How to Protect Your Privacy on Mac

Filed under Device Privacy Tips on

Please note that these instructions may not apply to all Mac devices and operating systems.

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

Screenshot of FileVault window on macOS.

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

Screenshot of password setting window on macOS.

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

Screenshot of software update button on macOS.

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

Screenshot of firewall button on macOS.

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

Screenshot of enabling stealth mode on macOS.

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

Screenshot of setting automatic log out on macOS.

7. Require an admin password for system-wide changes.

This helps protect against malware doing widespread damage.
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Advanced

Screenshot of requiring an admin password on macOS.

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

Screenshot of controlling location services on macOS.

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

Screenshot of restricting app sources on macOS.

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

Screenshot of review app access to data on macOS.

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

Screenshots of disabling diagnostic data sending in macOS.

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

Screenshot of list of sharing services on macOS.

13. Get the DuckDuckGo browser – and make it your default.

Want to go a step further? Fast, free, and packed with useful features, the DuckDuckDuckGo browser offers everyday privacy without sacrificing convenience. Unlike most other browsers, the DuckDuckGo browser has privacy built right in, including...

  • A private search alternative to Google that doesn't spy on your searches.
  • A best-in-class tracker blocker that blocks cookies and other trackers, including the ones powering invasive ads that might otherwise follow you around.
  • More than a dozen other privacy- protecting features that add up to a more pleasant web browsing experience.

How: Get the free DuckDuckGo browser at www.duckduckgo.com/browser.

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.

For more privacy advice follow us on Twitter, and stay protected and informed with our privacy newsletter.

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How to Protect Your Privacy on Mac
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