Mac Password

1. Does it need to come with you?

“The first step in securing your remote computing lifestyle is considering whether you need to take everything out. All of the attacks discussed here involve getting data from the computer – the easiest way to stop that from happening is to ensure that the data isn’t there in the first place,” Lee wrote.

He makes valid points as well. Shoulder surfing, cell cameras, and other means can be used to collect information. Is this alarmist? Not at all, it’s a harsh fact that most criminals do not even use a computer to rip you off.

2. Change your Keychain password and settings

In short, the Keychain password is synched up to your log-in password. Once logged into the Mac, then your Keychain store is unlocked as well. If you don’t know what Keychain is, it is a feature on OS X that acts as a password and SSL storage station. Password managers like this keep you from needing to remember all the various passwords you use when surfing online. Changing the password for Keychain is paramount to removing the default passwords from wireless routers.

3. Lock your screen if you are away from the computer

This tip should go without saying. However, I myself have seen laptops, PC and Mac, left open and unattended in airports as a user makes a call or goes to the gate counter.

4. Enable and use Filevault

Protect your personal information by replacing your home directory with an encrypted container.

5.  Encrypt disk images

Like Tip #4, encryption goes a long way towards securing your data.

6.  Use Secure Notes in Keychain

Secure Notes often reminded me of the notes feature in outlook. However, anyone with access to the computer can find and read these little personal memos. Securing them with Keychain seems like a wise idea.

7.  Secure Empty Trash

You see secure delete for Windows in the form of several applications. It only makes sense to use the feature if it is built into the operating system as it is on OS X.

8. Encrypted Swap Files

Again, encryption will go a long way towards protecting the information that is stored on the laptop. The ‘cold boot’ attack protection offered here is just smart if you use your Mac for business.

9. Use a firmware password

10. Automatic logouts

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