Secure Your macOS Computer
Update Your Operating System
- Click Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
- Click Automatically keep my Mac up to date to enable it.
- When prompted, enter the Administrator userID and password for your computer.
- If any software updates are available for installation, click Update Now. Follow the prompts to download and install the software.
Update Other Software
- Update other software applications you may have. Most applications can be updated by selecting Check for Updates in one of the following menus: Application, Preferences or Help.
- Run QUALYS Browser Check regularly. This tool will walk you through updating any browser-related applications; and will help you protect your computer from those actively exploiting security flaws through the web.
Configure Antivirus Software
- Remove all other antivirus software before installing.
- Install recommended antivirus software.
- Personally Owned Computers - Sophos
- University Owned Computers - ESET Endpoint Security
Set Security Preferences
Password Protect Your Computer
- Select Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click the lock icon and enter an Administrator username and password when prompted.
- Select the account you are using and click Change Password. If others use this computer, create a separate account and password for each person.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Turn on the Firewall
- Select Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
- Click the lock icon and enter an Administrator username and password when prompted.
- Click Firewall. If the firewall is not on, click Start or Turn On Firewall.
- Click Firewall Options.
- Verify the following settings and click OK.
- Uncheck - Block all incoming connections.
- Check - Automatically allow built-in signed software to receive incoming connections.
- Check - Automatically allow downloaded signed software to receive incoming connections.
- Uncheck - Enable stealth mode.
Password Protect Your Screen Saver
- In Security and Privacy, select the General tab.
- Click the lock icon and log in when prompted.
- Check Require password and choose immediately from the drop-down menu.
Note: This option ONLY applies to the current account. - Verify that the following are selected (checked):
- Disable Automatic login
- Allow applications downloaded from: App Store and identified developers.
- Click the lock icon to prevent further changes and then click the back arrow.
- Select Desktop & Screen Saver, then the Screen Saver tab.
- Select 10 Minutes from the Start after drop-down menu.
- Close the window.