Disable opening of “safe” files after downloading in Safari. How? Open Safari., Click “Safari” on the top menu then select “Preferences.”, Select the “General” icon., Ensure that ‘Open “safe” files after downloading’ is UNCHECKED. Why? Based on a tweet from @SCmagazine (Update: This was Circa 2009, but is still useful today!), this action is in response [...]
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Repair Permissions After Installing
Software updates and installs can leave behind vulnerabilities by not having the proper file security settings. How? Type “Disk Utility” in Spotlight (Top right hand corner of screen), Select “Applications” | “Disk Utility”, Select “Macintosh HD”, Select the “First Aid” tab, Click the “Repair Disk Permissions” button. *Note: You can also click the “Verify Disk [...]
Create a Standard Account for Daily Use
For work and surf you should use a standard account rather than the default administrator level account. How? Go to ‘System Preferences’, Click the ‘Accounts’ icon, Click the ‘+’ sign near the bottom of the user list, Make sure ‘Standard’ is selected for ‘New Account’, Create a username and password for the new user, Click [...]
Ensure Your System Time is Correct
The system time is very important to keep your Mac secure and up to date. Check to make sure it is correct. How? At the top right hand corner of the screen click the time. Select ‘Open Date & Time’, Click ‘Date & Time’ Select a server for setting your time. Make sure ‘Set date [...]
Disable or Limit Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth broadcasts invite intruders. Disable it, or limit access to specific bluetooth devices. How? Go to ‘System Preferences’, Click the ‘Bluetooth’ Icon, Option 1: Uncheck ‘Discoverable’ – This leaves Bluetooth on for your devices but not broadcasting. Option 2: Uncheck ‘On’ – This actually turns Bluetooth off completely., Check ‘Show Bluetooth status in the menu [...]
Shut Down Unneeded Services
Shut down unneeded sharing services. Is everything checked really needed?
Use the Password Protected Screensaver
Stay logged in while you are away? Protect it from prying eyes, or even tiny hands with a screensaver password How? Go to ‘System Preferences’, Click the ‘Security’ Icon, Click the ‘General’ tab, Make sure that ‘Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver’ is checked.
Disable or Limit Remote Control Sensor
Anyone can control media on your computer using an Apple Remote, unless you disable or “pair” the remote. How? Go to ‘System Preferences’, Click the ‘Security’ Icon, Option 1: Disable Remote Control Option 2: Pair with your remote. This option allows you to continue using your remote but other remotes will not control your system. [...]
Add a Login Warning Banner
How? A login banner serves as a clear warning on privacy and ownership, and that access is for authorized use only. Go to Spotlight at the top right-hand corner of the screen and search for the ‘Terminal’ application.,Select the ‘Applications | Terminal’ item,Enter the command (even though this command is on two lines you should [...]
Set a Safe Computer Name
How? Your computer name is regularly broadcast in clear text on the network. Is it sharing your personal name? Go to ‘System Preferences’, Click the ‘Sharing’ Icon, Verify and adjust the computer name Why? When you first set up your Mac, your Long Name will be used in the default sharing name. Since this information [...]