Securing Mac Accounts
Here is the full steps to secure your login:
- Go to Apple ▸ System Preferences inside Accounts
- Click on the Lock to make changes
- Choose Login Options
- Disable automatic login, so strangers will require password to access into your Mac
- Hide list of users by choosing Display login window as Name and password. So even though some data thieves can lure you away from your Mac, they won’t get any hints to enter your account
- Don’t show Restart, Sleep, and Shut Down buttons
- Don’t give Password Hints. I believe you will remember your password
Securing Sleeping Mac
Here is how to set it:
- Go to Apple ▸ System Preferences under Security pane
- Click on General section
- Enable password prompt to wake computer from sleep or screen saver, which is done by ticking the first checkbox
- You can also enable automatic log out after several minutes you away from your Mac by ticking the checkbox labelled Log out after x minutes of inactivity

Securing Keychain Access
Keychain login password default is the same as your login to your account password. So if anyone knows somehow forgotten, that person also to know all the passwords for your entire application, it is either IM or even your mail.
Don’t let this happen. The only way out is by differentiating your keychain and your Mac password. Here is how to do it:
- Go inside Finder: Applications ▸ Utilities
- Open Keychain Access
- Choose Keychain Access: Edit ▸ Change Password for Keychain Login
- Fill in all the requirements field. The good thing here is, you can see your password strength when entering new keychain login password
- Confirm your changes and try not to forget your new password
But of course, the better solution is not to let strangers know your login password.

Don’t Give Permission Easily
Keep Your Mac Up To Date
- Go to Apple ▸ System Preferences..
- Choose Software Update pane
- Click on Scheduled Check section
- Enable check for updates and enable download important updates automatically
- Select Daily checking for updates

Controlling Screen Sharing
So you need to handle screen sharing permission: only to enable it with your permission. How to do it?
- Go to Apple ▸ Preferences..
- Choose Sharing
- Click on Screen Sharing
- Near the notification Screen Sharing: On, you will see Computer Settings.. button. Pop up menu will appear when you clicked on it
- Disable allowance for VNC viewers with password while enabling anyone may request permission. This way, in order to control your screen, everyone should get your permission first

Building Strong Firewall
- Open to System Preferences: Apple ▸ Preferences..
- Choose Security and Go to Firewall section
- Allow only essential services by choosing the second radio button
- Click on Advanced.. button to reveal pop-up menu
- Enable Stealth Mode where your Mac will give no response unexpected traffic source

Backup Often

But if you choose to backup manually, you can use Carbon Copy Cloner and/or Super Duper.
Encrypting Sensitive Data with FileVault

To turn on FileVault:
- Open System Preferences
- Go to Security Preferences Pane and choose FileVault section
- Set Master Password first
- Turn On FileVault. It will take a while to turn on your FileVault and keep in mind that you need harddisk free space as big as your Home folder size for temporary use while encrypting data
- You will be logged out during encryption process
It’s obvious, right?
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