Macintosh Security Checklist

Take the following steps to ensure the security of your Macintosh system:

  • Make sure that your Mac is password protected. To set or change your password, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Accounts > My Account . A password protected screensaver can be set up to keep your computer from being accessed while you are away. In addition to a logon password Mac has introduced the Keychain, a system that stores passwords and permissions for encrypted disk images, servers, and your .Mac account. It can also be used to store notes securely. By default, the Keychain is unlocked when you log into your account. The Keychain can be configured to lock during inactivity or sleep, and when locked will ask for a password the next time secure data is accessed. To access, lock, or change settings on your Keychain, go to Applications > Utilities
  • Make sure all of your passwords are strong. Visit our FAQs page for information on what constitutes a strong password.
  • Download and install Norton Antivirus Client from shareware.unc.edu. While viruses for Macs are more rare than those for Windows it is still best to be cautious and maintain protection for your system.
  • It is important to turn your built-in firewall on. Mac OS X comes with a firewall that, by default, monitors just incoming traffic. It is set to permit only the programs you specify access into your computer. Unfortunately, advanced configuration which will instruct the firewall to monitor outbound traffic as well requires instruction through the command-line interface Terminal. Tiger comes with a firewall and a Stealth Mode setting which prevents blocked traffic from receiving a response from your computer that would verify your existence to attackers. To turn Stealth Mode on, go to System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall > Advanced and check the Enable Stealth Mode box.
  • Never open email attachments unless you know both the sender AND that the person intended to send it to you. Even attachments from people you know could be viruses sent unintentionally. It is always better to be sure before opening one.
  • Never click on links in Instant Messenger unless you know that the person who sent it intended to send it to you. This includes links in instant messages and links in profiles. Viruses are often spread this way.
  • Update your Mac often. View Apple's article for instructions on how to run updates. You can schedule automatic updates by going to Software Update preferences in System Preferences.

For further information please visit Apple's Support site.


Top
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill