Follow these easy steps to protect the personal data on your device running macOS or Mac OS X.
1. Easily encrypt your Mac with the built-in FileVault.
Turn FileVault on to make your files are unreadable if someone else gets hold of your computer while powered off or locked.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac1-300x120.png\")
2. Set a password for your account and disable automatic login.
Remember to require your password after your Mac sleeps and of course, use a strong, lengthy password. Note that Disable automatic login has been removed from macOS Sierra.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac2-300x105.png\")
3. Update macOS regularly.
Don’t ignore those installation prompts! Remember you can check for updates at any time.
How: Apple icon > About This Mac > Software Update
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac3-300x171.png\")
4. Make sure the firewall is turned on.
Enabling the built-in firewall will block incoming connections. You can also choose to allow only signed software to accept incoming connections under Firewall Options.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac4-300x110.png\")
5. Enable stealth mode.
Being in stealth mode means your Mac will not respond to connection attempts from the network.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall > Firewall Options
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac5-300x219.png\")
6. Set the computer to log out after a period of inactivity.
The default for automatic logout is 60 minutes but shorter is better.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Advanced
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac6-300x106.png\")
7. Require an admin password for system-wide changes.
This helps protect against malware doing widespread damage.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Advanced
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac7-300x106.png\")
8. Control which apps are accessing your location.
Verify what’s using your location data and disable any location services you don’t need.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Location Services
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac8-300x219.png\")
9. Restrict which types of apps are allowed to run on your Mac.
For more protection, grant permission only to the Mac App Store.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac9-300x219.png\")
10. Review which apps have access to sensitive data.
In particular, protect personal data such as your contacts and calendar info.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac10-300x219.png\")
11.Stop sending diagnostics and usage data.
This data can include information such as the apps you use and your location.
How: System Preferences > Privacy > Diagnostics & Usage
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac11-300x216.png\")
12. Check which sharing services are enabled.
Disable things like screen sharing, file sharing, printer sharing, remote login, etc. unless you’re sure you need them.
How: System Preferences > Sharing
![\"\"](\"https://www.bestpaidantivirus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mac12-300x215.png\")
Congratulations! You’ve just taken a big step to increasing privacy and protecting the data on your Mac. If you’d like to delve further, we recommend this in-depth technical guide.
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