Macs are pretty secure by default, but that doesn’t make them impenetrable. Use these tips to make sure you’re securing your Mac as much as you need to.
Increasing the security of your Mac is just one of more than 10 ways you can improve your Mac experience with macOS Ventura.
1. Enable FileVault
FileVault is a whole disk encryption system. It wraps all of your disk contents in a layer of encryption. Even if attackers have access to your physical hard drive, they can’t decrypt the data without your password.
FileVault is enabled by default on all new Macs. But if you have an older Mac or used Time Machine Backup to copy your Mac files to your new computer, FileVault may not be enabled. You can adjust this in the “Privacy & Security” panel in the System Settings app.
advice: Running an older version of macOS? These tips are just as effective no matter which version of macOS you’re running. If you can’t wait to get the latest version of macOS, learn how to install macOS beta on your Mac.
2. Choose a complex login password
While this tip is most important for users who travel with laptops, it’s a useful tip for everyone. Using FileVault doesn’t matter if your password is “password”. This setting is also found in the “Users and groups” panel in system settings. Just select the “Change Password…” button.
Of course, this password is useless if you don’t use it. Make sure you set your computer to require the password once it sleeps. You can find this option in the “Lock Screen” menu in the System Settings app. If you’re using a desktop Mac, practice putting your computer to sleep manually to ensure it’s always protected.
3. Use a password manager
Today, securing your personal data doesn’t involve your Mac’s hard drive. Instead, your data lives in the cloud, in your social media accounts, and in remote backups. Unless secured with a complex and unique password, this data is vulnerable to silent remote extraction.
You can download a password manager like Dashlan or 1 password start immediately Use a password generator to replace duplicate or simple passwords with long, complex passwords. Also, enable two-factor authentication for all accounts that support it.
If you don’t feel comfortable using a third-party password manager, you can always access iCloud Keychain through the “Passwords” pane in the System Settings app to manage security. Apple’s built-in password manager offers powerful security tools, including end-to-end encryption, duplicate detection, data breach alerts, and password keys. Passkeys let you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, removing the need to remember passwords.
good to know: Worried about cross-platform compatibility when it comes to your password manager? Rest assured! You can use iCloud Keychain on Windows.
4. Use encryption
For highly confidential documents, you’ll want to encrypt them separately from your whole disk encryption scheme. 1 password Offers the option to upload up to 1GB of files, which are secured with the same method that protects your password. You can also use apps like Encryption to easily encrypt your files before you send them.
advice: You can set up quick access controls for your favorite apps and utilities by learning how to customize the menu bar in macOS.
5. Use Find My Mac to wipe remotely
Turn on “Find My Mac” under the “Apple ID -> iCloud” panel in System Settings. It uses your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection to track its physical location. If the device is lost or stolen, you can find out where it is.
It will also allow you to remotely wipe your Mac if it falls into the wrong hands. Even if you are unable to restore the device, you can make sure that the information does not fall into the wrong hands.
6. Make sure your firewall is running and enable stealth mode
By default, your Mac’s software firewall should be turned on. But in case you turned it off, check the “Firewall” tab in the “Network” panel. You can also use a third party firewall like The little snitch which offer more complex protection.
You can activate additional defenses by activating stealth mode. This hard preference name prevents your computer from responding to network probing applications such as “ping”. Find the setting under the “Options…” button of the firewall panel, down towards the bottom. To confirm this protection, select the “OK” button.
7. Turn off sharing until you need it
If you often use your Mac on a home network, file sharing may be turned on. If you ever use your computer on a network that you do not fully control, you should turn this off.
It’s best to turn on the “sharing” options only when you need them. This includes file sharing and printer sharing. It’s better to close all potential ports when you’re on a public network than risk an unexpected hack.
8. Secure your network activity
Your Mac isn’t just about its hardware. It also has to do with the networks your Mac connects to. Poorly secured routers can often be a vector for attack.
Make sure you are using the latest firmware for your router and a secure and complex password. If you give your password to guests, change the password once they’re done.
You can further secure your online activity with a VPN. This will encrypt your network traffic, preventing prying eyes from checking in.
9. Encrypt your backups
Every smart computer user will have a backup system. But if your backups aren’t as secure as your primary drive, they represent a vulnerability. Be sure to encrypt your Time Machine backups under the Time Machine preferences panel.
Also, make sure you encrypt any other backups you have, whether a cloned disk or a web-based backup.
Common questions
How do I know if my Mac’s security has been compromised?
How can I detect malicious files and apps on my Mac?
You can find out how to allow the root user on a Mac to have read and write permissions to the entire file system. It allows you to browse files and databases on your Mac that are normally hidden. If you see anything unusual, be sure to do a quick Google search before you delete it.
I see an app I didn’t install in my menu bar. How do I remove it?
If you see an app you don’t remember installing in the menu bar, it could be a malicious app that’s violating your privacy by tracking your activity in the background. You can learn how to customize the menu bar in macOS to quickly identify and delete these malicious applications.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Braham Shank.
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