The most comprehensive guide to the security of your Mac

The issue of privacy in the modern world is not just celebrities. C surprising regularity in the network appear next "plum" of personal data of users. Difficult to configure a personal computer to fit your needs, and if in this equation is the security component appears, it becomes even more difficult. Personal photos, documents and personal information - it is unlikely you would like to share it all with strangers. Revision "MakRadara" has prepared detailed instructions that will save you from unnecessary emotions.

Configuring OS X

Easy to use - one of the most well-known advantages of Mac computers. Nevertheless, there are derived from this fact disadvantages. For example, private data are almost in the public domain, making it easy either by hackers or malicious applications. Despite this, OS X has an extensive list of security settings, the following seven of which are in order to take advantage of them.

Check the security settings

Go to "System Settings» → «Protection and Security" and select "Privacy." Select the applications that are allowed access to information about the location, iCloud and detailed data about the system ( "Universal Access" section). Actions are executed for all the applications together, and for a few, selected from the list.

Turn on FileVault

OS X comes with built-in FileVault encryption system. Including it, you need a login and password or recovery key to view any data on the computer. It turns on the system in the same settings section. After that, all internal storage, encrypt, and the system will require a password for all data access.

Do not use Keychain

Do not rely on the built-in password storage service, especially in all that relates to the data your browser. Instead, use third-party solutions: LastPass or 1Password will be a good choice. Unlike Keychain, where access to all the registration data, network storage, encrypted files is guaranteed by a password system, its alternatives require you to enter the master password. This greatly complicate the attackers access to personal data.

Check iCloud settings

Synchronization through this cloud storage - one of the main advantages of the Apple ecosystem. However, if you have a common home computer, automatic synchronization of photos, files, contacts and other data systems and applications can be a source of leakage of important information. In this case it is necessary to completely disable iCloud. To do this, go to "System Settings" → the iCloud, and then click "Exit." Of course, not talking about the future of synchronization, but this effect will be more protection of personal data. If paying for this lack of benefits of cloud storage you want to check even if the two-factor authentication is enabled.

Turn off iMessage and FaceTime

Mode "Continuous" - the main innovation of OS X Yosemite and most anticipated improvement in the ecosystem of products. Thanks to him, calls, messages and data on the status of other applications are synchronized with the Mac via the iPhone. Now imagine that a stranger running on your computer, and you receive a private message. Not only that, he will see a notification popup with the text - by going to the "Messages", he is also able to read all the correspondence. Computer - much less personal device than a smartphone, and if this security flaw is bothering you - turn off the "continuity" in the "Messages" and FaceTime. In each of the applications, go to settings and turn off the Apple ID account.

Turn off Spotlight Web Search

Spotlight for its work must be sent to your search queries data in Google or another search engine that you use. The second and more important from the point of view of safety feature Spotlight - data is sent and Apple's, which does not seem a good idea, despite the assurances of confidentiality. Turns off the built-in Assistant "System Settings» → Spotlight → Search Results. There is need to remove the check mark next to "Offers Spotlight» and Bing Web Searches. If this functionality is needed for you to use an analogue Alfred.

Hide unwanted files

The choice of places the system in which the search is carried out - one of the Spotlight personal assistant settings. Protect yourself from showing unwanted files to a stranger who will take advantage of Spotlight, you can be in the "System Settings» → Spotlight. Remove the check marks next to those files that you do not want to display. They will continue to be indexed, but the search results do not appear. Also, in the privacy settings selected folders to exclude from Spotlight to search for objects.

Protecting personal data

OS X does not protect your data from third-party applications, which means that all you have to do yourself. Protecting privacy online - is an important step, which comes to the rescue in such situations, but other than that there are a few tips that can enhance security.

Download the browser extension privacy

If you pay a lot of time browsing the Internet - install AdBlock Plus and Disconnect. They will protect your personal information from leaking and tracking advertising agents, websites and search engines.

use VPN

Virtual private network technology is useful to protect sensitive data when using public networks. If you're at a coffee shop or other public places - pay attention to it.

Use only approved applications

By default this option is enabled in the settings of OS X. It limits the installation of apps from unknown sources, thereby protecting your computer from malware code that if you do not hurt him, it becomes a source of problems for other gadgets, interacting with him directly. To be safe, go to the "System Settings» → «Protection and Security» General and column select Mac App Store and identified developers from the drop-down list Allow apps downloaded from.

These are the simple steps that enhance safety. For extra protection, use browsersFocused on privacy, and replace the Google search engine on DuckDuckGo.

Block physical access to your computer

Secure access to the data on the computer - only half the task. Since the most popular computers Apple - it's a laptop, an important aspect of security is the protection of physical access to the system directly.

Make active lock screen

To do this, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy, and in the General tab, check the box next to the fields Require password and Disable automatic login, make sure that your Mac will ask for further password to log in system.

Hide your user name

By default, the Lock screen displays the user names that are available for logon. Theoretically, this allows an attacker to guess the password and gain access to the data.

sudo dscl. create / Users / hiddenuser IsHidden 1

This adds another layer of your security, requiring input and the user name and password at logon.

Add the guest account

In case when the computer is to be given to short-term use to a Friend, guest account - the best way to protect personal data. Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups and select the Guest User option. Next, put a check Allow guests to log in to this computer. If FileVault is enabled on the computer, the user can only use a browser, which is enough for the majority of short-term sessions.

All of the above tips will make your Mac secure, personal data - privacy and browsing - safer. Of course, this protection is not perfect, and it can always be circumvented, but you at least make life difficult for an attacker.