Protect Your Mac from Unauthorized Access: Local Security Settings You Need

We’ve been talking a about digital security since the beginning of the year.  While online security often takes center stage, it is just as crucial to protect your Mac from unauthorized access when you step away. You wouldn’t want someone browsing through your emails, messages, or private files while you’re out for lunch. Many people focus on securing their data from online threats but forget that physical access can be just as risky—especially in shared or public spaces.

Quick Tips to Safeguard Your Mac

1. Set Up Screen Locking and Sleep Mode:
   Configure your Mac to start the screen saver or put the display to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity. For laptops, simply closing the lid is a quick way to lock the screen. Then, go to System Settings > Security & Privacy > General and set “Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off” to a short interval. We recommend 1 or 5 minutes to strike a balance between security and convenience. (see photo below) 

2. Use Touch ID or Apple Watch for Quick Access:
   Eliminate the hassle of entering your password each time by enabling Touch ID or using your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac. Not only does this improve security, but it also makes unlocking your device effortless.

3. Set Up a Hot Corner for Instant Locking:
   Need to lock your screen quickly? Set a Hot Corner in System Settings > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver > Hot Corners. Assign one corner to “Start Screen Saver,” so you can instantly lock your Mac by moving your cursor to that corner.

4. Enable Automatic Log-Out:
   If you often forget to lock your Mac when stepping away, enable automatic log-out. Go to System Settings > Security & Privacy > Advanced and set your Mac to log out after a specified period of inactivity. This ensures that even if you forget, your data remains protected.

5. Use a Guest User Account:
   If you need to lend your Mac to someone temporarily, enable the Guest User account under System Settings > Users & Groups. This provides limited access, preventing others from viewing or altering your personal files and settings.

6. Customize Touch ID for Convenience:
   Did you know you can add multiple fingerprints to Touch ID? This is particularly useful if you use different fingers in various situations, like when your hands are full or when wearing gloves. Head to System Settings > Touch ID & Password to add new fingerprints.

7. Leverage Apple Watch for More Than Just Unlocking:
   Your Apple Watch can do more than just unlock your Mac. Use it to authenticate app installations, view passwords, and access system settings. This feature, enabled in System Settings > Security & Privacy, adds another layer of security and convenience.

Stay Secure, Stay Productive

Whether you’re working in a shared office space or at home, a few simple adjustments can make a big difference. Share these tips with friends and colleagues to help them protect their devices, too!

(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/Armastas)