This document provides tips for protecting a Mac (macOS) computer from malware and other security threats. It recommends using a standard user account instead of an administrator account for daily use, enabling Gatekeeper to only allow apps from the Mac App Store or identified developers, using the firewall and enabling stealth mode, uninstalling Flash and Java, avoiding torrenting files, disabling remote access and screen sharing, locking the computer when not in use, enabling auto-updates, and using browser extensions for privacy and security. It also advises backing up important files to external storage and the cloud.

1. How To Protect Your
Mac (macOS)
Steven

2. Intro
Although Macs are more secure than Windows, it’s still possible to catch malware. Most of its
from torrenting.
Some of these tips can also be applied to other OS’s like Windows.

3. Standard User
● It’s a good idea to use a standard user account for day
to day computing.
● Reduces the harm that malware can do to the
machine.
● Use different passwords for the standard and admin
accounts

4. Gatekeeper
● As of macOS Sierra, Gatekeeper
has 2 options
● For Yosemite or earlier, set it to
either “Mac App Store Only,” or
“Mac App Store + Identified
Developers.”

5. Firewall + Stealth Mode
● Firewall can block potentially harmful
attacks that occur through internet
connections
● Stealth Mode makes your Mac harder
to find when a discovery attempt
takes places

6. Flash
● Uninstall stand-alone plug-in and install Google Chrome
● I don’t have the stand-alone plug-in on my MacBook Pro

7. Java
● Uninstall it
● I don’t have it

8. Don’t Torrent
● Safer alternatives exist
● Can install malware and other things

9. Disable Remote and Screen Sharing
● Will make it harder for hackers to
control your Mac

10. Make sure that the lock is locked
● Locking the lock will prevent
Standard users from changing any
system settings without the admin
password.

11. Auto-Updates
● Enable them
● Downloads security patches

12. Browser Extensions
1. Privacy Badger
2. Ublock Origin
3. HTTPS Everywhere

13. Back up Your Things
● Backup important/private files to USB or External Drives. Don’t leave it connected to
your Mac all the time
● Back up to the cloud as well
● Students: You can type up your assignments on the cloud

14. Other tips
● Don’t share personal info
○ (Ex: Addresses, license plate numbers, banking info, etc)
● Use WPA2 or later for Wifi
● Bank & shop from home
● Don’t connect to open hotspots without proxy or VPN
● Make sure that the website has HTTPS or a green lock
● Be careful with posting status updates, photos, videos and other things
● Some of these tips can be implemented on Windows as well
● Be careful with USB drives.
● If your machine was brought online (eBay & Amazon), wipe it clean and reinstall a fresh
copy of the OS.
● Be nice to people while commenting & posting.

15. Sources
● Screenshots: My Mac
Videos
● Stealth Mode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-q4KGkMxyI
● General Protections - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crrpuF1O1SI