How to Protect Your Privacy in Mac
As our devices are responsible for storing large amounts of sensitive information today, data security has become a priority issue that is definitely worth exploring.
The majority of computer users today believe that full reliance on virus trafficking is sufficient to protect their sensitive information. In reality, however, there are many reasons for data loss that are not covered by the services offered by the best antivirus software - not to mention that such software alone can be associated with threats to the security of vital files (see fake antivirus software, free applications with malware, etc.). In addition, many would be surprised if their devices were indeed equipped with a list of built-in advanced settings to manage access and permissions, allowing any Mac owner to set up scanning of stored information within a few checkpoints.
Mac security is important but is often overlooked. It's time to take Mac security seriously. Our Mac security tips show you what Mac security settings you need.
Keeping your privacy and data safe is extremely important to any Mac user. Nevertheless, many pay little attention to it and do little more if they do anything at all to ensure that hackers, opportunists, and even the authorities have access to as little personal data as possible.
In this article, we'll show you the 8 most reliable methods that make your MacOS device more secure and provide extra protection for your vital files. From these points you’ll have clear idea to how to protect your privacy in Mac.
1. Set your Password for your Account and Disable Auto-Login:
By default, when you create a new account, you are automatically logged in at startup. If you don’t use your home laptop, you can pose zero risks when traveling or simply working in public places. Automatic sign-in means that access to all your data is granted as soon as your Mac starts up - while the sign-in screen appears on the boot screen, it gives you extra protection for your files.
Remember to require your password after your Mac goes to sleep, and of course use a strong, long password. Note that disabling auto-login has been removed from macOS Sierra.
How to: System Settings> Security and Privacy> General
2. Encrypting your Mac with the built-in FileVault:
Single password protection for a user account is not enough for best privacy practices; proper file encryption ensures that files are kept out of the stranger's hand. Fortunately, Mac devices come with a useful built-in data encryption method, called FileVault.
Turn FileVault on for making your files unreadable if somebody else gets hold of your computer while powered off or locked.
How to: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault
3. Set Up a Foolproof Password:
Make sure your system is really guarded by a strong, intertwined, unique password — preferably a password made up of random number combinations, different lowercase letters, and misspelled words. These are impossible to figure out and are often harder to pick up with a brutally violent attack. Oh, and make sure you can remember this mess.
How to: System Settings> Security and Privacy> General
4. Use a Password Manager:
So (hopefully) you decided to take the above protection measure seriously and developed a trusted password that is extremely hard to crack ... but this hodgepodge doesn’t seem memorable.
The first thing you probably think about would be to write it down. But this is a great idea in only two cases: a) you don’t mind having someone access all your sensitive data (such as invoices, correspondence, payment information, and more) just to stumble across a piece of paper or a notebook page; b) is perfectly fine with the possibility of losing everything if the entry is somehow destroyed.
5. Update MacOS regularly:
Because the system is designed to fix vulnerabilities and deliver essential updates to the anti-malware virus database, timely updates are essential for data security. So, since Apple products get a lot of security updates that provide fixes for new threats, make sure the "Keep my Mac up to date automatically" checkbox is selected and think twice before clicking onto the "Remember Me Later" button.
Do not ignore these installation instructions! Keep in mind that you can check for updates at any time.
How To: Apple Icon> About Mac> Software Update
6. Various activities, separate accounts:
Every Mac has at least one administrator-assigned account - and when you create the first one, you automatically get administrator privileges. Administrators are authorized to install software, change settings, and make errors, such as removing software that is required for the computer to function properly, or deleting files that later result in various system errors.
Regular users, on the other hand, have limited access rights on the Mac. They can create, use, and modify files, access folders on shared volumes (where permissions allow), change insecure settings in System Preferences, and install software that does not require items to be inserted into the system or directory folders.
However, standard bills are completely secure for daily work. This means that you do not accidentally delete an important system file and you will be prompted for a username and password when there is a threat.
7. Check your MacOS settings:
Start with the security and privacy settings of your device. How do you like the idea of sharing your physical space with different applications? Do you also know which programs can get detailed information about your exact judgment? Since many features are enabled by default, you must first visit the Security and Privacy tab and check which settings you want to change.
How to: System Settings> Security and Privacy> Location Services
8. Use a two-way firewall:
Incoming firewalls only provide network protection against certain types of attacks - including Apple's built-in. Add in the growing number of targeted attacks and new malware, and it becomes apparent that multiple levels of protection are needed to properly protect sensitive data.
Now that you’ve gotten access to your system with unknown malware, you need to block your connection to the Internet - and that’s just an outbound protected firewall (the most important component of bidirectional firewall software). In addition to fighting incoming threats, both malware on your computer prevents the Internet and your personal information from being leaked.