This is especially the case with a Mac, which keeps all kinds of stuff behind the scenes.
We all need toprotect our private data.
Audit OS Xs System prefs
By default, OS X is all about ease of use.
you might disable app access in bulk here or on an software-by-software basis.
Turn on FileVault:OS X comes withbuilt-in encryption software called FileVault.
Head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and snag the FileVault tab.
Turn it on and itll encrypt your whole drive.
It also means you need your password at all time, so dont lose it!
Dont use Keychain:Keychain is Apples built-in password system.
You have to use it for your login, but dont use it for your internet tool data.
iCloud syncs all your photos, files, and everything else across your devices.
If youre on a shared computer, you might want to disable iCloud entirely.
Just hop into System Preferences > iCloud and tap the Sign Out button.
Disable iMessage and Facetime:Continuity is a big selling point for Apple.
From your Mac, you could send and receive calls and texts that are synced with your iPhone.
On top of seeing the notification with the message, they can also access entire conversations in Messages.
If this is unsettling to you, youll want to disable Messages.
Open up Messages, select Message > Preferences and sign out of your Apple ID.
you could do the same with Facetime for phone calls.
Thats okay, but any time you search for something using Spotlight,Apple collects that data, too..
If you still want the power of Spotlight without the creepiness,we recommend Alfred.
Luckily, you might customize how this works.
Head to System Preferences > Spotlight.
Spotlight will still index those files, but they wont show in search results.
This way, they wont show up in search results at all.
Once all of those configs are tweaked, OS X is pretty locked down.
Install web app extensions likeAdBlock Plus,Disconnect, andother privacy-protecting extensionsto keep your data safe.
Use a VPN: Virtual private networks (VPNs) arehelpful for protecting your privacy.
To enable this feature, head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and pick the General tab.
Youll see an option for Allow apps downloaded from.
Check the box next to Mac App Store.
This means only approved and signed apps can be installed.
Of course, thats just the least it’s possible for you to do.
Certainprivacy-focused web browsersare also usefulbecause Incognito modeisnt really the best for privacy.
Installingan anti-virus app is also a good idea.
Enable your lock screen: Head into System Preferences > Security & Privacy and pick the General tab.
Someone can theoretically sit there and guess your password over and over if they want.
Once you enable this, youll have to login with both every time.
From the Terminal, key in in:sudo dscl .
Head to System Preferences > Users & Groups and choose the Guest User option.
Check the box next to Allow guests to get in to this computer.
If youve enabled FileVault, guests can only access Safari, which is likely all they really need.
Keeping yourWi-Fi secure is easyand once youre set up you dont really need to think about it again.
With all that, your machine should be both secure and most of your data private.
