Basic Mac OS X Security Tips
Oftentimes I'm asked about anti-virus and security settings for Mac OS X. I'm supremely negligent regarding the former and have never installed an anti-virus application! However, the latter is an entirely different matter… Mac OS X includes powerful built-in security features. What follows are my suggested security settings for Mac OS X (10.6). This should only be viewed as an introduction and does not take into account Terminal command line scripts or third-party applications. Go into Preferences > Security > General Check the following: *Disable automatic login
*Require a password to unlock each System Preferences Pane
*Use secure Virtual Memory (requires a reboot to become enabled) Security > Firewall Make sure it's switched on! It's an obvious one, but I'm reasonably certain that it's switched off by default. Firewall > Advanced Check the following: *Block all incoming connections
*Enable stealth mode (Alas, sounds cooler than it actually is) System Preferences > Sharing Uncheck everything you’re not using, even if you think you will. Turn it on when you need it and turn it off when you’re done. Click the lock to prevent further changes. In addition to the above. Safari > Preferences > General Uncheck the following: Open "safe" files after downloading (I've switched to Google Chrome for Mac. However, your mileage may vary.) Software Update Again. Obvious, but make sure that you've installed the latest Mac OS X and security updates. To reiterate. These are only suggestions and no networked computer is ever 100% secure. However, with a few basic clicks your Mac's security will be increased from its default settings. Every little helps. Download the free eBook here (PDF).Please add any further Mac OS X security suggestions in comments and I'll update this accordingly.
*Require a password to unlock each System Preferences Pane
*Use secure Virtual Memory (requires a reboot to become enabled) Security > Firewall Make sure it's switched on! It's an obvious one, but I'm reasonably certain that it's switched off by default. Firewall > Advanced Check the following: *Block all incoming connections
*Enable stealth mode (Alas, sounds cooler than it actually is) System Preferences > Sharing Uncheck everything you’re not using, even if you think you will. Turn it on when you need it and turn it off when you’re done. Click the lock to prevent further changes. In addition to the above. Safari > Preferences > General Uncheck the following: Open "safe" files after downloading (I've switched to Google Chrome for Mac. However, your mileage may vary.) Software Update Again. Obvious, but make sure that you've installed the latest Mac OS X and security updates. To reiterate. These are only suggestions and no networked computer is ever 100% secure. However, with a few basic clicks your Mac's security will be increased from its default settings. Every little helps. Download the free eBook here (PDF).Please add any further Mac OS X security suggestions in comments and I'll update this accordingly.
