a while on larger drives, it encrypts and decrypts files as needed.
2. Don’t share your location
How comfortable are you with sharing your physical location with other apps? Do you even know which apps are receiving your location data? A quick visit to System Preferences will reveal all. Click the Security & Privacy icon, then click the Privacy tab. You may need to unlock the padlock by entering your administrator password to change the settings.
Then select Location Services and check whether it’s enabled and, if so, which apps have access to your location. Sharing your location with some apps can be useful: for example, if you want to find directions in Maps, it’s easier to share your location with the app. Weather apps work better if they know where you are. And Find My should have access to your location.
3. Use VPN Software
If you absolutely have to shop online and you only have access to public Wi-Fi, like at an airport, coffee shop, or some other location with free public Wi-Fi, consider using VPN software. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt all the data on your computer or mobile device, protecting your Mac from snoopers who might try to intercept your data for usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and more. A VPN for Mac also protects your privacy by masking your IP address so websites don’t know where you are. And because your communications are encrypted, your ISP can’t track your browsing history.
4. Check for software updates frequently
There are many different security threats to Mac devices, from malware to vulnerabilities, and like all operating systems, macOS regularly receives updates to patch security issues. Just check the Apple Security Updates page to see how many updates are available for Apple operating systems and for specific Apple apps. That’s why it’s important to update your software regularly to avoid new security threats.
To make sure macOS is up to date, go to System Preferences > Software Updates. Click the Advanced button and tweak some settings.
I like it when my Mac automatically checks for and downloads new updates, but it doesn’t install them automatically. I want to be notified when an update is available so I can back up my Mac before the update, in case there are any problems. I want system data files and security updates to install automatically. Sometimes they don’t require a restart, whereas macOS updates always do.
But you also need to keep the apps you use up to date to stay safe. You can update some apps from the Mac App Store, while others can be updated directly from within the app.
5. Install Mac antivirus software
Most universities advise students to install antivirus software, in part because of the large numbers of people using their computer labs to share files, as well as the wide range of other online activities that students engage in. Downloading files and sharing files with others carries many risks. Whenever large numbers of computer users who are not afraid to share files are concentrated in a small area—such as a university or a large company—security is only as strong as its weakest link.
6. Avoid sharing illegal files
Installing pirated software is not only illegal, it also puts your private information at risk. Pirated software is a popular way for malware authors to distribute malware, as many people still believe they can get something for free without realizing the potential consequences. Many Mac programs have been infected with malware in recent years, and downloading this type of software is extremely dangerous.
