💻 Mac Security Checklist
Essential steps to protect your Mac from threats, secure your data, and maintain privacy
Why Mac Security Matters
Your Mac contains your entire digital life: work documents, personal files, financial data, and more. While macOS is designed with security in mind, proper configuration is essential to maximize protection against evolving threats.
This checklist covers the most critical security settings and practices to keep your Mac secure, from basic privacy controls to advanced threat protection.
Essential Mac Security Steps
🔐 Basic Security
- Enable FileVault full-disk encryption
- Set a strong password (12+ characters with symbols)
- Enable automatic macOS updates
- Set screen saver to require password immediately
- Enable Firewall (System Settings → Network → Firewall)
- Disable automatic login
🛡️ Privacy Settings
- Review app permissions (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
- Disable location services for apps that don't need it
- Turn off analytics and crash reporting
- Disable Siri if not needed (or limit data sharing)
- Review which apps can access Camera, Microphone, Files
- Enable "Ask websites not to track me" in Safari
📡 Network Security
- Install Little Snitch (application firewall)
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi networks
- Disable AirDrop when not in use
- Turn off Bluetooth when not needed
- Review and remove unknown Wi-Fi networks
- Enable "Limit IP Address Tracking" in Safari
📱 App Security
- Only download apps from App Store or verified developers
- Enable Gatekeeper (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
- Review Login Items and remove unnecessary startup apps
- Check for malware with Malwarebytes
- Delete unused applications
- Use App Store apps when possible (sandboxed)
🔑 Apple ID Security
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for Apple ID
- Use a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden)
- Review devices signed into your Apple ID
- Enable "Find My Mac"
- Set up a recovery contact
- Enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
🔒 Advanced Protection
- Install Little Snitch for per-app network monitoring
- Use Wireshark for network traffic analysis
- Enable firmware password to prevent boot tampering
- Disable remote login and screen sharing unless needed
- Use Time Machine for encrypted backups
- Consider using a hardware security key (YubiKey)
Visual Security Guides
FileVault Full-Disk Encryption
Enable FileVault to encrypt your entire Mac. This protects your data if your Mac is lost or stolen.
Application Firewall Control
Use Little Snitch to monitor and control which apps can access the network, blocking suspicious connections.
App Privacy Permissions
Review which apps have access to your camera, microphone, and files. Disable permissions for apps that don't need them.
Firewall Configuration
Enable the macOS firewall and configure it to block all incoming connections except those you explicitly allow.
Secure Your Mac Today
Follow this checklist to dramatically improve your Mac security in under 30 minutes
