5 Things You Can Do to Secure Your Apple Mac Book

 

Backups

“A backup is a process that copies all your files, data, and information to effectively create two versions – one on your original devices and one backup. It is designed to protect all your important files and pictures, even the ones you save to an external hard drive.”

MacOS Machines (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250)

  1. Connect an external storage device, such as a USB or Thunderbolt drive. Learn more about backup disks that you can use with Time Machine.
  2. Open Time Machine preferences from the Time Machine menu in the menu bar. Or choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Time Machine.
  3. Click Select Backup Disk.
  4. Select the name of your disk, then click Use Disk. Time Machine immediately begins making periodic backups—automatically and without further action by you.

Firewalls

“A firewall is a security device — computer hardware or software — that can help protect your network by filtering traffic and blocking outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to the private data on your computer.”

MacOS Machines (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/block-connections-to-your-mac-with-a-firewall-mh34041/mac#:~:text=Turn%20on%20firewall%20protection,Click%20Turn%20On%20Firewall)

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy  , then click Firewall.
  2. If the lock at the bottom left is locked , click it to unlock the preference pane.
  3. Click Turn On Firewall.
  4. To specify additional security settings, click Firewall Options and do any of the following:
  • Allow only specified apps and services to connect: Click the Add button , then select the app or service in the dialog that appears.
  • Allow only essential apps and services to connect: Select the “Block all incoming connections” checkbox.
  • Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections: Select the “Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections” checkbox.
  • Automatically allow downloaded signed software to receive incoming connections: Select the “Automatically allow downloaded signed software to receive incoming connections” checkbox.
  • Enable stealth mode to make it more difficult for hackers and malware to find your Mac: Select “Enable stealth mode.” (Recommended)

Anti-virus

“An antivirus product is a program designed to detect and remove viruses and other kinds of malicious software from your desktop or laptop.”

MacOS Machines (https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/if-you-have-a-mac-do-you-need-antivirus-protection/)

Unfortunately, MacOS devices do not offer built-in Anti-virus software to aide in protection. Mac computers are not immune to viruses and other malware and Mac-targeted attacks are increasingly prevalent. It is recommended that all users utilize a third-party Anti-virus solution in conjunction with MacOS security best practices to better secure their device.

Encryption

“Hard-drive encryption is a technology that encrypts the data stored on a hard drive using sophisticated mathematical functions. Data on an encrypted hard drive cannot be read by anyone who does not have access to the appropriate key or password. This can help prevent access to data by unauthorized persons and provides a layer of security against hackers and other online threats.”

MacOS Machines (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/encrypt-mac-data-with-filevault-mh11785/mac)

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy , then click FileVault.
  2. If the lock at the bottom left is locked , click it to unlock the preference pane.
  3. Click Turn On FileVault.
  4. You might be asked to enter your password.
  5. Choose how to unlock your disk and reset your login password if you forget it:
  • iCloud account: Click “Allow my iCloud account to unlock my disk” if you already use iCloud. * Click “Set up my iCloud account to reset my password” if you don’t already use iCloud.
  • Recovery key: Click “Create a recovery key and do not use my iCloud account.” Write down the recovery key and keep it in a safe place.
  1. Click Continue.
  • If your Mac has additional users, their information is also encrypted. Users unlock the encrypted disk with their login password.
  • If there’s an Enable Users button, you must enter a user’s login password before they can unlock the encrypted disk. Click Enable Users, select a user, enter the login password, click OK, then click Continue.

Auto-updates

MacOS Machines (https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/get-macos-updates-mchlpx1065/mac)

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Software Update .
  2. To automatically install macOS updates, select “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.”
  3. To set advanced update options, click Advanced, then do any of the following:
  1. To have your Mac check for updates automatically, select “Check for updates.”
    • To have your Mac download updates without asking, select “Download new updates when available.”
    • To have your Mac install macOS updates automatically, select “Install macOS updates.”
    • To have your Mac install app updates from the App Store automatically, select “Install app updates from the App Store.”
    • To have your Mac install system files and security updates automatically, select “Install system data files and security updates.”
  2. Click OK.
    • To receive the latest updates automatically, it’s recommended that you select “Check for updates,” “Download new updates when available,” and “Install system data files and security updates.”